The Hillsborough County Evaluation Committee convened on September 26, 2025, to assess proposals for the Disaster Recovery Management Program under RFP-25-00293. The meeting focused on evaluating the qualifications and experiences of various firms, particularly in relation to their past performance and ability to manage disaster recovery projects.

Committee members expressed concerns regarding the qualifications of the leading firm, Indelible, particularly in infrastructure and economic revitalization. One member noted that while Indelible demonstrated a commitment to the community through their participation in outreach meetings, the execution of their previous action plan was marred by numerous errors and a lack of clarity. This raised doubts about their capability to handle future projects effectively.

Several committee members highlighted that much of the work appeared to be delegated to subcontractors, which complicated the assessment of Indelible's direct experience. There were also concerns about the clarity and organization of the proposal documents, with some members struggling to find essential information. This lack of transparency led to questions about the firm's ability to manage the proposed disaster recovery program.

The discussion also touched on the reliance on artificial intelligence for call center operations, with some members advocating for a more personal touch in customer interactions, especially in the context of disaster recovery. While the proposal included a realistic timeline and acknowledged partnerships with strong agencies, members felt that the firm did not fully leverage its previous experience in developing the action plan to enhance its current proposal.

Overall, while the committee recognized the potential strengths of the proposals, significant concerns about clarity, direct experience, and the management of subcontractors were prevalent. The committee will continue to deliberate on the proposals, weighing these factors as they move toward a decision on the disaster recovery management program.