Agenda

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D.5

To:	Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors
From:	Lewis T. Broschard III, Chief, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Date:	November 10, 2020

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Purchase Contract for one Emergency Crew Transport Vehicle

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 11/10/2020

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, Director
Candace Andersen, Director
Diane Burgis, Director
Karen Mitchoff, Director
Federal D. Glover, Director

Contact:

Lewis T. Broschard III, Fire Chief (925) 941-3300

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: November 10, 2020
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a purchase contract with Boise Mobile Equipment, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $310,000 for the manufacture and purchase of one (1) Emergency Crew Transport for emergency response.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Although funds were not appropriated in the current fiscal year for these capital equipment purchases (i.e., under capital autos and trucks), the District does have funds budgeted in the current fiscal year to pay for the vehicles without having to recognize new revenue. During the District's budget update to the Board on August 4, 2020, the District was still awaiting the tax roll letter. At that time, the District suggested some voluntary reductions to expenditures. For example, certain vacant positions are not being filled until January 2021 and some not critical building maintenance projects have been delayed. In addition, the District reduced planned expenditures to some of its non-capital equipment and supply budgets. Those funds, which are still in the approved budget but under different major objects, will be used to fund these capital vehicle purchases.

BACKGROUND:

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) is charged with fighting wildland fires as part of its primary mission of providing fire protection. The Emergency Crew Transport (ECT) is designed to transport up to ten (10) wildland firefighters to and from emergency incidents while providing for safety and accountability, compared to multiple vehicles traveling together. It allows enough space to safely secure their tools, equipment, coolers, water, rations, strike team bags, and a few personal belongings. Essentially, everything a wildland hand crew will need when on short incidents and when away for extended periods of time on larger fires. Having the firefighters traveling together in one vehicle limits separation while on emergency incidents and traveling to and from, limiting the exposure to traffic accidents. The Emergency Crew Transport (ECT) is equipped with Code 3 capabilities (lights and sirens) that allows firefighters to quickly and safely move through congested areas, shortening response times for fire suppression and incident support, potentially saving lives and property. The ECT is also equipped with air conditioning and a shaded cab area that allows firefighters to get out of the hot and dry elements thus reducing fatigue and heat exhaustion. The ECT also has 4x4 capability that allows the firefighters to travel on roads that would normally be inaccessible.

Initially, the concept was a trial to see if it would work and benefit the District. In 2020, it has proven extremely useful in numerous ways. It has allowed assistance in mopping up on fires, helped with getting equipment and additional personnel to the scene, and most importantly, it has allowed the engine companies to become available in a shorter amount of time resulting in an increase in overall service to the public.