After learning last month that the two companies vying to acquire the Knoxville assets of Mercy Health Partners would allow the current lease of the Scott County Hospital to lapse in May 2012, the Scott County Commission agreed Monday night to seek RFPs from reputable healthcare providers interested in leasing the local hospital. The tentative RFP, which is subject to final approval from Scott County Mayor Jeff Tibbals and County Attorney John Beaty, calls for respondents to provide basic financial and background information, as well as any prior experience that company has in a community hospital environment.
“In December (of 2010), we were looking at a four-week window. Now, Mr. Beaty and I are thinking more of a six-week window,” commented Community Development Chairman Paul Strunk. Respondents will have until June 3, 2011 to return their proposals. The extended deadline will give companies longer to gather information and compile their responses. “We do have some companies that have already expressed interest, and (have) asked for an RFP,” Tibbals noted.
Once received, the Community Development Committee will evaluate all potential offers. “We’re going to be asking for help from the local Hospital board, as well as anyone that has experience in operating hospitals,” Strunk said. The County has also reserving the right to hire a third-party evaluator, should those professional services be deemed necessary.
“We’re basically on our own now,” stated Commissioner Mike Slaven Monday night.
Tibbals reassured the Commission that Mercy would continue to be willing to help in the search. “They have agreed to release their financial numbers to anyone that signs a confidentiality agreement,” Tibbals said.
On March 31,
2011, Jeff Ashin, President and CEO of Mercy Health
Partners informed Tibbals and Strunk that Mercy had
narrowed its list of suitors for its
The RFP document should be finalized and ready for distribution later this week.