HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 61991CSC No. 61991
FORT WORTH,
VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT
This VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into by and
between the CITY OF FORT WORTH ("City"), a Texas home rule municipal corporation, acting by and
through its duly authorized Assistant City Manager, and *ITCH & ASSOCIATES, LLC, a Delaware
Limited Liability Company ("Vendor"), and acting by and through its duly authorized representative, each
individually referred to as a "party" and collectively referred to as the "parties."
WHEREAS, on October 31, 2023, the Fort Worth City Council approved an agreement with
Vendor for an Emergency medical Services ("EMS") comprehensive study, by and through M&C 23-0929;
WHEREAS, Vendor provided services related to the EMS study including, conferring with City
staff, conducting research, participating in stakeholder meetings, and attending meetings of the City's Ad
Hoc EMS Advisory committee;
WHEREAS, Vendor is also assisting the City with its transition to a fire -based EMS delivery model
pursuant to a separate professional services agreement;
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2024, by and through M&C 24-034, the Fort Worth City Council
authorized a professional services agreement with Vendor for a 9-1-1 Call Center Study; and
WHEREAS, the City and Vendor will review the current 9-1-1 Call Centers and identify ways to
increase the interoperability in an effort to improve response times and provide EMS services faster.
1. Scope of Services. Vendor will provide the City with services related to a 9-1-1 Call Center
study with the primary objective being to develop recommendations for consolidating the existing fire and
EMS dispatch centers into an integrated fire -based EMS emergency communications center ("ECC")
("Services"), which are set forth in more detail in Exhibit "A," attached hereto and incorporated herein for
all purposes.
2. Term. The initial tern of this Agreement is for one year(s), beginning on the date that this
Agreement is executed by the City's Assistant City Manager ("Effective Date"), unless terminated earlier
in accordance with this Agreement ("Initial Term"). City will have the option, in its sole discretion, to
renew this Agreement under the same terns and conditions, for up to one one-year renewal option(s) (each
a "Renewal Term").
3. Compensation.
3.1 Total compensation under this Agreement will not exceed $140,000.00, billed by
Vender to the City on a monthly basis.
3.2 City will pay Vendor in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (Chapter 2251
OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TX
of the Texas Government Code) and provisions of this Agreement, including Exhibit "A,"
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes.
3.3 Vendor will not perform any additional services or bill for expenses incurred for
City not specified by this Agreement unless City requests and approves in writing the
additional costs for such services. City will not be liable for any additional expenses of
Vendor not specified by this Agreement unless City first approves such expenses in
writing.
4. Termination.
4.1. Written Notice. City or Vendor may terminate this Agreement at any time and for
any reason by providing the other party with 30 days' written notice of termination.
4.2 Non -appropriation of Funds. In the event no funds or insufficient funds are
appropriated by City in any fiscal period for any payments due hereunder, City will notify Vendor
of such occurrence and this Agreement will terminate on the last day of the fiscal period for which
appropriations were received without penalty or expense to City of any kind whatsoever, except as
to the portions of the payments herein agreed upon for which funds have been appropriated.
4.3 Duties and Obligations of the Parties. In the event that this Agreement is
terminated prior to the Expiration Date, City will pay Vendor for services actually rendered up to
the effective date of termination and Vendor will continue to provide City with services requested
by City and in accordance with this Agreement up to the effective date of termination. Upon
termination of this Agreement for any reason, Vendor will provide City with copies of all
completed or partially completed documents prepared under this Agreement. In the event Vendor
has received access to City Information or data as a requirement to perform services hereunder,
Vendor will return all City provided data to City in a machine readable format or other format
deemed acceptable to City.
5. Disclosure of Conflicts and Confidential Information.
5.1 Disclosure of Conflicts. Vendor hereby warrants to City that Vendor has made full
disclosure in writing of any existing or potential conflicts of interest related to Vendor's services
under this Agreement. In the event that any conflicts of interest arise after the Effective Date of this
Agreement, Vendor hereby agrees immediately to make full disclosure to City in writing.
5.2 Confidential Information. Vendor, for itself and its officers, agents and employees,
agrees that it will treat all information provided to it by City ("City Information") as confidential
and will not disclose any such information to a third parry without the prior written approval of
City.
