Holmes County to rebid debris-monitoring contract after state audit flags FEMA noncompliance

Holmes County commissioners voted to rebid debris-monitoring services and related procurement after state auditors found the county’s existing contracts would not meet federal requirements in the event of a federally declared disaster.

Florida Division of Emergency Management staff told the board the county remains eligible for ongoing state reimbursements from spring tornado cleanup but that preexisting contracts for pre-hauling, monitoring and project management contain provisions that would leave the county noncompliant with federal rules if a new declared disaster occurred. “If we had a federal declared disaster, we would be out of compliance on our contracts,” Barry (county staff) told the board. Orlando Arendelle, who identified himself as a deputy chief with the Florida Division of Emergency Management recovery section, said the state team came to “answer any questions specific to the management, contract” and recommended rebidding to ensure future federal reimbursement eligibility.

Commissioners moved and approved a motion directing staff to proceed with rebidding procurement for debris monitoring and FEMA-related project management. Board discussion emphasized speed: staff were directed to work with the state team and submit bids as quickly as possible to avoid losing eligibility if another major storm strikes. No dollar amounts for the new solicitations were provided at the meeting.

The county also heard that state reimbursements for prior tornado cleanup remain on track and that the cleanup work already completed will not cost the county local funds, according to county staff and state officials. Commissioners did not authorize any specific contract awards at the meeting; they approved issuing new solicitations and returning with bids for future action.