BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is actively seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency Ambulance Services for its approximately 69,612 residents. This critical contract encompasses 24/7/365 emergency ambulance services, including essential patient care such as stabilization, airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, initial wound care, fracture stabilization, and emergency medical transport to appropriate hospital facilities within a four-mile radius from City Hall Plaza. The scope specifically excludes Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) services and other non-emergency ambulance services. The City will continue to provide first responder services, but the successful vendor will be responsible for arranging Advanced Life Support (ALS) services through established medical protocols and providing first responder training. A key performance requirement mandates a response time of eight (8) minutes or less for 90% of all Priority One Calls, necessitating a dedicated central dispatching center operating continuously and a minimum of three BLS-certified vehicles, each staffed by two certified EMTs, with two vehicles permanently stationed within East Orange. Vendors are expected to integrate with the City's emergency communications system, including Police and Fire Departments, and participate in disaster planning and special events coverage. Prospective contractors must demonstrate extensive experience, capability, and financial stability in delivering BLS emergency ambulance services within densely populated urban environments. Mandatory personnel qualifications include current New Jersey Department of Health EMT-basic, CPR, and Defibrillator certifications for all ambulance staff, alongside valid New Jersey driver's licenses for operators, and APCO certification for dispatchers. Firms must hold all necessary licenses from the New Jersey Department of Health and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Compliance with various New Jersey Public Laws is essential, including those governing Affirmative Action (P.L. 1975 C#127, N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq., N.J.A.C. 17:27-1.1 et seq.), disclosure of company ownership (P.L. 1977 C #33), and possession of a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting was held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM, in the Municipal Council Chamber located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018, to address inquiries and provide clarifications. Detailed proposals, including five hard copies and one electronic copy on a flash drive, were required to be submitted via hand delivery or certified mail. Submissions were directed to Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Division of Procurement, City of East Orange, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The strict submission deadline was Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM prevailing time; proposals received after this time were rejected. Facsimile or email submissions were not permitted. Bidders were required to include a bid bond equivalent to 10 percent of their estimated total bid amount, and the successful contractor will be obligated to furnish a performance bond in the sum of $250,000 to ensure faithful contract completion. All official communications or inquiries regarding this Request for Proposal were to be directed in writing to Racquel Ferguson, QPA, Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.