5.3 Public Information Act. City is a government entity under the laws of the State of
Texas and all documents held or maintained by City are subject to disclosure under the Texas Public
Information Act. In the event there is a request for information marked Confidential or Proprietary,
City will promptly notify Vendor. It will be the responsibility of Vendor to submit reasons objecting
to disclosure. A determination on whether such reasons are sufficient will not be decided by City,
but by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Texas or by a court of competent
jurisdiction.
5.4 Unauthorized Access. Vendor must store and maintain City Information in a secure
manner and will not allow unauthorized users to access, modify, delete or otherwise corrupt City
Information in any way. Vendor must notify City immediately if the security or integrity of any
City Information has been compromised or is believed to have been compromised, in which event,
Vendor will, in good faith, use all commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with City in
identifying what information has been accessed by unauthorized means and will fully cooperate
with City to protect such City Information from further unauthorized disclosure.
6. Right to Audit. Vendor agrees that City will, until the expiration of three (3) years after
final payment under this Agreement, or the final conclusion of any audit commenced during the said three
years, have access to and the right to examine at reasonable times any directly pertinent books, documents,
papers and records, including, but not limited to, all electronic records, of Vendor involving transactions
relating to this Agreement at no additional cost to City. Vendor agrees that City will have access during
normal working hours to all necessary Vendor facilities and will be provided adequate and appropriate work
space in order to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this section. City will give Vendor
reasonable advance notice of intended audits.
7. Indeuendent Contractor. It is expressly understood and agreed that Vendor will operate
as an independent contractor as to all rights and privileges and work performed under this Agreement, and
not as agent, representative or employee of City. Subject to and in accordance with the conditions and
provisions of this Agreement, Vendor will have the exclusive right to control the details of its operations
and activities and be solely responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers, agents, servants,
employees, Vendors, and subcontractors. Vendor acknowledges that the doctrine of respondeat superior
will not apply as between City, its officers, agents, servants and employees, and Vendor, its officers, agents,
employees, servants, contractors, and subcontractors. Vendor further agrees that nothing herein will be
construed as the creation of a partnership or joint enterprise between City and Vendor. It is further
understood that City will in no way be considered a Co -employer or a Joint employer of Vendor or any
officers, agents, servants, employees, contractors, or subcontractors. Neither Vendor, nor any officers,
agents, servants, employees, contractors, or subcontractors of Vendor will be entitled to any employment
benefits from City. Vendor will be responsible and liable for any and all payment and reporting of taxes on
behalf of itself, and any of its officers, agents, servants, employees, or contractors.
Liabilitv and Indemnification.
8.1 LIABILITY - VENDOR WILL BE LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
AND ALL PROPERTY LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY,
INCLUDING, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, TO ANY AND ALL
PERSONS, OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, WHETHER REAL OR ASSERTED, TO THE
EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT ACTS) OR OMISSION(S), MALFEASANCE OR
INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF VENDOR, ITS OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES,
AGENTS, SERVANTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OR SUBCONTRACTORS.
8.2 GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION - VENDOR HEREBY COVENANTS AND
AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND CITY, ITS OFFICERS,
AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, SERVANTS, AND EMPLOYEES, FROM AND AGAINST
ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR LAWSUITS OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, WHETHER
REAL OR ASSERTED, FOR EITHER PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS (INCLUDING
ALLEGED DAMAGE OR LOSS TO VENDOR'S BUSINESS AND ANY RESULTING LOST
PROFITS) AND PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, TO
ANY AND ALL PERSONS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
AGREEMENT, TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OR OMISSIONS
OR MALFEASANCE OF VENDOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, REPRSENTATIVES,
SERVANTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OR SUBCONTRACTORS.
