TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary subsequent amendments including term extensions, with the County of Los Angeles to receive and expend Department of Homeland Security grant funding for the 2022 State Homeland Security Program to enhance the capability of local agencies to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats or acts of terrorism, in an amount not to exceed $475,000, for a period of September 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Fire Department by $475,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) provides funding to enhance the capability of local agencies to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats or acts of terrorism. The SHSP grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency via the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office provides regional administration of the SHSP grant and has notified the City of Long Beach (City) of the grant funding availability.
The City has been a recipient of SHSP funding since 2003. The funding has been used to enhance the response capabilities of the City by providing funding for training, exercises, and equipment. The SHSP 2022 grant will be used to support the Regional Training Group (RTG) Battalion Chief and Regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training. The RTG BC provides strategic planning and coordination for regional training, to include USAR courses, USAR mobilization exercises, in addition to other CBRNE training for both the Long Beach Fire Department and the Los Angeles region. All training and exercises are in alignment with the Threat Hazard Analysis and National Priorities under the Homeland Security Grant program. The RTG BC also supports video-based training utilizing a learning management system to deliver training to all 9,000 Firefighters in the region. This training includes response capabilities, firefighter safety and wellness, and responding to both natural and manmade incidents. Finally, additional funding may be used for equipment acquisitions in support of our regional USAR teams for response to a CBRNE event.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on March 21, 2023 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on March 23, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 11, 2023 to ensure the City can expend these funds within the performance period of the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
Program costs will be offset by federal grant revenues of $475,000. As these grant funds are not budgeted, an appropriations increase in the amount of $475,000 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Long Beach Fire Department. All grant expenses will be fully offset by grant reimbursement revenue and there are no matching funds or in-kind services required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REGINALD I. HARRISON
DIRECTOR, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
DENNIS BUCHANAN
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER