Sioux Falls gives ambulance company new no-bid contract
City Hall cites market conditions, state law in defense of five-year PatientCare EMS deal
Sioux Falls has extended an exclusive deal to its longtime medical transport provider.
But a decision by Mayor Paul TenHaken, the city’s Department of Health and the City Council to award a new contract to PatientCare EMS without first taking offers from other ambulance providers continues to draw criticism.
“My objection to this is a multi-year, multi-million contract that has been given out without a competitive bid,” Councilor Curt Soehl said Tuesday before councilors approved the new ambulance franchise agreement with the Texas-based company. “I do not think that is a good way for government to act. … I really believe we are doing a disservice to the citizens of Sioux Falls without a competitive bid process.”
