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Fairhope council rejects Tent City bids, plans to rebid disaster‑relief services
Summary
Staff recommended and council approved rejecting all bids for a Tent City disaster‑relief contract after only one vendor met qualifications; council directed staff to rebid to secure more qualified proposals for catastrophic storm housing and employee sheltering.
Fairhope City Council voted to reject all bids for procurement of disaster‑relief services known as “Tent City” and authorized staff to rebid the annual contract.
Staff told council the city received a single vendor that met all qualifications and said officials did not feel comfortable awarding a contract without additional bids for comparison. The Tent City contract would provide turnkey temporary disaster housing — including sleeping quarters, restrooms, showers, laundry and food services — to support residents and city employees in catastrophic storm scenarios when hotels are unavailable.
Emergency management staff said the city has previously used hotels and mutual‑aid arrangements but lacks a hurricane‑rated employee safe room today; the planned safe room will hold about 100 employees when completed and would reduce the need for Tent City in some circumstances. Staff noted FEMA reimbursement is typical for eligible disaster expenses.
Council approved the motion to reject the bids and authorized a rebid to obtain multiple qualified vendors.
What’s next: Staff will reissue the solicitation with the goal of receiving additional competitive proposals and return to council with recommendations for award.
