To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANGELICA ZAVALA, HOUSING SUPERVISOR
TITLE
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APPROVE AN ADDENDUM TO THE MARCH 20, 2020 MASTER AGREEMENT WITH HAPPY SOFTWARE, LLC, AN MRI SOFTWARE LLC COMPANY, FOR THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,560 PER YEAR AND A FIVE-YEAR TOTAL OF $22,800 ALLOCATED FROM RESTRICTED SECTION 8 CARES ACT HOUSING ADMINISTRATION FUNDS FOR THE TERM JANUARY 01, 2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HAPPY Software is a specialized computer program used by the Housing Authority to collect and track data related to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The software and its technical support are necessary for the Housing Authority to administer the Section 8 Program in compliance with federal regulations. The proposed amendment to the contract establishes the purchase of software modules and services from MRI/Happy Software for the term January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2025. This software will streamline operations and enable contactless processing of Section 8 applications and recertifications. The purchase of these additional software modules will be funded with restricted Section 8 CARES Act funding received from HUD. The annual cost of the of this software is $4,560 for a 5-year term total cost of $22,800.
BACKGROUND
In May of 2003, the City Council approved a contract to purchase Section 8 Housing software and annual maintenance from HAPPY Software. This enabled the Housing Authority to administer the Section 8 program in compliance with federal regulations. The Housing Authority has been utilizing HAPPY Software since that time and has routinely amended the contract to maintain service and annual maintenance support.
The annual maintenance includes periodic software updates and support for City staff involved with administration of the Section 8 program. Software updates occur when the federal government makes various changes to the Section 8 program rules.
This Amendment to the HAPPY Software, Inc. contract provides for the purchase of software modules that will assist the Housing Authority with contactless interactions with applicants, tenants, and landlords.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s office has approved this contract as to form. The Information Technology Department will install any software updates for use by the Housing Authority.
FISCAL IMPACT
The purchase of these additional software modules will be funded with restricted Section 8 CARES Act funding received from HUD. The annual cost of this software is $4,560 for a 5-year term total cost of $22,800.
ATTACHMENTS
• MRI Amendment
• MRI Order Documents
• MRI March 2020 Signed Agreement