FEMA Awards $25M for Hurricane Helene Medical Support in North Carolina

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,019,520 ($25.0M)

Contractor: American Medical Response, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-03

End Date: 2025-01-15

Contract Duration: 104 days

Daily Burn Rate: $240.6K/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 NORTH CAROLINA IN RESPONSE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE

Place of Performance

Location: GREENVILLE, GREENVILLE County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29605

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.0 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 NORTH CAROLINA IN RESPONSE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to American Medical Response, Inc. for emergency medical services. 2. The contract addresses critical needs in response to Tropical Cyclone Helene. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is 104 days, indicating a short-term, urgent need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $25,019,519.78 for 104 days of service appears reasonable given the emergency nature and scope of support required for a natural disaster response. Benchmarking against similar disaster relief contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified vendors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential emergency response services, ensuring public safety and health during a critical event.

Public Impact

Ensures immediate medical assistance is available to affected populations during a natural disaster. Supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) disaster response capabilities. Provides critical infrastructure for patient transport and medical care in impacted areas. Aims to mitigate loss of life and reduce the severity of injuries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in time and materials contracts during extended emergency operations.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical emergency services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Addresses a critical and immediate need for disaster response.
Supports a vital government function (emergency medical services).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Ambulance Services (NAICS 621910) sector, specifically for emergency response. Spending in this sector can fluctuate significantly based on natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, which has established oversight mechanisms for disaster relief contracts.

Related Government Programs

Ambulance Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Potential for vendor performance issues impacting critical emergency services.
Geographic concentration of services in North Carolina may not cover all immediate needs.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.0 million to AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE, INC.. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 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 $25.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-03. End: 2025-01-15.

What is the projected cost per day of service, and how does it compare to standard emergency medical service rates?

The total award is $25,019,519.78 over 104 days, equating to approximately $240,572 per day. This daily rate is significantly higher than typical non-emergency ambulance service costs, reflecting the urgency, specialized resources, and logistical challenges inherent in disaster response operations.

What are the specific performance metrics and service level agreements tied to this contract to ensure effectiveness?

The contract details do not explicitly list performance metrics. However, as a time and materials contract for emergency services, effectiveness is likely measured by response times, patient outcomes, and the overall capacity to meet demand during the crisis. FEMA would monitor these aspects closely.

Are there provisions for surge capacity or scalability within this contract to handle unforeseen increases in demand?

Given the 'Time and Materials' pricing structure and the emergency nature of the contract, it is likely designed with some flexibility for surge capacity. However, the specific limits and procedures for scaling services up or down would need to be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

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: $25,019,520

Exercised Options: $25,019,520

Current Obligation: $25,019,520

Actual Outlays: $25,019,520

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