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Commissioners approve pre-disaster infrastructure-assessment contract after split debate
Summary
The Board approved a three-year pre-disaster contract to secure on-call infrastructure and construction assessment services, but the item drew strong opposition from one commissioner who argued the county already has local engineering resources and should not pay high outside rates.
Beaufort County commissioners approved a multi-year pre-disaster infrastructure-assessment contract at Tuesday’s meeting, but the decision drew a protracted debate over cost, necessity and whether local engineering resources would suffice.
DC, the county’s emergency-services presenter, said the office issued an RFP for pre-disaster infrastructure and construction assessments, received a single responsive proposal from Foreload Forensics of Flower Mound, Texas, and negotiated a contract reviewed by the county attorney. The proposed agreement would be activated only if the county requests services after a declared emergency; the county would pay only for services used.
“Like any past emergency contract, the county will only be financially responsible for payments if and when emergency services and support is requested,” DC said. The contract includes a three-year base term with options for two additional one-year renewals.
At least one commissioner argued the county should rely on existing North Carolina resources and the state Emergency Management system, noting that trained state and volunteer engineers often assist with post-disaster assessments and that local professional engineers are available. “I think the whole concept is a bad idea, and I intend to vote against it,” the commissioner said, citing hourly rates in the contract and suggesting local capacity could cover needs.
Supporters said negotiated pre-position contracts can reduce costs and speed response; DC cited examples of high unplanned costs in other counties when firms were not pre-contracted. Commissioners who voted to approve the contract said it was prudent to secure negotiated rates and a named vendor to ensure availability in an urgent situation.
The board approved the contract after the discussion. Staff said other pre-disaster contracts were under review and that finalized agreements would be brought to the board as they become available.
