Residents and community groups urge investigation of University of Memphis award under federal Healthy Start grant

Public comment at the County Commission meeting focused heavily on a proposed Healthy Start grant implementation contract involving the University of Memphis. Several speakers alleged the contract selection shut out local minority‑led organizations and characterized the award as a “single source” arrangement that merited investigation. Monique Wade said the award process raised constitutional and fairness concerns, charging the county and health department with bypassing competitive bidding: "the Shelby County health department... have awarded a nearly 2,000,000 single source contract to the non minority entity, the University of Memphis."

Health Department officials and purchasing staff responded that the project was a federally competitive grant and that components of the program — including the academic institution serving as fiscal and evaluation partner and student navigators — were part of the application reviewed by HRSA. Director Travis Green said the county submitted the grant packet and HRSA approved the partners. Purchasing clarified the process used a "single source" posting that was open on the county website for seven days, and that departments may not always opt for RFPs because of time sensitivity and grant requirements. Commissioners requested additional documentation on the number and identity of other bidders and on outreach to minority vendors; several said they would withhold votes or ask for fuller transparency before final approval.