TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Westnet, Inc., of Huntington Beach, CA, for the purchase and installation of equipment to upgrade the fire station alerting system, without advertising for bids, in an amount not to exceed $215,326; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Fire Department (FD) by $215,326. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Westnet, Inc. (Westnet), for the purchase and installation of equipment to upgrade the fire station alerting system utilized by the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD).
In 2003, Westnet installed the First-In Alerting System in the Fire Communications Center and all LBFD stations, and has since provided maintenance and service for this system. The system is used to notify LBFD first responders of emergency calls. Much of the original equipment has not been replaced since it was installed and the LBFD now has the opportunity to purchase new Alerting Master Control Units (MCU) to upgrade all fire station alerting system hardware to the most current technology. The new MCUs will interface with LBFD's Tiburon Command-CAD system to increase dispatching capabilities and improve response times. The proposed contract also includes the purchase and installation of turnout timers in all fire stations. Turnout timers provide a visual readout of the time elapsed from the time the call was received at the fire station to the time the apparatus leaves the station, referred to as turnout time. This equipment assists first responders in meeting the 60-second turnout time goal established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Westnet, Inc., does not use regional distributors and is the sole manufacturer and source for their products. Therefore, no useful purpose would be served by advertising for bids, and to do so would be deemed an unnecessary expenditure of public funds and staff time.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process, but allows for awards without a competitive bid process if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney on April 16, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 17, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt the attached Resolution and execute a contract concurrently is requested on May 12, 2015 to ensure that the contract is in place expeditiously, thereby allowing for the timely purchase and installation of equipment to upgrade the existing alerting system.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total purchase amount will not exceed $215,326, which will be supported by revenue collected under the Fire Facilities Impact Fee. An appropriation increase in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Fire Department (FD) in the amount of $215,326 is included in the recommendation. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH WESTNET, INC., WITHOUT ADVERTISING FOR BIDS, FOR PURCHASING AND INSTALLING EQUIPMENT TO UPGRADE THE FIRE STATION ALERTING SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $215,326
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL DUREE
FIRE CHIEF
JOHN GROSS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER