Forney EMS Committee Finalizes RFP for Dedicated Ambulance Services Contract

The Forney City Council made significant strides towards enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) during their recent meeting, focusing on the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a dedicated high-performance EMS contract. The council is set to approve the release of this RFP on August 26, 2025, a crucial step for the city as it seeks to improve ambulance transport services currently provided through a contract with Kaufman County.

The EMS committee, which includes council members and city officials, has developed a comprehensive RFP that outlines specific response time standards. For life-threatening emergencies, the goal is a response time of under eight minutes, while urgent but non-life-threatening situations will have a target of under twelve minutes. Non-emergency medical transports are expected to be addressed within fifteen minutes.

Chief Holcomb emphasized the need for the city to have its own agreement to set performance expectations and plan for future demands. The RFP also includes a provision for an optional membership program, responding to community requests, particularly from elderly residents concerned about access to ambulance services.

The evaluation process for the proposals will be managed by Fish and Associates, ensuring a neutral selection focused on service quality and cost-effectiveness. The timeline for the RFP process is tight, with proposals due by October 27, 2025, and a contract expected to be awarded by November 10, 2025. The new EMS contract is anticipated to take effect on June 1, 2026, although there is potential for an earlier start if the selected provider can expedite preparations.

Council members expressed frustration over the lengthy timeline, noting that the process has been ongoing for two years. However, Chief Holcomb reassured them that the timeline is standard for such contracts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high service standards.

In conclusion, the RFP process marks a pivotal moment for Forney's EMS system, aiming to enhance responsiveness and accountability while preparing for the community's growing needs. The council's approval of the RFP is a significant step towards achieving these goals.