8.3 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNIFICATION — Vendor agrees to
defend, settle, or pay, at its own cost and expense, any claim or action against City for
infringement of any patent, copyright, trade mark, trade secret, or similar property right
arising from City's use of the software or documentation in accordance with this Agreement,
it being understood that this agreement to defend, settle or pay will not apply if City modifies
or misuses the software and/or documentation. So long as Vendor bears the cost and expense
of payment for claims or actions against City pursuant to this section, Vendor will have the
right to conduct the defense of any such claim or action and all negotiations for its settlement
or compromise and to settle or compromise any such claim; however, City will have the right
to fully participate in any and all such settlement, negotiations, or lawsuit as necessary to
protect City's interest, and City agrees to cooperate with Vendor in doing so. In the event
City, for whatever reason, assumes the responsibility for payment of costs and expenses for
any claim or action brought against City for infringement arising under this Agreement, City
will have the sole right to conduct the defense of any such claim or action and all negotiations
for its settlement or compromise and to settle or compromise any such claim; however,
Vendor will fully participate and cooperate with City in defense of such claim or action.
City agrees to give Vendor timely written notice of any such claim or action, with copies of
all papers City may receive relating thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, City's
assumption of payment of costs or expenses will not eliminate Vendor's duty to indemnify
City under this Agreement. If the software and/or documentation or any part thereof is held
to infringe and the use thereof is enjoined or restrained or, if as a result of a settlement or
compromise, such use is materially adversely restricted, Vendor will, at its own expense and
as City's sole remedy, either: (a) procure for City the right to continue to use the software
and/or documentation; or (b) modify the software and/or documentation to make it non -
infringing, provided that such modification does not materially adversely affect
City's authorized use of the software and/or documentation; or (c) replace the software and
documentation with equally suitable, compatible, and functionally equivalent non -infringing
software and documentation at no additional charge to City; or (d) if none of the foregoing
alternatives is reasonably available to Vendor terminate this Agreement, and refund all
amounts paid to Vendor by City, subsequent to which termination City may seek any and all
remedies available to City under law.
9. Assignment and Subcontracting.
9.1 Assignment. Vendor will not assign or subcontract any of its duties, obligations
or rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of City. If City grants consent to
an assignment, the assignee will execute a written agreement with City and Vendor under which
the assignee agrees to be bound by the duties and obligations of Vendor under this Agreement.
Vendor will be liable for all obligations of Vendor under this Agreement prior to the effective date
of the assignment.
9.2 Subcontract. If City grants consent to a subcontract, the subcontractor will execute
a written agreement with Vendor referencing this Agreement under which subcontractor agrees to
be bound by the duties and obligations of Vendor under this Agreement as such duties and
obligations may apply. Vendor must provide City with a fully executed copy of any such
subcontract.
10. Insurance. Vendor must provide City with certificate(s) of insurance documenting
policies of the following types and minimum coverage limits that are to be in effect prior to commencement
of any Services pursuant to this Agreement:
10.1 Coverage and Limits
(a) Commercial General Liability:
$1,000,000 - Each Occurrence
$2,000,000 - Aggregate
(b) Automobile Liability:
$1,000,000 - Each occurrence on a combined single limit basis
Coverage will be on any vehicle used by Vendor, or its employees, agents, or
representatives in the course of providing Services under this Agreement. "Any
vehicle" will be any vehicle owned, hired and non -owned.
(c) Worker's Compensation:
Statutory limits according to the Texas Workers' Compensation Act or any other
state workers' compensation laws where the Services are being performed
Employers' liability
$100,000 -
Bodily Injury by accident; each accident/occurrence
$100,000 -
Bodily Injury by disease; each employee
$500,000 -
Bodily Injury by disease; policy limit
(d) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): [ Applicable [❑ N/A
$1,000,000 - Each Claim Limit
$1,000,000 - Aggregate Limit
Professional Liability coverage may be provided through an endorsement to the
Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy, or a separate policy specific to
Professional E&O. Either is acceptable if coverage meets all other requirements.
Coverage must be claims -made, and maintained for the duration of the contractual
agreement and for two (2) years following completion of services provided. An
annual certificate of insurance must be submitted to City to evidence coverage.
10.2 General Reauirements
(a) The commercial general liability and automobile liability policies must
name City as an additional insured thereon, as its interests may appear. The term
City includes its employees, officers, officials, agents, and volunteers in respect to
the contracted services.
(b) The workers' compensation policy must include a Waiver of Subrogation
(Right of Recovery) in favor of City.
(c) A minimum of Thirty (30) days' notice of cancellation or reduction in
limits of coverage must be provided to City. Ten (10) days' notice will be
acceptable in the event of non-payment of premium. Notice must be sent to the
City in accordance with the notice provision of this Agreement.
