Title
Assistance to Firefighters Grant 2011 Application for Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment Upgrades (NB)
This item requests that the Commission authorize the City Manager to execute a grant award, if awarded, for the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for purchase of equipment to upgrade the department's Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) system.
Explanation
In September 2011, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) submitted an application for grant funds under the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for 2011. The application seeks funding for equipment that will upgrade the current SCBA system with high pressure SCBA air bottles, facemasks with carbon dioxide nosecones, and accountability components for locating downed firefighters.
This grant will allow GFR to make better use of city capital improvement dollars and improve interoperability with all fire-rescue departments in Alachua County, if Alachua County Fire Rescue is successful with the same type of grant.
Fiscal Note
The total cost of the project is estimated at $316,463; the Federal Share is 80% or $253,171; and the Applicant Share is expected to be 20% or $63,292. Matching funds have been identified in the GFR capital improvement budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager, if awarded the grant, to: 1) execute the grant award contract and other necessary documents, pending approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 2) approve the required payment process for expending the grant funds and matching funds.