To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Purchase Contract with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc. (dba Fire Apparatus Solutions)
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a purchase contract with Kalmikov Enterprises, Inc. (dba Fire Apparatus Solutions), for the manufacture and sale of an Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle, in an amount not to exceed $1,420,000, including indemnity by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The District included an item in the approved FY 2023-2024 for $1,000,000 for this planned procurement. The price increase for this vehicle will require a subsequent budget amendment to be approved by the board to account for the $420,000 additional costs.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) is charged with fighting fires as part of its primary mission of providing fire protection. To accomplish this mission, the District operates specialized apparatus, including an Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle. This current Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle is 20 years old and in need of replacement. Grant funding for the replacement have been unsuccessful despite several applications over the past several years.
An Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle is a specialized piece of fire apparatus that can provide supplemental self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders and can fill SCBA cylinders at the scene of a fire. Additionally, this vehicle, unlike the District’s current Breathing Support, will be outfitted with a SCBA washer to clean SCBA at a fire prior to firefighters leaving the scene. This initiative aligns with the District's cancer prevention efforts, aiming to reduce the risk of firefighters being exposed to contaminated gear and equipment following a fire incident. By minimizing the presence of contaminated gear on fire apparatus, we can significantly decrease the potential for exposure to harmful substances and mitigate the risk of long-term health consequences for our firefighters. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our personnel and underscores our dedication to implementing preventive measures that safeguard their well-being.
Acquiring the Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle represents a significant step forward for District operations and public safety. This investment will bring modern, dependable equipment into our fleet, enhancing our ability to serve our community effectively. By supplementing our current fleet with this advanced vehicle, the District will be better equipped to address the needs of our expanded service area, ensuring timely and efficient responses to emergencies.
Utilizing the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) cooperative purchasing program for this acquisition streamlines the procurement process, allowing us to obtain the vehicle efficiently and cost-effectively. This strategic approach not only maximizes our resources but also demonstrates our commitment to responsible fiscal management while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our residents and firefighters. Overall, the acquisition of this vehicle will have a positive and lasting impact on District operations and public safety.
Under the purchase contract, the District shall indemnify Kalmikov Enterprises for losses arising out of the District's use of the vehicle after delivery.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Continuing to operate the current 20-year-old Incident Support/Breathing Support vehicle across the entire District poses significant risks to both operational efficiency and public safety. Delaying the purchase of a replacement vehicle could result in escalating maintenance and repair costs, as aging equipment becomes more prone to breakdowns and failures. Furthermore, there is a real possibility of reduced ability to support fire ground operations if the apparatus is taken out of service for extensive repairs.