(d) The insurers for all policies must be licensed and/or approved to do
business in the State of Texas. All insurers must have a minimum rating of A- VII
in the current A.M. Best Key Rating Guide, or have reasonably equivalent financial
strength and solvency to the satisfaction of Risk Management. If the rating is
below that required, written approval of Risk Management is required.
(e) Any failure on the part of City to request required insurance
documentation will not constitute a waiver of the insurance requirement.
(f) Certificates of Insurance evidencing that Vendor has obtained all required
insurance will be delivered to the City prior to Vendor proceeding with any work
pursuant to this Agreement.
11. Compliance with Laws. Ordinances. Rules and Regulations. Vendor agrees that in the
performance of its obligations hereunder, it will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations and that any work it produces in connection with this Agreement will also
comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. If City notifies
Vendor of any violation of such laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, Vendor must immediately desist
from and correct the violation.
12. Non -Discrimination Covenant. Vendor, for itself, its personal representatives, assigns,
contractors, subcontractors, and successors in interest, as part of the consideration herein, agrees that in the
performance of Vendor's duties and obligations hereunder, it will not discriminate in the treatment or
employment of any individual or group of individuals on any basis prohibited by law. IF ANY CLAIM
ARISES FROM AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS NON-DISCRIMINATION COVENANT
BY VENDOR, ITS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ASSIGNS, CONTRACTORS,
SUBCONTRACTORS, OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, VENDOR AGREES TO ASSUME
SUCH LIABILITY AND TO INDEMNIFY AND DEFEND CITY AND HOLD CITY HARMLESS
FROM SUCH CLAIM.
13. Notices. Notices required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement will be
conclusively determined to have been delivered when (1) hand -delivered to the other party, its agents,
employees, servants or representatives, (2) delivered by facsimile with electronic confirmation of the
transmission, or (3) received by the other party by United States Mail, registered, return receipt requested,
addressed as follows:
To CITY:
City of Fort Worth
Attn: Assistant City Manager
100 Fort Worth Trl.
Fort Worth, TX 76102-6314
Facsimile: (817) 392-8654
To VENDOR:
Fitch and Associate, LLC
Thomas Moore, Junior Partner
PO Box 1701, Williamsburg Terr. Ste. G
Platte City, MO 64079
Facsimile: 816-431-2653
With copy to Fort Worth City Attorney's Office at
same address
14. Solicitation of Emvlovees. Neither City nor Vendor will, during the term of this
Agreement and additionally for a period of one year after its termination, solicit for employment or employ,
whether as employee or independent contractor, any person who is or has been employed by the other
during the term of this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the person's employer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision will not apply to an employee of either party who responds
to a general solicitation of advertisement of employment by either party.
15. Governmental Powers. It is understood and agreed that by execution of this Agreement,
City does not waive or surrender any of its governmental powers or immunities.
16. No Waiver. The failure of City or Vendor to insist upon the performance of any term or
provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right granted herein does not constitute a waiver of City's or
Vendor's respective right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert any such right on any future
occasion.
17. Governing Law / Venue. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of Texas. If any action, whether real or asserted, at law or in equity, is brought pursuant to this
Agreement, venue for such action will lie in state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas or the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.
18. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be
affected or impaired.
19. Force Maieure. City and Vendor will exercise their best efforts to meet their respective
duties and obligations as set forth in this Agreement, but will not be held liable for any delay or omission
in performance due to force majeure or other causes beyond their reasonable control, including, but not
limited to, compliance with any government law, ordinance, or regulation; acts of God; acts of the public
enemy; fires; strikes; lockouts; natural disasters; wars; riots; epidemics or pandemics; government action
or inaction; orders of government; material or labor restrictions by any governmental authority;
transportation problems; restraints or prohibitions by any court, board, department, commission, or agency
of the United States or of any States; civil disturbances; other national or regional emergencies; or any other
similar cause not enumerated herein but which is beyond the reasonable control of the Party whose
performance is affected (collectively, "Force Majeure Event"). The performance of any such obligation is
suspended during the period of, and only to the extent of, such prevention or hindrance, provided the
affected Party provides notice of the Force Majeure Event, and an explanation as to how it prevents or
hinders the Party's performance, as soon as reasonably possible after the occurrence of the Force Majeure
Event, with the reasonableness of such notice to be determined by the City in its sole discretion. The notice
required by this section must be addressed and delivered in accordance with Section 13 of this Agreement.
