Recommend approval to renew an annual contract for critical workforce facility provisions with the Guardian Centers, LLC.

The City’s Emergency Planning Division continually plans and prepares for emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme events that can impact City operations and safety of the general public. If a Category 3 or above hurricane were to impact the community, it would be necessary for critical workforce to evacuate until such time as it is safe to return. Such a facility would need to house up to 1,700 City personnel to include feeding, fueling, parking, and a command post. Additionally, the facility should be out of the impacted area, but close enough to get employees back into Savannah as quickly as possible. This facility is an 830-acre facility located approximately three hours from Savannah. The facility is able to provide housing and accommodations for several thousand individuals at a time.

The cost to retain the facility annually is $12,500.00. The cost to activate the facility is based on a firm, fixed fee of $141.42 per person, per day. Should the City send 1,000 employees to the facility during a Category 3 or above hurricane, the cost would be $141,420.00 per day. This amount represents at-cost expenses for the Guardian Centers. Additionally, half of the annual retainer would be applied to the City's invoice if the facility is used.

This is the first of four available renewal options.   

The contract term will be from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

Approval