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Commission approves extension, extra funding to keep regional forensic center operating while RFP is redone
Summary
The commission approved an extension and budget increase for the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center after the Health Department reported no qualified bidders responded to the RFP; the extension is intended to maintain operations while the county revises procurement language.
The Shelby County Commission voted to amend the FY2025 contract and approve a short extension to keep the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center (WTRFC) operational while the health department reissues the request for proposals.
Dr. Michelle Taylor, Shelby County health officer, told commissioners that the RFP received no qualified bidders and many respondents said existing contract terms (short initial term with renewals) discouraged participation. "The RFP language was not suitable for the type of work..." Dr. Taylor said, explaining the department would extend terms to attract qualified vendors and ensure overlap for any transition.
The item passed with unanimous recorded support after the health department said a separate 12‑month extension (Item 17) will provide more time for a fair, competitive process and to allow transfer overlap with the current contractor. Commissioners asked for background on prior vendor procurement and metrics; Dr. Taylor agreed to provide the contract history and bidder comparisons.
