IRB approves multiple procurement changes and grants, defers one HR RFP

DeKalb County’s Interim Review Board on Tuesday approved a series of procurement change orders, renewals and one federal grant that county staff said are needed to maintain operations and support programs across departments.

Key approvals included: a change order extension for firefighters’ personal protective equipment inspection, care and cleaning (contract 1210840) to North America Fire Equipment Company not to exceed $150,000 and extending the term through April 27, 2026; a ratification and extension for purchase of industrial medical oxygen from Airgas USA LLC for an additional $13,000 and contract term extension; a one‑year change order to continue Code Red emergency notification services (award to Unsolved LLC) for $56,700 while staff researches alternative alert systems; and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant award of $130,667 to support the county’s municipal hazard mitigation plan.

The board also approved adding Police Services to the Fire Rescue cloud‑forms subscription (GovLS Inc.) for a multi‑year subscription not to exceed $124,125, and ratified dollar adjustments to multiple contracts for engine and aerial accessories used to outfit fire apparatus (total not to exceed $1,830,000). Police services added an OpenGov module (through Carahsoft) to implement a pet litter registry program effective Jan. 1, 2026; commissioners discussed procurement alternatives and cost concerns but approved the change order.

Human Resources presented a four‑year, countywide temporary personnel services contract (RFP 2024‑10007) recommending multiple awardees with a total not to exceed $30 million. Because the contract had not completed audit and commissioners requested a list of prior uses and department breakdowns, the board voted to defer the HR item for two weeks so staff can provide audit responses and usage detail.

Most items were approved by voice vote; the minutes, individual motions and approvals were recorded in the meeting transcript. Where commissioners raised procurement or cost questions — notably regarding OpenGov licensing versus open‑source or lower‑cost tools — staff said they would follow up and demonstrate capabilities as requested.

What’s next: follow‑up on Code Red system selection by Dec. 1 (staff target); HR will provide usage reports and audit responses before the item returns for approval; staff will continue vendor outreach and RFP planning where longer procurement processes may be required.