Commission approves Next Wave contract to update county hazard-mitigation plan

Penobscot County commissioners voted unanimously July 15 to allow the emergency-management office to contract with Next Wave Preparedness LLC to update the county’s hazard-mitigation plan.

EMA Director Fox told the commission two firms responded to the county’s request for qualifications and that one respondent “did not meet the specification” while the other, Next Wave Preparedness, did and included pricing. "I'm requesting that the commission to follow-up allow us to enter into a contract with Next Wave Preparedness, a Maine based company," Director Fox said. He described the award as primarily funded with Homeland Security hazard-mitigation funds and cited cost figures in the transcript in the $19,000–$19,680 range and a referenced 75/25 cost split for the project.

Commissioners asked whether bidders submitted pricing and whether contract specifications and sample contracts were included in bid packages; staff said the required specifications and a sample contract were included and that certificates of insurance and other supporting documents would be reviewed before award. The motion to approve the contract was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The county did not record a contract number or a formal effective date in the meeting transcript. Director Fox said one respondent failed to meet qualifications but did submit pricing, and that award would proceed only after contracting staff verified required documents and terms.

Next steps include finalizing the contract language and confirming procurement paperwork; staff indicated the award will proceed subject to contract terms and required documentation. The commission then moved on to other agenda items and later recessed into executive session.