FEMA awards $24.8M for emergency medical support in Florida during hurricane response

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,825,785 ($24.8M)

Contractor: American Medical Response, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-26

End Date: 2025-01-16

Contract Duration: 112 days

Daily Burn Rate: $221.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN RESPONSE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE

Place of Performance

Location: FAYETTEVILLE, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28311

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $24.8 million to AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, INC. for work described as: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN RESPONSE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the critical nature of emergency response services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance during a high-stress event and timely delivery of services. 4. This contract supports immediate disaster relief efforts, a key function of FEMA. 5. The award falls within the broader category of emergency preparedness and response services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $24.8 million for emergency medical support services during a hurricane response appears to be within a reasonable range for such critical operations. Benchmarking against similar disaster response contracts, the pricing for specialized medical services under time and materials terms would need to consider factors like personnel availability, equipment, and logistical challenges inherent in emergency situations. Without specific per-unit cost data, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the overall award size is commensurate with the scope of providing medical support across affected areas.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and service proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests that FEMA sought to maximize value and ensure a wide pool of qualified providers were considered for this essential service.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently for critical services.

Public Impact

Residents and emergency responders in Florida will benefit from critical medical support during and after Tropical Cyclone Helene. Services include emergency medical care, transportation, and potentially triage and stabilization. The geographic impact is focused on continental United States and territories, specifically Florida. This contract supports the healthcare workforce by engaging medical professionals and support staff for disaster relief.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the duration or scope of services extends beyond initial estimates under a time and materials contract.
Ensuring consistent quality of care and rapid response times in a chaotic disaster environment can be challenging.
Logistical complexities of deploying and sustaining medical personnel and equipment in disaster-stricken areas.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting of potential providers.
Contract duration is defined, providing a clear timeframe for service delivery.
Focus on a specific geographic area (Florida) allows for targeted resource allocation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader healthcare and emergency services sector, specifically focusing on disaster response. The market for emergency medical services is competitive, with numerous private companies offering specialized support. Federal spending in this area often surges during natural disasters, with agencies like FEMA leveraging these services to provide immediate aid. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in contracts for ambulance services, medical staffing, and disaster relief support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the primary contractor is American Medical Response, Inc., a large entity, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the service delivery. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA typically has established protocols for monitoring contractor performance during disaster responses, including site visits, performance reports, and quality assurance checks. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely fall under the DHS OIG, which investigates waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Emergency Medical Services Contracts
Healthcare Services for Federal Agencies
National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Ensuring contractor performance and quality of service in a high-stress disaster environment.
Logistical challenges in deploying and sustaining medical resources in affected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $24.8 million to AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, INC.. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN RESPONSE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-26. End: 2025-01-16.

What is the track record of American Medical Response, Inc. in handling large-scale federal emergency medical support contracts, particularly during natural disasters?

American Medical Response, Inc. (AMR) is a major provider of emergency medical services in the United States. They have a significant history of responding to large-scale events, including natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and public health emergencies. AMR often partners with federal, state, and local governments to provide ambulance services, patient transport, and medical support during crises. Their experience includes responses to hurricanes, wildfires, and other significant events. While their extensive experience suggests a capacity to handle such contracts, a detailed review of past performance on similar federal contracts, including any documented issues or commendations, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record in this specific context.

How does the awarded amount of $24.8 million compare to similar emergency medical support contracts awarded by FEMA or other federal agencies for hurricane response?

Comparing the $24.8 million award requires access to detailed data on similar contracts, which is not fully available in the provided snippet. However, the scale of the award suggests a significant operational requirement, likely involving substantial personnel, equipment, and logistical support over the contract's duration (approximately 112 days). FEMA contracts for disaster response can vary widely based on the severity of the event, the geographic area affected, and the specific services required. For major hurricanes, multi-million dollar contracts for medical support, temporary facilities, and logistical assistance are not uncommon. A precise benchmark would involve analyzing contracts for comparable hurricane responses in terms of duration, scope of services (e.g., ground ambulance, air medical, field medical stations), and the number of personnel deployed.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues in a high-stress, rapidly evolving disaster environment, challenges in timely deployment and sustained operations, and the possibility of cost overruns given the time and materials (T&M) pricing structure. Ensuring adequate staffing and equipment availability in affected areas can also be a risk. Mitigation strategies likely include stringent performance standards in the contract, regular oversight by FEMA personnel, pre-established communication protocols, and potentially contingency plans for surge capacity. For T&M contracts, robust invoicing and auditing procedures are crucial to manage costs and prevent overruns. The contractor's established presence and experience in emergency response are also mitigating factors.

How effective is FEMA in leveraging private sector emergency medical services to supplement government capabilities during major disasters?

FEMA's effectiveness in leveraging private sector emergency medical services (EMS) is generally considered high, as it is a critical component of their disaster response strategy. Private EMS providers like American Medical Response, Inc. offer specialized capabilities, extensive personnel, and equipment that can rapidly augment federal and state resources. This partnership allows FEMA to scale support quickly to meet the overwhelming demand during major disasters, ensuring that affected populations receive timely medical attention. The effectiveness is measured by the speed of deployment, the quality of care provided, and the ability to reach underserved areas. While challenges exist, such as coordination and ensuring consistent standards, the reliance on private EMS is a proven model for enhancing national disaster response capabilities.

What are the historical spending patterns for emergency medical support services by FEMA, and how does this award fit within those trends?

Historical spending patterns for emergency medical support services by FEMA typically show a significant increase during declared disaster periods, particularly in response to hurricanes and other large-scale natural disasters. FEMA's budget for disaster relief is dynamic and can fluctuate year to year based on the frequency and severity of events. Contracts for EMS are a subset of this broader spending. The $24.8 million award for Tropical Cyclone Helene response appears to be a substantial, but not unprecedented, allocation for a significant event requiring widespread medical support. Without historical data specific to EMS contracts for similar-sized hurricanes, it's difficult to definitively place this award within trends, but it aligns with the agency's need to procure extensive medical services during major emergencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Health Care and Social Assistance › Other Ambulatory Health Care Services › Ambulance Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: American Medical Response West

Address: 6363 S FIDDLERS GREEN CIR FL 14, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO, 80111

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,825,785

Exercised Options: $24,825,785

Current Obligation: $24,825,785

Actual Outlays: $24,825,785

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB7022D00000027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline