To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Report Title: BME Fire Trucks, LLC 4x4 International “Targhee” Model 34 Engines Purchase
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract with Golden State Fire Apparatus, Inc. for the manufacture and sale of four, 4x4 International “Targhee” Model 34 Engines and accompanying equipment, in an amount not to exceed $2,744,870; and
APPROVE Budget Amendment No. BDA-26-00578 appropriating fund balance of $2,745,000 for the purchase of the 4, 4x4 International “Targhee” Model 34 Engines and accompanying equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund balance.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) fights wildfires as part of its mission. The apparatus used for fighting wildland fires is specialized and requires a configuration and set of specifications not typical of a municipal fire department pumper. The apparatus requires four-wheel drive, the ability to carry a supply of specialized wildland firefighting equipment, and interior seating capacity for up to four firefighters.
The apparatus will be acquired using the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) cooperative purchasing program. This system allows local government agencies to procure goods and services that have been competitively bid and awarded. The vehicles are priced at $661,217.03 each, for a total purchase price of $2,644,868.12, including sales tax. The total purchasing authority of $2,744,870 consists of an additional $100,000 for contingencies, above the net purchase price.
Acquiring four Type 3 wildland engines will positively impact District operations and public safety. Investing in the District’s wildland fleet will enable the District to acquire modern, more reliable equipment to replace aging apparatus and supplement its current fleet. The purchase contract contains an indemnification provision from the District to Golden State Fire Apparatus.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without approval, the District would have to identify alternate means to acquire the new apparatus. The current age and condition of the fleet will continue to age, impacting the District’s ability to provide safe, reliable, and effective emergency response. Delaying this purchase may lead to future cost increases and a potential loss of critical coverage if the apparatus is taken out of service for maintenance and repairs.