20. Headings not Controlling. Headings and titles used in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only, will not be deemed a part of this Agreement, and are not intended to define or limit the scope
of any provision of this Agreement.
21. Review of Counsel. The parties acknowledge that each party and its counsel have
reviewed and revised this Agreement and that the normal rules of construction to the effect that any
ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be employed in the interpretation of this
Agreement or Exhibits A, B, and C.
22. Amendments / Modifications / Extensions. No amendment, modification, or extension
of this Agreement will be binding upon a party hereto unless set forth in a written instrument, which is
executed by an authorized representative of each party.
23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and each
counterpart will, for all purposes, be deemed an original, but all such counterparts will together constitute
one and the same instrument.
24. Warranty of Services. Vendor warrants that its services will be of a high quality and
conform to generally prevailing industry standards. City must give written notice of any breach of this
warranty within thirty (30) days from the date that the services are completed. In such event, at Vendor's
option, Vendor will either (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to re -perform the services in a manner
that conforms with the warranty, or (b) refund the fees paid by City to Vendor for the nonconforming
services.
25. Immigration Nationalitv Act. Vendor must verify the identity and employment eligibility
of its employees who perform work under this Agreement, including completing the Employment
Eligibility Verification Form (I-9). Upon request by City, Vendor will provide City with copies of all I-9
forms and supporting eligibility documentation for each employee who performs work under this
Agreement. Vendor must adhere to all Federal and State laws as well as establish appropriate procedures
and controls so that no services will be performed by any Vendor employee who is not legally eligible to
perform such services. VENDOR WILL INDEMNIFY CITY AND HOLD CITY HARMLESS FROM
ANY PENALTIES, LIABILITIES, OR LOSSES DUE TO VIOLATIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH
BY VENDOR, VENDOR'S EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, OR
AGENTS. City, upon written notice to Vendor, will have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement
for violations of this provision by Vendor.
26. Ownership of Work Product. City will be the sole and exclusive owner of all reports,
work papers, procedures, guides, and documentation that are created, published, displayed, or produced in
conjunction with the services provided under this Agreement (collectively, "Work Product"). Further, City
will be the sole and exclusive owner of all copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret and other proprietary
rights in and to the Work Product. Ownership of the Work Product will inure to the benefit of City from
the date of conception, creation or fixation of the Work Product in a tangible medium of expression
(whichever occurs first). Each copyrightable aspect of the Work Product will be considered a "work -made -
for -hire" within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended. If and to the extent such Work
Product, or any part thereof, is not considered a "work -made -for -hire" within the meaning of the Copyright
Act of 1976, as amended, Vendor hereby expressly assigns to City all exclusive right, title and interest in
and to the Work Product, and all copies thereof, and in and to the copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret,
and all other proprietary rights therein, that City may have or obtain, without further consideration, free
from any claim, lien for balance due, or rights of retention thereto on the part of City.
27. Signature Authoritv. The person signing this Agreement hereby warrants that they have
the legal authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of the respective party, and that such binding
authority has been granted by proper order, resolution, ordinance or other authorization of the entity. This
Agreement and any amendment hereto, may be executed by any authorized representative of Vendor. Each
party is fully entitled to rely on these warranties and representations in entering into this Agreement or any
amendment hereto.
28. Change in Companv Name or Ownership. Vendor must notify City's Purchasing
Manager, in writing, of a company name, ownership, or address change for the purpose of maintaining
updated City records. The president of Vendor or authorized official must sign the letter. A letter indicating
changes in a company name or ownership must be accompanied with supporting legal documentation such
as an updated W-9, documents filed with the state indicating such change, copy of the board of director's
resolution approving the action, or an executed merger or acquisition agreement. Failure to provide the
specified documentation so may adversely impact future invoice payments.
