Title
State Homeland Security Grant Program Sub-recipient Agreement (NB)
This item requests that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, to support equipment maintenance and training for Gainesville Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials Team.
Explanation
Gainesville Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials Team has regional responsibilities for eleven counties and is classified as a Type II Team providing a response capability of 15 personnel with testing equipment to unknown chemical incidents within one hour. Funding for certified equipment and training to support this capability is supplemented through a variety of homeland security and emergency services grants; one of these is the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) offered through the Department of Financial Services. Reimbursement funding offered by the State of Florida for the agreement period ending January 31, 2008 includes up to $13,580 for sustainment and maintenance of equipment previously purchased with Office of Domestic Preparedness funds, and up to $24,832.00 for training in Office of Grants & Training approved courses. The funds are provided through a Subgrant Agreement between the Department of Financial Services and the Division of Emergency Services. Stringent requirements for training certifications and the frequent calibration of sensitive chemical and biological substance detection equipment justify the application of these subgrant funds.
Fiscal Note
There is no match required.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a contract with the State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City not enter into a contract resulting in a loss of up to $38,412.00 of available reimbursement funds for equipment maintenance and training and requiring expenditures from the general fund.