Carbon County moved forward with awarding the Area Agency on Aging food service contract to the second bidder after the low bidder was found to be noncompliant.

On Thursday, the county commissioners awarded the five-year contract to Metz Culinary Management of Dallas at a total estimated cost of $1,447,451.20. Metz currently holds the food service contract and will continue service through Aug. 31, 2022.The low bidder, Dean Anthony's of Jim Thorpe, with a submitted quote of $1,378,650, was disqualified after the county reviewed the bids because it was not compliant with the bid specifications.Metz will serve approximately 65,000 meals annually at the five senior centers or frozen meals from the home delivery program.Other businessThe commissioners approved the following items:• The state Homeland Security Grant Program agreement between the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force. The $1,037,590 agreement will be in place from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2020, and will be used for equipment, training and other necessities relating to counterterrorism. The counterterrorism task force consists of Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties.• The 2017 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act financial agreement, commencing July 1 through Dec. 31, for employment and training and related administrative services between Carbon County, administrative entity, and Wayne County. The maximum payment shall not exceed $264,936.