29. No Bovcott of Israel. If Vendor has fewer than 10 employees or this Agreement is for
less than $100,000, this section does not apply. Vendor acknowledges that in accordance with Chapter
2271 of the Texas Government Code, the City is prohibited from entering into a contract with a company
for goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does
not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. The terms "boycott Israel"
and "company" has the meanings ascribed to those terms in Section 2271 of the Texas Government Code.
By signing this Agreement, Vendor certifies that Vendor's signature provides written verification to
the City that Vendor: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of
the Agreement.
30. Prohibition on Bovcotting Energv Companies. Vendor acknowledges that in accordance
with Chapter 2276 of the Texas Government Code, the City is prohibited from entering into a contract for
goods or services that has a value of $100,000 or more that is to be paid wholly or partly from public funds
of the City with a company with 10 or more full-time employees unless the contract contains a written
verification from the company that it: (1) does not boycott energy companies; and (2) will not boycott
energy companies during the term of the contract. The terms "boycott energy company" and "company"
have the meaning ascribed to those terms by Chapter 2276 of the Texas Government Code. To the extent
that Chapter 2276 of the Government Code is applicable to this Agreement, by signing this Agreement,
Vendor certifies that Contractor's signature provides written verification to the City that Contractor: (1)
does not boycott energy companies; and (2) will not boycott energy companies during the term of this
Agreement.
31. Prohibition on Discrimination Against Firearm and Ammunition Industries. Vendor
acknowledges that except as otherwise provided by Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code, the City
is prohibited from entering into a contract for goods or services that has a value of $100,000 or more that
is to be paid wholly or partly from public funds of the City with a company with 10 or more full-time
employees unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does not have a
practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade
association; and (2) will not discriminate during the term of the contract against a firearm entity or firearm
trade association. The terms "discriminate," "firearm entity" and "firearm trade association" have the
meaning ascribed to those terms by Chapter 2274 of the Texas Government Code. To the extent that
Chapter 2274 of the Government Code is applicable to this Agreement, by signing this Agreement, Vendor
certifies that Contractor's signature provides written verification to the City that Contractor: (1) does not
have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade
association; and (2) will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the
term of this Agreement.
32. Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature, which
will be considered as an original signature for all purposes and have the same force and effect as an original
signature. For these purposes, "electronic signature" means electronically scanned and transmitted versions
(e.g. via pdf file or facsimile transmission) of an original signature, or signatures electronically inserted via
software such as Adobe Sign.
33. Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement
between City and Vendor, their assigns and successors in interest, as to the matters contained herein. Any
prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby declared null and void to the extent in conflict
with any provision of this Agreement.
(signature page follows)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in multiples.
City:
. W
By:
Valerie Washington (Jul 11, 2024 09:11 CDT)
Name: Valerie Washington
Title: Assistant City Manager
Date: Jul 11, 2024
Vendor:
By:
Name: Steven Knight
Title: Partner
Date: Jul 9, 2024
FOR CITY OF FORT WORTH INTERNAL PROCESSES:
Approved as to Form and Legality:
��
By:
Name: Taylor C. Paris
Title: Assistant City Attorney
Contract Authorization:
M&C: [M&C 24-03411
Form 1295: 2023-1071736
Contract Compliance Manager:
By signing I acknowledge that I am the person
responsible for the monitoring and administration
of this contract, including ensuring all
performance and reporting requirements.
Valerie Washington (Jul 11, 202409:11 CDT)
By:
Name: Valerie Washington
Title: Assistant City Manager
City Secretary:
By:
Name: Jannette Goodall
Title: City Secretary
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OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TX
Project Objectives:
The primary objective of this project is to develop recommendations for consolidating the
existing fire and MedStar dispatch centers into an integrated fire -EMS emergency
communications center (ECC). The new ECC will share the same or compatible telephone, radio,
and computer aided dispatch systems. Key objectives include:
1. Reducing the number of 911 call transfers.
2. Implementing compatible telephone, radio, and computer -aided dispatch systems.
3. Improving the processing speed of emergency calls.
4. Minimizing 911 call rollovers from police to fire.
5. Enhancing data sharing among police, fire, and EMS.
6. Assessing staffing needs within police dispatch to reduce call rollovers to fire dispatch.
These objectives will be achieved through quantitative data analysis, modeling, and stakeholder
engagement.
