TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an Other Transaction Agreement and any related documents for the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, and any subsequent amendments, with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to implement and deploy certified canine teams on-site at the Long Beach Airport using Long Beach Police Officers; and to accept the anticipated award, in an estimated amount of $606,000 for a four-year period; and increase appropriations in the Airport Fund (EF 320) in the Airport Department (AP) for $151,500 for the first year of the program in FY 16. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) began as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Explosives Detection Canine Program in 1972 and transferred to TSA after the events of September 11, 2001 (9/11). TSA's NEDCTP is currently the largest explosives detection canine program in the Department of Homeland Security, with 997 funded National Explosives Detection Canine teams currently stationed at more than 100 of the Nation's airports, mass transit, and cargo environments. The success of TSA's NEDCTP is a prime example of federal, state, and local govemmental entities working together with a common goal: to protect the transportation domain and the public.
On April 13,2016, the TSA NEDCTP officially invited the Long Beach Airport (Airport) to participate in the program. Under the terms of the program, the TSA NEDCTP provides training for three Law Enforcement Officers to become handlers of certified explosive detection canines. Specially trained and certified canines are provided at no-cost and assigned to handlers. After training and certification, the teams (handler and canine) will be deployed at the Airport for daily patrol and citywide call-outs, limited to program restrictions. Annual testing and recertification of the teams are required to reinforce protocols and ensure quality of canine teams.
The TSA NEDCTP provides annual funding in the amount of $50,500 per team to go towards program costs, including vehicles, equipment, and wages. During the initial phase of implementation, this funding will be used to offset backfill costs for officers attending training and the procurement of equipment. Ongoing operating costs include veterinary care services, customized vehicles, canine food and care supplies, equipment and utility costs. The Airport estimates incurring a one-time startup cost of $40,000 for kennel construction and training materials.
TSA NEDCTP will augment the Long Beach Police Department's capabilities in responding to explosive related incidents. Canine teams have been proven to be one of the most effective means of detecting explosive substances and can complement other technologies that offer expanded capabilities in terms of detecting other prohibited items, including firearms.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on May 23,2016 and by Budget Analysis Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on May 26,2016.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on June 14, 2016, to meet program deadlines required by the TSA. Failure to meet this deadline may result in loss of funding or withdrawal from the program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The implementation of the TSA NEDCTP will provide reimbursement of program costs for $50,500 annually per canine team for four years. Three teams will be deployed for total annual funding of $151,500, for a four-year total of $606,000 for the period January 1, 2016 through December 31,2019.
An appropriation increase is requested in the Airport Fund (EF 320) in the Airport Department (AP) for $151,500 for the first year of the program in FY 16, offset by revenue from TSA. Funding for subsequent years will be included as part of the annual budget process. No match is required to participate in the program. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the Airport Fund as program funding will mostly offset the cost of the canine program. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JUAN LOPEZ-RIOS
INTERIM DIRECTOR
LONG BEACH AIRPORT
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER