BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreements PR00004184 with Building Bridges, LLP in the not to exceed amount of $220,000, and PR00004185 with Accurate Testing, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $345,500 for the performance period of April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024 for DWI one-day educational workshops be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreements on behalf of the County; and the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.

The Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCCR) established the driving while intoxicated (DWI) one-day educational workshops in 2007 based upon recommendations from the Hennepin County Chemical Dependency (CD) Task Force, focusing on persons with first time DWI offenses with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of less than 0.16 percent. In May 2015, a DWI one-day program evaluation was conducted by DOCCR’s Policy, Planning and Evaluation unit which reported that conviction rates decreased by half over a two-year period when compared to utilizing traditional probation services.

The purpose of the program is to decrease recidivism among clients with first time DWI offenses. Clients with first time DWI offenses are required to participate in a one-day class which combines aspects of alcohol education, cognitive therapy, self-assessment, and a victim impact panel.

The selected providers responded to a Request for Proposal issued in January 2022. Proposals were evaluated by a panel of DOCCR Client and Community Restoration Division and contracting staff. Providers will facilitate the DWI one-day educational classes for clients with first time misdemeanor offenses through virtual programming. The provision of DWI one-day educational classes virtually has increased accessibility and has removed transportation as a barrier to participation which aligns with Hennepin County disparity reduction efforts.

Program participants pay $135.00 for the workshop through court-imposed client fees and DOCCR reimburses the vendors for each client who completes a class. The agreements mandate that client class fees are waived for up to twenty-six clients each year, who are deemed to be indigent clients.

Disparity Reduction: Increasing accessibility by removing barriers to participation

PR00004184 Building Bridges, LLP- $220,000
For the period 4/1/22 to 3/31/24, vendor will provide one-day DWI education classes based upon the terms specified in the Agreement.

PR00004185 Accurate Testing, Inc.- $345,500
For the period 4/1/22 to 3/31/24, vendor will provide one-day DWI education classes based upon the terms specified in the Agreement.