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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-16-2016 Item 08 2015 Assistance to Firefighters grant application Meeting Date: 2/16/2016 FROM: Garret Olson, Fire Chief Prepared By: Julie Cox, Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: 2015 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION RECOMMENDATION 1. Authorize Fire Department staff to continue the process for a grant application to Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the amount of $23,840 to purchase one Respirator/Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (“SCBA”) Quantitative Fit Tester and one Extractor Washer; and 2. Authorize City Manager to execute documents necessary to appropriate the grant funds upon notification that the grant has been awarded; and 3. Delegate the Purchase Authority to the Finance and Information Technology Director to review quotes and award contracts or purchase orders. DISCUSSION Background State and federal grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments with the financial impacts associated with daily operations and/or mandated programs. The Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is one of these programs. The purpose of this program is to award one-year grants directly to fire departments to enhance their abilities with respect to fire and fire - related hazards. In fiscal year 2015, Congress appropriated $306 million dollars for this purpose. Grant Request The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting authorization to continue the grant application process for two essential items: 1) one respirator/self-contained breathing apparatus quantitative fit tester (“fit tester”) and 2) one personnel protective equipment extractor washer (“extractor washer”). Each item requested is described below. Respirator/Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Quantitative Fit Tester: The Department currently rents a fit tester annually to conduct Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (“NIOSH”) required testing for all personnel who use SCBA’s or respirators to perform their jobs. Until recently, the vendor of the Department’s SCBA equipment provided annual fit testing as p art of the original purchase at no additional cost to the Department. The vendor is no longer willing to provide this service. Currently, the Department has two personnel who are trained to perform the 8 Packet Pg. 187 annual required fit testing and have been using a rented fit tester. This rental costs $816 per month, and due to the size of our Department and our turnover rate, the Department would benefit from having a fit tester at least 3-4 months per year at a rate of approximately $2,500 to $3,200 per year, which is unbudgeted due to the prior zero-cost arrangement with our supplier. The financial benefit of owning a fit tester would be realized within 3-4 years. The fit tester will enable the Department to conduct annual fit testing for all 49 personnel who wear SCBA or other respirators. The Department’s respirator program is compliant with National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) 1500 – Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Department Program as well as applicable OSHA, ANSI and NIOSH standards. The cost estimate for the fit tester kit, software, calibration, and supplies with tax/shipping is $12,370. There is no additional cost for training, or other equipment like a laptop or desktop computer. This is a first time purchase to support the Department mission. Extractor Washer: The extractor washer and soap injector unit is requested to replace the 17-year-old, significantly worn extractor washer. The extractor washer is an industrial-grade washing machine designed to remove contaminants from firefighter structural firefighting protective garments (“turnouts”). Given its age, the current extractor washer is difficult to repair and in need of replacement. It provides unreliable service for a vital safety function. The existing extractor washer serves the entire department, which includes 86 sets of turnouts which require decontamination after every significant fire/smoke exposure due to the presence of carcinogens in smoke that embed themselves in fabric. Washing the turnouts also extends their in-service capability. Proper cleaning of firefighting safety gear must meet Cal OSHA, NFPA and risk management expectations for a healthy workplace. A new extractor washer is essential to continue to meet OSHA and NFPA standards, to maximize the safe lifespan of our essential life safety gear, and to keep our responders safe and healthy. Estimated cost for the extractor washer is $8,700, additional costs include: base frame for the extractor washer $500, installation $1,100 and sales tax $770 for a total cost of $11,470. The extractor washer is past its anticipated useful lifespan, and failure of the extractor washer will put the Department at a critical juncture in providing a core mission. FISCAL IMPACT If the City receives full funding from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program for the requested equipment ($23,840), we would have to match the Federal grant funds equal to 10% ($2,167) of the total project cost. Fire Department budgeted funds will be used for the grant match. ALTERNATIVES 8 Packet Pg. 188 The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as fire service grant opportunities are limited and the grant funds would only serve to enhance the effectiveness of the Fire Department. 8 Packet Pg. 189 Page intentionally left blank.