Protest erupts over ambulance contract for Kauai and Maui counties
by: Lucy Lopez
May 31, 2024
https://www.khon2.com/local-news/protest-erupts-over-ambulance-contract-for-kauai-and-maui-counties/
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A week following the Department of Health’s decision to award the ambulance contract for Kauai and Maui Counties to American Medical Response (AMR) after a competitive bid process, a protest has emerged.
Falck USA, the unsuccessful bidder, filed a formal notice of protest Friday, citing alleged errors in the calculation of their scores and inconsistencies in the evaluation criteria utilized for the contract awards.
STATEMENT FROM TROY HAGEN, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER FOR FALCK USA
“We filed a notice of protest after identifying what appears to be a clear error in calculating Falck’s scores, along with inconsistencies in the evaluation criteria used to award the contracts. We look forward to opening discussions with the Department of Health and ensuring these vitally important emergency medical services contracts are awarded based on a fair and transparent process.
Falck continues to stand ready to serve. As a foundation-owned healthcare provider, we would bring a fresh perspective, unmatched financial stability, reliable services developed around global best practices, and a deep commitment to delivering the highest quality care to the communities we serve.”
This marks the second time that the ambulance bid process has faced protest.
In August of last year, Falck was initially awarded the contract, but AMR filed a protest, prompting the Department of Health to restart the bidding process.
In response to the latest protest, the Department of Health stated that it cannot proceed with the contract award until the protest is resolved and declared that it will refrain from further comments on the matter at the time.
The protest introduces a new twist in the ongoing saga surrounding emergency medical services in Kauai and Maui Counties, leaving stakeholders and residents awaiting a resolution to ensure timely and effective ambulance services in the region.
