During a recent Hillsborough County government meeting, the Evaluation Committee for the Disaster Recovery Management Program scrutinized proposals from various agencies, highlighting significant concerns about their capabilities and experience.

Committee members expressed doubts about one agency's readiness to handle a project of this magnitude, noting that their experience primarily involved smaller, rural counties, which may not translate effectively to Hillsborough's needs. One member pointed out, “I didn’t see anything in the proposal that they could actually run a project of this size and scale,” emphasizing the lack of detailed qualifications and relevant case studies.

The discussion also revealed a critical gap in the proposals regarding the integration of county roles and a collaborative approach necessary for success. Concerns were raised about the agencies' plans for simultaneous launches, which committee members deemed unrealistic given the county's current program timelines.

Additionally, the committee noted the absence of comprehensive resumes for key team members and a lack of clarity in the technology platforms proposed. One member remarked, “Their technology platform was not clearly described,” indicating a need for more specific information on deliverables and vendor selection.

As the committee continues its evaluation, they will also review proposals from ICF and Indelible, with hopes of finding a partner capable of meeting the county's complex disaster recovery needs. The discussions underscore the importance of thorough vetting in ensuring that the selected agency can effectively manage the scale and demands of the program.