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Item 1.G.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 12/19/2022 |
| Title: | FIRE HAZMAT DRONE RFP AWARD |
| Presented by: | Pepper Valdez, Fire Chief |
| Department: | Fire |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review | Not Applicable |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a contract for $230,049 with Steel City Drones to provide Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones and training for all Montana State Regional Hazmat Teams under the 2022 State Homeland Security Grant Program.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
In 2020, the Billings Fire Department (BFD) Hazmat Team was awarded $300,000 from the Department of Homeland Security through a State Homeland Security Grant to purchase six unmanned aircraft systems, associated equipment, and funds for licensing and training of pilots for each hazmat team. Regional Hazmat Teams are located in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula.
These UAS will be used to obtain rapid, real-time information on the scope and magnitude of a Hazmat incident for the local incident commander, enabling them to make strategic decisions to effectively identify and respond to any threat or hazard, aid in saving and sustaining lives, protecting property, and stabilizing incidents. The UAS systems can also be deployed to assist in wildland fires and search-and-rescue missions.
The Billings Fire Department (BFD) hosts one of six Regional Hazmat Teams sponsored by the State of Montana. These teams are statewide assets used to respond to hazardous material releases such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, radiation releases, and terrorism across the state. Historically, the state provided funding for training, upkeep, and new equipment to keep the teams functioning; however, in recent years, funding has been reduced and grants have been used to purchase needed equipment. In the past, the Billings Fire Department (BFD) Hazmat Team has applied for federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of all six regional teams.
A Request for Proposals was advertised on September 30 and October 7, with the proposals due to the City by October 21, 2022. Five proposals were received and reviewed by a selection committee made up of City staff and representatives from the State of Montana and the Regional HazMat Teams. The selection committee unanimously chose Steel City Drones to recommend for Council approval.
These UAS will be used to obtain rapid, real-time information on the scope and magnitude of a Hazmat incident for the local incident commander, enabling them to make strategic decisions to effectively identify and respond to any threat or hazard, aid in saving and sustaining lives, protecting property, and stabilizing incidents. The UAS systems can also be deployed to assist in wildland fires and search-and-rescue missions.
The Billings Fire Department (BFD) hosts one of six Regional Hazmat Teams sponsored by the State of Montana. These teams are statewide assets used to respond to hazardous material releases such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, radiation releases, and terrorism across the state. Historically, the state provided funding for training, upkeep, and new equipment to keep the teams functioning; however, in recent years, funding has been reduced and grants have been used to purchase needed equipment. In the past, the Billings Fire Department (BFD) Hazmat Team has applied for federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of all six regional teams.
A Request for Proposals was advertised on September 30 and October 7, with the proposals due to the City by October 21, 2022. Five proposals were received and reviewed by a selection committee made up of City staff and representatives from the State of Montana and the Regional HazMat Teams. The selection committee unanimously chose Steel City Drones to recommend for Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may Approve; or, Not Approve.Staff Recommendation and forfeit the grant funds for the purchase and development of UAS programs for all Montana Regional HazMat Teams.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The six (6) UAS platforms, equipment and training will be purchased by the City of Billings. All expenses will then be reimbursed by the 2022 State Homeland Security Grant and completed by August 31, 2023.
SUMMARY
Staff recommendation is to approve the purchase of drones, associated equipment and training for each of the Regional HazMat Teams from Steel City Drones for a total of $230,049.00.