During a recent Hillsborough County government meeting, the Evaluation Committee for the Disaster Recovery Management Program engaged in a critical discussion about the proposals submitted for RFP-25-00293. The committee members expressed concerns regarding the depth and clarity of the proposals, particularly in relation to infrastructure planning and compliance expertise.

One committee member highlighted a lack of detailed planning assistance and infrastructure project prioritization, noting that essential elements such as low-to-moderate income (LMI) considerations and damage tiebacks were insufficiently addressed. "I think they were light in those areas or didn't quite give me enough to see the details that told me they had a full picture of what our requirements are," the member stated.

Another member brought attention to the experience of the firm Neighborly, which has been involved in disaster recovery efforts since Hurricane Sandy. They praised Neighborly's demonstrated capabilities but pointed out that the proposal lacked sufficient information on change management and how scope modifications would be handled. Concerns were also raised about the engagement partner's limited tenure with the firm, which raised questions about stability and continuity.

The committee discussed the importance of equal training for all subrecipients involved in the program, emphasizing that Hillsborough County has never managed a project of this magnitude before. "I personally feel that us and all subrecipients should be on an equal playing field in terms of how equipped we are to manage a program at this level," one member remarked.

Despite these concerns, there was recognition of the proposal's strengths, including the firm's ability to manage large projects and its financial stability. The committee noted that the proposed staffing was adequate and experienced, which could support the project's demands.

As the evaluation process continues, the committee aims to gather more information on compliance expertise and the specifics of project management roles within the proposals. The outcome of this evaluation will be crucial for Hillsborough County as it prepares to navigate the complexities of disaster recovery management.