City ends negotiations with new EMS provider

Months after the City of Colorado Springs entered into negotiations with Priority Ambulance to take over the EMS contract for the city, the process was suddenly called off.

Priority’s bid scored the highest in the selection process that began at the end of 2017, and despite concerns about some of the executives’ financial past, the negotiations moved forward.

However, this week a city spokesperson suddenly announced that the process was over, and a new Request For Proposal (RFP) process would begin in another 12-18 months.

It will likely take another six months beyond that time frame for the next provider to be selected.

The statement from city spokesperson Jamie Fabos didn’t detail what ended the negotiations, saying only, “the City has determined that it is in its best interest to refine the Ambulance Service Scope of Work to better address the emergency service transport needs of its residents. As such, the City and CSFD will revise the scope of work within the RFP and reissue an amended RFP at a later date.”

When asked what refinements would be made to the Scope of Work, no response was given.

The end of negotiations means AMR will retain the contract until the next contract is awarded.

AMR Regional Director Scott Lenn said the city made a prudent decision, and his company looks forward to submitting a bid during the next RFP process, just as it did in the previous process.

AMR began serving the Colorado Springs community 39 years ago, but has only held the city contract for about half that time.

Shortly after the city’s announcement, Priority CEO Bryan Gibson released a statement thanking city leaders for their consideration.

“The negotiating process revealed ways to better design the request for proposals to obtain a better EMS system for the people of Colorado, and we look forward to reviewing the new, improved RFP when it is issued,” he said.