HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0026) M&C 21-0681City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 09/14/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0681
LOG NAME: 36FIREFIGHTER AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM DONATION
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize the Acceptance of the Donation of a Firefighter Air Replenishment System Valued at $35,000.00 and Approximately $7,800.00 in
Related Services from the Firefighter Air Coalition
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to accept the donation of a Firefighter Air Replenishment System valued at
$35,000.00 as well as approximately $7,800.00 in testing, certification, and maintenance services of the system for a period of five years following
the installation.
DISCUSSION:
The Firefighter Air Coalition (FAC) is an advocacy group dedicated to promoting firefighter safety through the use of air management best
practices. They provide donations to underwrite equipment, education, and training to help fire departments of all sizes develop, implement, and
enforce effective air management programs, including those related to Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS).
FAC in partnership with industry has donated FARS systems to numerous training facilities across the country, including the Maryland Institute of
Fire and Rescue at the University of Maryland, the Phoenix Fire Department, Nashville Fire Department, San Jose (CA) Fire Department,
Glendale (AZ) Regional Public Safety Training Facility and more regionally Plano Fire -Rescue, McKinney Fire Department, Grand Prairie -Irving
Training Facility, Round Rock Fire Training Facility and commitments to Dallas Fire -Rescue.
The FAC has offered the donation of a FARS to the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) training tower facility, acknowledging it will be used as a
regional training asset. The donor further acknowledges that the acceptance of this donation does not require, nor is there an expectation that the
City of Fort Worth shall adopt a change requiring FARS into future building codes.
The Fort Worth Fire Department currently provides access to its training facilities to be used by other departments in the region. The FARS
installation would further that commitment to regional cooperation by allowing other departments in the area to train on, and become competent
with the use of FARS. This public private partnership would better prepare firefighters operating in high rise buildings, large horizontal structures
and tunnels, increasing their effectiveness, safety and the safety of the public they protect.
FAC will donate a complete FARS to FWFD's training facility. This will include design, manufacturing of all components and installation of a fully
operational system. Approximate worth of this donation is $35,000.00. Through industry partners, they will provide all testing, certification, and
maintenance at no charge to FWFD for a period of five years following the installation of the system. This is an added value of approximately
$7,800.00. FAC will provide on -site training to FWFD staff on the new FARS, and will support joint training sessions with FWFD staff and/or mutual
aid cities by providing training materials and professional training staff.
This donation will benefit ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Valerie Washington 6199
Originating Business Unit Head: Jim Davis 6801
Additional Information Contact: Mark Rauscher 6803