Politics & Government
Piner's, Medic Ambulance Lose Protests Over Napa Contract
An independent hearing officer denies the ambulance franchise protests. His recommendation will be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors Friday morning.
An independent hearing officer has denied protests by two losing bidders and affirmed ’s recommendation of a new emergency services ambulance company for Napa County.
On Tuesday, hearing officer Frank J. DeMarco rejected protests filed by and , two companies that submitted responses to the County’s Request for Proposals and received lower scores than American Medical Response West (AMR).
DeMarco concluded in his 18-page opinion that “The (County of Napa’s) HHSA Director’s recommendation of AMR as the highest scoring proposer is appropriate and upheld.”
Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
DeMarco, who formerly served as county counsel for Siskiyou County, was randomly designated by the Board of Supervisors without objection by the bidders. He made his decision after a two-week review and determined that Piner and Medic failed to present substantial evidence to overturn the results of the process.
In summary, DeMarco wrote:
Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The Hearing Officer finds that there has been no arbitrary and capricious actions, no abuse of discretion, and there is evidentiary support for the determination made in recommending AMR as the highest scoring proposer.
There is substantial evidence to support the determination.
Even using the more strict standard of review and independently weighing the evidence HO finds in favor of the determination made.
Accordingly, there is no basis for the protestors’ protests or any one of them.”
“We are pleased the hearing officer resolved the protests and found the selection process to be fair, open and transparent,” said Elizabeth Emmett, public information officer for Napa County.
“We want every county resident and visitor to have high- quality emergency ambulance service, and today’s decision affirms that our selection process is leading to that goal.”
HHSA will now forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors that AMR receive the upcoming ambulance franchise.
The Board will consider the recommendation in a special meeting set for 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 19, in the board chambers, third Floor, 1195 Third St. in Napa.
For more about the review process and DeMarco's qualifications, see Why Napa is Getting a New Ambulance Company.
The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment. Visit us on the Web at www.countyofnapa.org.
