Item Description:
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Approve two agmts to provide deconstruction services, 03/05/24-12/31/25, combined total NTE $650,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement PR00005975 with Better Futures Minnesota to provide deconstruction services during the period of March 5, 2024 through December 31, 2025, with a not to exceed amount of $400,000, be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on the behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Agreement PR00005976 with the Birch Group to provide deconstruction services during the period of March 5, 2024 through December 31, 2025, with a not to exceed amount of $250,000, be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on the behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Purchasing Manager may:
• Extend the Agreement(s) up to an additional three-years (three - one (1) year extension options if mutually agreed upon); and
• Increase the Agreement amount, as necessary.
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Background:
Deconstruction agreements with Better Futures Minnesota and the Birch Group continue the county's support of deconstruction to divert building materials from landfills. Deconstruction, a building removal technique, systematically dismantles a structure to maximize the recovery of materials for reuse and recycling. This method removes materials like fixtures, cabinets, windows, flooring and wood framing intact for reuse.
Both Better Futures Minnesota and the Birch Group prioritize those who are facing employment barriers. The county has worked with Better Futures Minnesota since 2011 to support its mission of diverting materials from landfill and providing housing and employment support to recently incarcerated men. Better Futures Minnesota provides job training and support services for primarily African American men with histories of incarceration, substance abuse, mental illness, chronic unemployment and being unhoused. The organization not only focuses on providing short term work, access to job training and job placement but also on community building and renewal, promoting a sense of belonging, volunteer service and reengagement with family and friends to combat the often-overlooked isolation faced by program participants.
The Birch Group is woman- and BIPOC-led nonprofit organization established in September 2021 with the mission of normalizing deconstruction and providing opportunities for people with employment barriers. The Birch Group hires marginalized individuals with employment barriers including former incarceration, criminal records or lacking professional experience. The group engages and assists clients from local technical schools, such as Summit Academy OIC and Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota and provides real-life professional experiences to participants.
Current Request: This request seeks approval of two contracts for deconstruction services: Agreement PR00005975 with Better Futures Minnesota, NTE $400,000 and Agreement PR00005976 with the Birch Group, NTE $250,000. Both contracts will have terms of March 5, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Impact/Outcomes: These contracts support the county's zero-waste and climate action goals. Under these agreements, various county buildings will be fully or partially deconstructed. Additionally, the agreements support the county's effort to reduce disparities in the employment domain by providing job training and other services to individuals with histories of incarceration, substance abuse or other challenges.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval