Agency Health Department

Contractor Nicolette Fisher

SWIFT Contract Number 127084

Project Name Tick Collection and Identification

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The purpose of this contract was to provide the skilled resources needed to conduct tick collection and identification services in northeastern Minnesota. The contract specifically covered costs related to labor and travel to the study site in 2017. The tick efforts involved regular visits (i.e., every weeks from April through November) to St. Croix state park, just outside of Hinckley, Minnesota. A research team based out of Duluth could get to this tick sampling site in the northeast region relatively quickly and efficiently.

Project Duration

Start Date Sat, 04/01/2017 - 00:00

Original end date Fri, 06/30/2017 - 00:00

Actual end date Sun, 12/31/2017 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $1692

Amendments $3384

Contract total $5076

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? CDC - EIP Grant

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Jenna Bjork

Evaluator Email Address Jenna.Bjork@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Nicolette successfully visited these study site every two weeks in 2017 on a timely basis. We greatly appreciated the willingness and ability to travel and conduct tick sampling throughout the season, especially considering the priority to conduct sampling under ideal weather conditions (i.e., not too cold, wet, or windy). Data sheets, tick specimens, and invoices were also submitted to MDH in a timely fashion.

Evaluate the contractor's quality Nicolette was highly dependable in the tick sampling efforts as well as following study protocol, identifying tick species in the field, and collecting any atypical ticks for further characterization and identification.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Mileage was standard and total mileage reimbursed was appropriate and did not exceed estimates made prior to the study. Hourly rates were also appropriate for professional labor as well.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance We were very satisfied with the overall performance provided by Nicolette Fisher. She proved to be reliable and scientific with all of her efforts, in the field and in communications with us. We would not hesitate to work with Nicolette again in the future.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied