To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Contract with Genasys Inc. for evacuation planning and management software used by Fire and Law Enforcement countywide, managed by the Community Warning System.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract with Genasys Inc. in an amount not to exceed $545,000 for evacuation planning and management software for the period June 2, 2024 through June 1, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100 % Measure “X” Funded. This is a three-year contract, with annual payments of $181,492, with a total payment amount not to exceed $545,000.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, the Moraga Orinda Fire District received grant funding to bring Genasys Inc. software (previously known as Zonehaven) to the County to benefit all county law enforcement and fire agencies. The software pre-identifies zones for 100% of the County to be used in the event of evacuation warnings or orders. Recent fire history in California has taught us that time is of the essence in the event of a rapidly expanding wildland fire. Initiating the Community Warning System (CWS) in a timely manner with clearly identified zones is critical to preserving life during these events. This software helps public safety in identifying these zones and carrying out evacuations. This software is designed as an all-risk product for many emergencies, including hazardous materials release events, floods, earthquakes, wildland fires, etc.
The initial grant-funded period has now expired, and a new contract is being initiated by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District utilizing Measure X funds as approved by the Board of Supervisors. Additionally, Contra Costa County Fire is now the contracting agency. However, it is important to note that all law enforcement and fire agencies utilize the software platform, which truly has a countywide benefit. The Community Warning System within the Office of Emergency Services at the Office of the Sheriff is heavily involved in the utilization and execution of the system as it integrates with other tools.
Genasys Inc. software enables the public and first responders to be immediately aware of the zones and their status. This functionality is especially important in a mutual aid scenario with responders coming from other counties. The information is published on a public-facing website without an app or password.
In a regional disaster scenario, the counties adjacent to us, Alameda and Solano, utilize this same software provider. The software provides the Contra Costa County public safety community immediate visibility on evacuation status and the ability to collaborate on emergencies near border areas.
This agreement includes a provision for a limitation of liability for Genasys Inc.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
An alternative system would have to be developed for evacuation planning and management.