REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  April  10, 2018
CATEGORY:  Consent - Other Departments-21.

SUBJECT:

Approve a budget amendment and approve and authorize the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment.

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Julia Hayen, Staff Services Analyst (530) 225-2516

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Mike Hebrard, Fire Warden

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions regarding the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment:  (1) Approve a net zero budget amendment transferring appropriations in the amount of $574,000 within the CSA #1, County Fire budget; and (2) approve and authorize the purchase of new SCBA equipment through All Star Fire Equipment, Inc., under the California Department of General Services (DGS) contract, in the amount of $573,243.

SUMMARY

Shasta County Fire Department is planning to spend approximately $1,100,000 in new SCBA equipment over the course of Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019. Recent changes to fire industry guidelines published by the National Fire Protection Association have necessitated a complete replacement of SCBA equipment. Shasta County Fire Department (SCFD) has anticipated this change and reduced new purchasing and maintenance over the last few years.  The funds for these purchases will come primarily from fund balance and deferred vehicle purchasing.

DISCUSSION

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global non-profit organization that creates and updates safety standards and codes for usage and adoption by government agencies. NFPA codes for use and maintenance of fire safety equipment are considered the fire industry standard, and they are referenced by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, as well as federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety regulations.

The newest 2018 edition of NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services meets or exceeds OSHA requirements, and is considered the industry standard for SCBA. By purchasing new equipment that meets this standard, the equipment is expected to have a functional life of 20 years while still meeting these standards.

SCFD would like to use the All Star Fire Equipment, Inc. contract through DGS for the purchase of Scott brand SCBA to allow for interoperability with other fire agencies in Shasta County that will also be converting to the Scott brand SCBA. This interoperability will provide greater safety by allowing exchange of air tanks between personnel from different agencies. Using one brand and model will also allow for consistency of training and maintenance between SCFD, CAL FIRE and other agency personnel using the Scott brand SCBA.

SCFD requests the Board approve and authorize the purchase of 100 SCBAs, 25 additional Facepieces and 100 additional air cylinders through All Star Fire Equipment, Inc. for fiscal year 2017/2018. All Star Fire Equipment successfully competed in a statewide DGS competitive procurement, and was awarded the statewide contract for SCBAs meeting the needed specifications. This DGS contract is available for use by local government agencies.

SCFD has known for several years that updates were pending for NFPA 1981 standards, which would necessitate major overhaul or replacement of the current SCBA equipment. To that end, SCFD has deferred replacement of any equipment and conducted only required maintenance in an effort to create carryover funds for the anticipated replacement of SCBA equipment.

SCFD requests transfer of $574,000 from Capital Asset account 065165 – Two Fire Engines to account 035500 – Minor Equipment for the purchase of 100 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, 25 additional Facepieces, and 100 additional air cylinders in the fiscal year 2017/2018.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may choose not to approve and authorize the purchase through All Star Fire Equipment, Inc., and direct County Purchasing to conduct competitive procurement. The Board may decline to approve the budget amendment. This is not recommended as SCFD would be unable to purchase the industry standard SCBA equipment, and would fail to meet current health and safety guidelines.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office and County Purchasing Unit. This recommendation has also been reviewed by the CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit SCBA Program Coordinator.

FINANCING

The total cost for this purchase is estimated at $573,243 in Fiscal Year 2017/2018 and $567,589 in Fiscal Year 2018/2019. The appropriations for the SCBA purchase in FY 2017/2018 will come from deferred vehicle purchasing appropriations in the approved budget. The appropriations for FY 2018/2019 have been included in the SCFD proposed budget.

There is no additional General Fund Impact associated with this request.