Awarded vendors
- PAFFORD MEDICAL SERVICES, INC
Description
The County of Benton, Arkansas issued a Request for Qualifications to secure a private provider for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance and first‑call air‑transport services covering the unincorporated southeast portion of the county. The award will result in a performance‑based contract with a provisional term of 36‑60 months and an initial term of 3‑5 years, renewable twice for additional 3‑5‑year periods. The vendor must meet strict response‑time standards (≤ 20 min for emergencies, ≤ 25 min for non‑emergencies on 90 % of calls), maintain a fully staffed crew (EMT‑Paramedic + EMT‑Basic), own Type I/III ambulances meeting federal specifications, and provide an EMS Medical Director for oversight. Mandatory insurance includes $2 M commercial liability, $2 M professional liability, $2 M auto liability, and $1 M workers’ compensation, plus a $250,000 performance bond renewed annually. The contract’s compensation will be a blend of a per‑household county subsidy and fee‑for‑service reimbursements, with CPI‑based adjustments up to 5 % per year. Penalties apply for missed response‑time thresholds and other defaults.
• Scope: 24 × 7 ALS ground ambulance and occasional air‑transport across ~100 sq mi and ~6,600 residences.
• Performance metrics: 90 % compliance with 20‑/25‑minute response standards, quarterly reporting, CQI program.
• Financial obligations: $250 k performance bond, minimum $2‑5 M liability coverage, CPI‑capped rate adjustments.