In December, 2018 the Fire Department on behalf of the Montana Regional Hazmat Teams issued an RFP for the purpose of analyzing and purchasing five (5) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) handheld analyzers. Proposals were received from Agilent, FarrWest and Federal Resources.  A detailed test and evaluation process was conducted by members of Great Falls, Helena, and Billings Regional HazMat Teams.  At the conclusion, FarrWest Environmental Supply's product was selected by evaluators.  Purchase agreement with FarrWest Environmental Supply for the purchase of five (5) Smiths Detection HazMatID Elite Identification and Detection Command packages utilizing FTIR technology.  In the original grant application approved by Council, the City of Billings Fire Department will accept and administer the 2018 Homeland Security Grant funds and will buy and distribute to the other Regional HazMat teams the equipment purchased under the Agreement with FarrWest Environmental Supply. 

City Council may:

• approve accepting the $300,000.00 grant funds and approve the Agreement with FarrWest Environmental to purchase five (5) Smiths Detection HazMat ID Identification and Detection Command Package FTIR units for the Montana Regional Hazardous Materials Teams of Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, and Missoula or;
• Not accept this financial assistance to purchase this tool for the Montana Regional HazMat Teams.

City policy requires that the City Council approve accepting financial assistance or grant awards before adjusting the City's budget to account for the funds.  There is no local match required for this grant award. The City of Billings Fire Department staff worked with the City's Purchasing Agent to purchase the approved equipment and distribute them to the other regional HazMat teams, after which, it will request reimbursement from the grant.  These funds are already awarded to us and are available for reimbursement immediately following invoice submission to Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. .

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Agreement with FarrWest for the purchase of five (5) Smiths detection HazMatID elite identification and detection command packages utilizing FTIR technology and trade-in five (5) Smith's HazMat 360 FTIR Analyzers and associated equipment for the State Regional HazMat Teams of Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula. And authorize the Mayor to sign all grant documents.