Corporations, when attempting to select a contractor to provide In-Plant Emergency Response and Related Support ServicesSM, are faced with the difficult task of vendor selection.

IES suggests that "price" be only one category of consideration, and then, only after the customer is assured that the prospective contractor is qualified.

The global trend to outsource emergency response will continue to grow rapidly. With that growth, there are a multitude of new vendors entering the market.

Responding to emergencies in the oil, chemical, and other high-hazard industries is an inherently dangerous business. The consequences of responding poorly can be catastrophic when measured in both human and financial terms. Damage to the corporation's hard-earned public image and shareholder confidence can also result, sometimes irreparably.

IES recommends that every company, or individual facility, seeking to implement a full-time contract emergency response organization, ask every potential contractor the following nine (9) questions:

1. Does the prospective contractor have experience directly related to the immediate first response to plant emergencies?

2. Do the prospective contractor's principals have the necessary professional qualifications and related emergency response experience?

3. Does the prospective contractor have the capability/experience in recruiting, training, and maintaining qualified staff?

4. Does the prospective contractor currently have established on-site contracts to provide full-time emergency response staffing? Can they provide references?

5. Does the prospective contractor have the demonstrated ability to support plant needs? Specifically, how do they intend to: respond to incidents, conduct industrial hygiene monitoring, plan and implement training, meet all bid conditions, and provide inspection, testing, and maintenance of plant fire protection and safety equipment?

6. Does the prospective contractor have adequate resources available for an incident of extended duration?

7. Does the prospective contractor have the ability to meet your potential (future) expansion needs?

8. What is the prospective contractor's commitment to the success of your project?

9. What is the prospective contractor's financial position?