3/19/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• When a catastrophic diaster occurs, the President of the United States, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( MA), will provide a Presidential Disaster Declaration. This declaration allows for the following types of ederal aid: Public Assistance - This provides financial assistance for governmental expenses such as personnel overtime, debris removal, beach restoration, parks and recreation repair, road repair, utility repair, etc. 2. Individual Assistance - This provides financial assistance to the general public for emergency needs and property repair. 3. Hazard Mitigation - This provides financial assistance to government and the general public for mitigation projects. FEMA will provide assistance to the general public for Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. FEMA will provide financial aid for Public Assistance to the county, but very little manpower or equipment will be supplied. Therefore, the county will need to organize recovery resources from companies who have survived the disaster. Furthermore, in a catastrophic disaster much of the county and municipal workforce would not be immediately able to work because of disaster damage and/or personal tragedy. Because all of the counties in Florida would need assistance during a catastrophic disaster event, numerous disaster service companies have responded to Requests for Proposals (RFP) submitted by county government. Most recently, Martin County Emergency Management completed an in-depth review process with companies that responded to their RFP (RFP 138-01). As a result of the Martin County review, they have selected DRC, Inc. to provide Public Assistance during disasters. Martin County Emergency Management found that DRC, Inc. has an excellent reputation for service and cooperation. DRC, Inc. also has a staff well versed in both Florida and FEMA disaster declaration cost and reimbursement policies. Fowler Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Joseph Myers and former FEMA Director James Lee Witt provide much of the expertise during the DRC, Inc. disaster response. DRC, Inc. utilizes the services of companies such as Waste Management Services, Harris Sanitation, etc., which are agencies already conducting business within the county. The Emergency Management Division is in agreement with Martin County's selection ofDRC, Inc. as the most qualified disaster responder for our area. Although the current pricing for equipment and services follows FEMA's standards for reimbursement, this agreement does not mandate this requirement due to frequent FEMA modifications. Indian River County would be eligible for 75% reimbursement from FEMA and 12.5% reimbursement from the State of Florida. This is a standard reimbursement with or without the use of a disaster service company. DRC, Inc. does not require any retainer fee and the Board must approve a Notice to Proceed before any commencement of services. If needed, the Notice to Proceed would likely be included in the State of Local Emergency issued by the Board. Simply, this contract has no expense unless we have a catastrophic disaster in Indian River County. It should be noted as far back as we can go in history, Indian River County has never had a catastrophic disaster that would have required the Board to use DRC, Inc. Events experienced by Indian River County similar to Hurricane Erin, Hurricane Floyd, Hurricane Irene, etc. could be handled by local government without the use of DRC, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends foregoing the Request for Proposal process and accept Martin County's recommendation from RFP 138-01 dated September 25, 2001. Staff further recommends approval of the Agreement between Indian River County and DRC, Inc for disaster related services utilizing the terms and conditions included in the Martin County/DRC, Inc. Agreement. March 19, 2002 87 •