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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A 2023 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT AWARD FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR IDLH MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $63,550.67 for the purchase of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) monitoring equipment and training.
2. Authorize the City Manager to appropriate $6,355.07 from the General Fund Grant Match Account to cover the required 10 percent of federal fund local match.
3. Authorize the City Manager to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
Council approval is required to accept grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Stockton Fire Department (SFD) has been awarded $63,550.67 in federal funds for IDLH monitoring equipment and training. Acceptance of this award requires a 10 percent local match of $6,355.07 for a total grant amount of $69,905.74.
DISCUSSION
Background
The AFG program’s primary goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations by providing financial support to fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies to address essential equipment, training, and operational needs. On March 7, 2024, SFD submitted an application to the 2023 AFG program to procure IDLH monitoring equipment and training.
IDLH refers to situations where exposure to airborne contaminants poses an immediate or delayed threat to life, can cause irreversible health effects, or impairs the ability to safely evacuate a hazardous area. Specialized IDLH monitoring equipment is designed to detect a broad range of hazardous gases, like hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, and monitor oxygen levels. When conditions exceed safety limits, the equipment alerts personnel immediately, allowing for timely evacuation or the implementation of necessary safety measures. Integrating this equipment with personal protective gear ensures continuous monitoring of air quality in emergency response areas, enhancing the ability to make informed decisions and proactively mitigate risks in accordance with NFPA 1986 Standard on Respiratory Protection Equipment for Tactical and Technical Operations and the OSHA CFR1910.134 standard on respiratory protection
On August 16, 2024, SFD was awarded $63,550.67 in federal funds for IDLH monitoring equipment and training. Acceptance of this award requires a 10 percent local match of $6,355.07 for a total amount of $69,905.74.
Present Situation
This award will fund the purchase of gas detectors equipped with sensors for the lower explosive limit (LEL), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), oxygen (O₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). These detectors allow firefighters to quickly identify and respond to the presence of hazardous gases that could lead to explosions, toxic exposure, or dangerous oxygen levels. Early detection of dangerous gases allows for quick and effective containment, protecting both the responders and the surrounding community. These devices are invaluable in preventing secondary explosions or fires, especially in confined spaces where gases might accumulate without detection. This award will also fund the purchase of test and calibration systems designed to verify and adjust the accuracy of the gas detectors. In addition to the IDLH equipment, the 2023 AFG award will fund comprehensive training for all SFD members who will use the IDLH equipment.
SFD's 2023 AFG application requested funding for 19 gas detectors and 11 test and calibration systems. The department’s goal is to equip each frontline apparatus with a gas detector while strategically placing the calibration systems across various fire stations to achieve the greatest operational impact. However, the actual acquisition cost of these equipment may vary due to potential price fluctuations between the grant application and the award period. Sufficient funds are available in Fire Department’s FY2024-25 General Fund Equipment Account 4020-000-800004-100-00-20-40 to cover the cost difference from any potential increase in the actual cost to procure all 19 gas detectors, 11 calibration systems, and the associated training.
All purchases associated with this award will be processed in accordance with the City’s standard procurement policies and procedures.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The Federal Emergency Management Agency 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award is based on an approved project cost of $69,905.74. The grant award has a 10% of federal fund local match requirement.
Grant amount breakdown is as follows:
Federal Award: $63,550.67
Local Match: $6,355.07
Total Amount: $69,905.74
It is recommended that the City Manager be authorized to establish the grant revenue estimates and the corresponding appropriations in Fire Department Special Grant Account No. 4020-000-XXXXXX-280-281-20-40-000-000- and Project No. FG20009. It is further recommended that the City Manager be authorized to transfer $6,355.07 from the FY2024-25 General Fund Grant Match appropriation to the Fire Department’s Special Grant account to cover the required local match.
Attachment A - Award Package