Phase 1: Quantitative Data Analysis (Short Term: 1-4 Months)
Task 1: Data Collection
• Gather detailed data on calls for service, including discipline (police; fire; EMS), incident
type, priority, and temporal distribution (hour, day, month, time on task);
• Collect information on ECC performance metrics at the median and 90th percentile time
intervals, including call answering, intake, dispatch, and total call processing intervals;
• Compile radio traffic push -to -talk (PTT) counts and average PTT length by channel and
hour of the day.
• Engage with Fort Worth police and fire departments for quantitative data assessment;
• Facilitate discussions on alternative workflows that align with project objectives.;
• Collaborate with participating communities and public safety agencies to gather input on
call flow improvements.
• Maintain or enhance call flow to designated EMS agency's Public Safety Answering
Point (PSAP).
Task 2: Descriptive Analysis
• Analyze call workload for telecommunicators across various positions.
• Assess ECC performance at median and 90th percentile time intervals.
• Generate staffing requirements and space needs using Erlang modeling.
Deliverables:
• Project kick-off meeting with key stakeholders; detailed data request documents
submitted to the City; confirmation of data availability and accessibility.
• Preliminary data analysis to identify trends and patterns.
• Draft survey for stakeholder input and feedback;
• First on -site review to gather additional data and insights; and
• Compilation of preliminary data for further analysis.
Phase 2: Erlang C Modeling (Mid Term: 1-2 Months)
Task 1: Erlang Queueing Analysis
• Utilize Erlang modeling to calculate the number of agents required to meet service
demands without overstaffing.
• Quantify the relationship between service requests, staff numbers, and latency.
• Report on immediate service processing percentage and maximum delay for incoming
service requests.
• Engage with Fort Worth police and fire departments for modeling review;
• Facilitate discussions on alternative workflows that align with project objectives.
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rgency Ca l Is
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rr�'TNCYTit. Answer
Call
As an example of the summary outputs from this modeling, the figures below reflect call -intake
staffing needs over a 24-hour period and radio channel traffic by the hour of the day.
Call Intake Telecommunicator Staffing Requirements by Hour of Day
Table $ 911 Calls only - Staffing to the Service Level of 901' percentile waiting time*15 Seconds
0
9.5
113
0.30
2
96.1%
<1
1
7.6
123
0.26
2
97.0%
<1
2
6.6
126
0.23
2
97.6%
<1
3
5.6
122
0.19
2
98.4%
<1
4
5.3
122
0.18
2
98.5%
<1
5
6.1
106
0.18
2
98.5%
<1
6
8.0
98
0.22
2
97.9%
<1
7
10.0
94
0.26
2
97.0%
<1
8
12.0
95
0.32
2
95.7%
<1
9
14.2
97
0.38
2
93.9%
<1
10
16.5
97
0.45
2
91.9%
<1
11
18.2
94
0.47
2
90.9%
<1
12
19.5
96
0.52
2
89.3%
4
13
19.6
95
0.52
2
89.3%
4
14
21.4
96
0.57
3
97.9%
<1
15
22.3
97
0.60
3
97.5%
<1
16
23.2
97
0.62
3
97.3%
<1
17
23.2
100
0.64
3
97.0%
<1
18
21.6
100
0.60
3
97.5%
<1
19
19.5
100
0.54
2
88.5%
10
20
17.6
103
0.50
2
89.8%
1
21
16.6
107
0.49
2
90.2%
<1
22
14.1
108
0.42
2
92.6%
<1
23
11.8
114
0.37
2
94.1%
<1
I Total
2021 Erlang Demand by Hour of Day - Law Enforcement Main Channels
Task 2: Policy Decision Support
• Present staffing requirements and radio channel traffic analysis over a 24-hour period.
• Develop specific personnel scheduling to meet desired performance levels.
• Assess existing operations and evaluate alternative workflows or dispatch processes.
Figure 6: Example of Police Radio Channel Requirements in a Large Urban System
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Deliverables:
• Presentation of draft modeling results to the City;
• Virtual meetings with stakeholders to discuss modeling outcomes and gather feedback;
0 Launch of surveys to gather input from broader stakeholders;
• Additional on -site visits to gather additional insights and validate findings.
