Request for Qualifications: Aurora Emergency Response Plan CDBG Project

The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) requests qualifications for professional advisory services to assist in the development of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), also commonly referred to as an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), for the City of Aurora, Missouri. This project is fully financed with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The plan will be a comprehensive assessment of the city’s current emergency management and preparedness efforts and will identify inadequate or lacking hazard and mitigation measures. The plan will also assess the current organizational capabilities of each City government department, including Fire and Police. The plan will use this assessment to provide recommendations to improve current emergency operations to better mitigate and respond to future threats of natural, technological, and human-made disasters. The plan will serve as a user-friendly guide for the City with lists of instructions, protocols, strategies, and actions to take in the event of an emergency. If necessary, the completed plan will be used to determine future eligible funding programs to implement the proposed improvements identified. Ultimately, we aim to improve Aurora’s emergency preparedness to lessen the repetitive damage and safety risks associated with the City’s frequent and severe natural disasters as well as any other unforeseeable technological or manmade threats.

SMCOG will act as the project lead and will be responsible for overall plan development, public engagement, and grant administration. SMCOG seeks a qualified firm to assist our organization with developing the Emergency Response Plan as well as provide technical expertise as needed.

Components to be included in the consultant’s Scope of Work (SOW):

• Provide guidance and technical assistance to SMCOG staff in developing the ERP and provide technical expertise in best practices.

• Quality Assurance Review: Conduct a thorough review of the draft ERP to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards and regulations.

• Training and Exercise Support: Facilitate exercises to ensure city staff and emergency personnel are proficient in implementing the ERP.

The selected firm will share best practices and guide SMCOG staff in the development of the Plan and may provide training to SMCOG staff and/or the City of Aurora staff and departments.

Information provided to SMCOG in response to this RFQ must include at a minimum:

1. The specialized experience and technical competence of the firm and specific firm personnel with respect to emergency operations plans, disaster response plans, or other related work

2. The capacity and capability of the firm to perform the work in question, including specialized services.

3. The past record of performance of the firm with respect to such factors as control of costs, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules.

4. The firm’s proximity to and familiarity with the area in which the project is located.

5. References from previous clients of related work with the firm within the past five years

6. Documentation of compliance with E-Verify requirements.

7. Anticipated cost estimate.

The firm will be selected based on the above qualifications. SMCOG may negotiate a contract rate with the selected firm based on experience and qualifications, however, the current budget is approximately $20,000 for the services requested.

The above information should be submitted no later than August 14, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. via mail or parcel services to 110 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806 or via email to KelsiBurton@MissouriState.edu. For more information, contact SMCOG’s Grant Administrator, Kelsi Burton, at 417-836-3031 or the email above.

The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from minority, women, and Section 3-owned firms.