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LaMotte says EMO needs backup technicians
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Posted on Sep 22 1999
Public Auditor Leo LaMotte yesterday urged the Emergency Management Office to provide training on the repair and maintenance of the agency’s Smartnet Communication Systems to ensure the presence of backup personnel during emergency situation.
At present, EMO remains dependent on its former technician, Marvin P. Leon Guerrero, whose company MLG Consulting has been contracted by EMO for technical maintenance.
Guerrero, who was an employee of EMO until he resigned on Oct. 31, 1997, was accused of conducting private business while on official duty. OPA acquitted him yesterday, saying it found no evidence to prove such allegation.
OPA, at the same time, upheld EMO’s contract with Guerrero’s company.
Guerrero’s contract with EMO was signed after his resignation from the same office, and LaMotte said such transaction did not violate any CNMI laws.
LaMotte said contracting Guerrero’s service “is the most practical alternative at present” considering that the former EMO technician offers the lowest price and is the only licensed technician on island authorized to maintain the system.
LaMotte, however, said EMO should not remain complacent and dependent on the “current sole source.”
“Knowing that there is only one technician on island authorized to repair and maintain the system, EMO needs to further explore other alternatives,” LaMotte said.
LaMotte suggested, for example, that EMO advertise outside Saipan for technical service need.
He also urged EMO to hire a qualified technician with skills on repairing and maintaining a radio network system.
While noting the CNMI’s “critical need” for the communication system, LaMotte urged EMO to integrate “reliable alternatives as soon as possible into contingency plans in case of an emergency.”
“The radio network system is vital to the CNMI government’s operation, especially for emergency response units such as EMO, Commonwealth Health Center and the Department of Public Safety,” LaMotte stated in a report made public yesterday. (MCM)