Phase 3: Final Report (Long Term: 1-2 Months)
Deliverables:
• Compilation of all findings, including data analysis, modeling results, and stakeholder
feedback.
• Drafting of the final report outlining recommendations and implementation strategies.
• Delivery of the final report to the municipality.
• Presentation of key findings, recommendations, and next steps to key stakeholders.
Project Timeline and Cost Proposal
• Proposed timeline: 6-8 months, subject to data availability.
• General timeline assumes availability of CAD, telephony, and radio data.
• Fixed -cost fee: $140,000.00, inclusive of expenses, consulting fees, overhead, and back -
office support; billed on a monthly basis.
Additional Support:
FITCH remains available for implementation support upon request, with the scope of services to
be negotiated based on the city's needs.
This phased approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation and integration of fire and EMS
dispatch centers, addressing key objectives while considering stakeholder input and operational
realities.
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 04/23/24 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 24-0341
LOG NAME: 02FITCH 911 STUDY AND EMS IMPLEMENT
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize Execution of Agreements with Fitch & Associates, LLC, with One in an Amount Up to $140,000.00 for a 9-1-1 Call Center Study
and the Second in an Amount Up to $400,000.00 for Transition and Implementation Management Services for the Emergency Medical Services
Study
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize execution of an agreement with Fitch & Associates, LLC in an amount up to $140,000.00 for a 9-1-1 Call Center Study; and
2. Authorize a second agreement with Fitch & Associates, LLC in an amount up to $400,000.00 for transition and implementation service
associated with enacting the results of the emergency medical services comprehensive study.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to authorize actions related to Fitch & Associates, LLC (Fitch) providing
professional services related to the City's efforts to enhance emergency services response.
Aareement for 9-1-1 Call Center Studv
Currently when a Fort Worth resident telephones for assistance, there are three different 9-1-1 call centers that may be involved depending on the
nature of the emergency. The Police and Fire Departments each have a 9-1-1 call center as does the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority, d/b/a
Medstar.
Depending on the specific situation a resident is calling about, they may end up having to speak to more than one call center and answer basic
questions multiple times. Having multiple 'touches' and repetitious questions on an emergency call causes delays in situations where every
second can make a difference.
The goal of the 9-1-1 study is to review the current call centers and identify ways to increase their interoperability in an effort to improve response
times and get emergency responders on -site faster.
Based on the agreed scope of work, the anticipated cost of the study is $140,000.00. Approval of this M&C will authorize execution of a
professional services contract with Fitch for up to this amount.
Aareement for Implementation and Transition Services for EMS Studv
On October 31, 2023, the City Council approved an agreement with Fitch & Associates, LLC in an amount up to $182,500.00 for an Emergency
Medical Services comprehensive study. (M&C 23-0929)
Over the course of several months, Fitch has provided services related to the EMS study, including conferring with City staff, conducting research,
participating in stakeholder meetings, and attending meetings of the City Council's Ad Hoc EMS Advisory Committee.
The study resulted in the presentation of various options for the delivery of EMS services. The EMS Committee is scheduled to meet to make its
final recommendations on EMS system and governance -related items on April 30, 2024, which will then be forwarded to the entire City Council for
consideration and action.
Implementation of whichever option is ultimately selected will take time and careful planning. The City Manager's Office is seeking authorization to
enter into a professional services agreement with Fitch for the implementation of the study's findings and Council's resulting decision and the
transitions related thereto.
Funding is budgeted in the Consultant & Other Prof Service account within the General Fund for the City Manager Department.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (DVIN) - A Professional Service 252 Exemption Form was submitted for each of these services and approved by
the City Attorney's Office. Therefore, the business equity goal requirement is not applicable.
AGREEMENT TERMS - Upon City Council approval, each agreement shall begin upon execution and expire upon completion and payment of all
services.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE ORDER: An administrative change order or increase may be made by the City Manager to either of both
agreements 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.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the recommendation, funds are available in the current operating budget, as appropriated,
in the General Fund. Prior to an expenditure being incurred, the City Manager Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.
Submitted for Citv Manaaer's Office bv: Valerie Washington 6192
Oriainatina Business Unit Head:
Additional Information Contact: Taylor Paris 6285
Expedited