HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0061) M&C 20-0370City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 06/16/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0370
LOG NAME: 36FIRE FIGHTING ROBOT PURCHASE
SUBJECT
Authorize an Agreement with Howe & Howe, Inc. for the Purchase of a Fire Fighting Robot, in an Amount Not to Exceed $144,900.00, Utilizing
Funding from the 2019 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Award (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of a fire fighting robot, in an amount not to exceed $144,900.00, from Howe &
Howe, Inc., utilizing funding from the 2019 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Award.
DISCUSSION:
The Fort Worth Fire Department is seeking to acquire a fire fighting robot using funds from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant
authorized by City Council on September 10, 2019 (M&C 19-0118). The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the
State of Texas, Office of the Governor, awards UASI program grants to jurisdictions across the state to enhance local capabilities to prevent,
respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and natural disasters.
A fire fighting robot is a critical piece of public safety equipment used to mitigate life-threating emergencies by providing fire suppression,
situational awareness, and intelligence gathering without exposing first responders to the dangers of fires, hazardous materials, and building
collapse. It also allows first responders to apply 1,250 gallons per minute of water from a safe distance, using a remote control, and provides live
video streaming from an emergency scene to provide situational awareness of potentially dangerous conditions without exposing first
responders to those dangers.
This multi -functional robot is an important tool to protect the public from the dangers of "Fire as a Weapon". Because the robot allows the Fort
Worth Fire Department to mitigate life -threatening emergencies that would otherwise be too dangerous for personnel, this purchase is
necessary for the preservation of health and safety. Costs are estimated to not exceed $144,900.00.
BID ADVERTISEMENT - This procurement is exempt from the competitive bidding requirements as provided for under Section 252.022(a)(2) of
the Texas Local Government Code because the procurement is necessary to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the municipality's
residents.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE ORDER - An administrative change order or increase may be made by the City Manager up to the amount allowed
by relevant law and the Fort Worth City Code and does not require specific City Council approval as long as sufficient funds have been
appropriated.
M/WBE OFFICE - A waiver of the goal for MBE/SBE subcontracting requirements was requested by the Department and approved by the OBD,
in accordance with the BDE Ordinance, because the purchase of goods or services is from sources where subcontracting or supplier
opportunities are negligible.
This project will serve ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a publicly -traded business entity or a wholly -owned subsidiary of a publicly -traded
business entity: Textron Inc.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that funds are available, as previously appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. Prior to any
expenditure being incurred, the Fire Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Valerie Washington 6199
Originating Business Unit Head: Jim Davis 6801
Additional Information Contact: Mark Rauscher 6803