Hillsborough County officials are taking significant steps to enhance the evaluation process for the Disaster Recovery Management Program. During a recent meeting on October 3, 2025, the committee focused on the potential merits of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) approach, aimed at refining cost proposals from vendors.

The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all proposers provide comparable cost information. Committee members acknowledged the challenges of evaluating submissions due to varying scopes and pricing structures. Rob, a key speaker in the meeting, emphasized the need for a more defined scope of deliverables to facilitate accurate cost comparisons. He noted that the current mix of fixed price and variable time-and-materials proposals could lead to discrepancies in evaluations, as time-and-materials costs can escalate based on actual project demands.

To address these issues, the committee is considering a shift towards fixed price requests for all proposals. This change aims to create a level playing field for all vendors and simplify the evaluation process. Additionally, the committee discussed breaking down costs into single prices, such as a fixed monthly rate for call center services, to provide clearer financial expectations over the program's three-year term.

As Hillsborough County moves forward with these adjustments, the focus remains on obtaining refined and comparable cost proposals that will ultimately enhance the effectiveness of the Disaster Recovery Management Program. The committee's proactive approach signals a commitment to transparency and efficiency in managing disaster recovery efforts for the community.