This contract is to procure critical workforce transportation services from GETZ Transport Solutions, LLC in an amount that varies based on the severity of the natural disaster. The Critical Workforce personnel are required to respond to and work before, during, and after disasters, particularly at a time when residents and businesses are evacuating. Federal guidance states "prior to some weather events and following the effects of other events, it may be necessary to move personnel and equipment to safer locations. This may be done in advance of an event”. Additionally, “Relocation planning for apparatus and personnel should include locations that are not in the path of the flooding or other dangers.” In a major hurricane, the city cannot shelter all its Critical Workforce in Savannah. Therefore, the city has entered into agreements with facilities outside of the area to house employees until the storm passes. In order to keep employees together and simplify the City's logistical network, it is necessary to transport a portion of these employees to and from Critical Workforce shelters. 

The impact of the action is adding to the City’s resource management network and enabling us to transport employees to and from safer areas before and after a major disaster. The cost is per bus, per day, and is scalable to the number of employees that may need transportation. The per bus, per day cost is $3,200 per 12-hour day, with a mileage rate of $6.50 per mile. There is a potential need for up to 20 buses. There is no annual retainer cost – resources would be obtainable on an ‘as available’ basis. This item assists in accomplishing the City’s goal of Public Safety and adds value to the residents feeling safe in their neighborhoods by allowing the city to move its personnel to safer areas and be able to return them in a timely fashion to begin safe and re-entry operations after a storm, providing a continuity of services during that time. 

Savannah has been building its Emergency Preparedness program over the last several years and this improves service provision to the public by allowing the City to make more personnel available to work, keep staff safe, and be able to return staff quickly to the City after a disaster. The unintended consequences are that the city is not guaranteed to be reimbursed by FEMA for these services depending on the situation. One potential alternative the Council could consider is entering into agreements with other jurisdictions for transportation services. Another alternative would be to invest in City infrastructure by building new City buildings that have Category 5 wind and surge protection areas and then store adequate supplies there to house the city workforce. A third alternative would be to release employees and have them return as soon as situations allow. Two proposal were received but one (1) proposal was deemed non-responsive due to not bidding per the specifications. A pre-bid conference was not conducted. Delivery: As requested.  Terms: Net 30 days. 

The vendors are:
L.B. GETZ Transport Solutions, LLC (Katy, TX) ^(D) $9,620 

(D) Indicates non-local, non-DBE-business.
Local vendors notified via the supplier portal: Yes
Total sent: 197
Total received: 2

Approval