In the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane, the City would lack sufficient resources to undertake debris recovery operations. While assistance is available from the County, State and Federal governments, it is not sufficient to restore a community that has suffered a catastrophic disaster. Also, the resources of the various governments are spread thin over the affected areas, necessitating contracted private sector assistance.
It is in the City’s best interest to enter into agreements with firms that have the capability and flexibility to provide disaster recovery services in the event of a declared emergency that is of the magnitude to utilize said professional services.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides public assistance funds for debris clearance and removal and disposal operations. Eligible applicants include State and local governments. On August 28, 2005, FEMA determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of Florida resulting from Hurricane Katrina which occurred on August 24, 2005, and with Hurricane Wilma shortly after, were sufficient in severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (the Stafford Act).
On February 8, 2012, the Mayor and City Commission approved the issuance and subsequent award of Request for Proposals (RFP) 27-11/12, for Disaster Recovery Services, selecting several qualified contractors to assist the City with the restoration of operations after a catastrophic disaster.
The current contract for disaster recovery services will expire on August 27, 2018. Therefore, the Administration is seeking to issue a replacement solicitation to provide the City with ongoing and future disaster recovery services. The RFP has been reviewed by the City's emergency management consultant, Tidal Basin, for compliance with federal requirements which have changed in the past few years.