IRPS committee awards up to $77.77 million ambulance services contract to AMR

DeKalb County’s IRPS committee approved a recommended award to Metro Ambulance Services, Inc. (DBA American Medical Response) to provide comprehensive 911 ambulance services, including advanced and basic life support transport and related system improvements. The award was reported as not to exceed $77,773,900 and was approved by voice vote.

Staff provided supplemental materials comparing AMR response times to county ambulances for 2024 and 2025 and said AMR had submitted the highest‑scoring proposal under the RFP. Commissioners praised AMR’s local investment and responsiveness during negotiations and asked staff how the subsidy for service was calculated; procurement staff said bidders submitted costs as part of the RFP and that the county used those cost submissions in the evaluation and subsidy calculation.

The committee also discussed operational capacity and future scalability. Staff confirmed the county has purchased 12 ambulances and that, depending on staffing, the county can operate six to eight ambulances on a 12‑hour shift. The procurement discussion noted options to request dedicated units for particular municipalities and contract segments at different service-hour increments.

A motion to approve the award was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners said the contract includes performance measures and penalties intended to improve response times and that the contract may be revisited if performance or staffing does not meet expectations.