To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aviation
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Bid Authorization for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle Acquisition
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Department of Aviation to advertise the above-referenced vehicle acquisition bid package to be published in the California State Contracts Register, so as to give potential bidders not less than 10 working days’ notice prior to the contract bid opening date. Agencies shall not release invitations for bid or requests for proposals prior to publication in the California State Contracts Register and post in a public place a copy of the solicitation, which shall remain posted until seven days after an award has been made. Bid posting must contain, “It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in Section 17030 of the Business and Professions Code pursuant to Government Code, Section 14827.2. and Public Contract Code, Section 10302.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Aviation is requesting bid authorization for the acquisition of an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle. ARFF vehicles are designed to provide an invaluable service to the commercial airline industry and the passengers and cargo they transport. The airline industry is reliant on prompt and effective fire and rescue services during aircraft emergencies and ARFF vehicles are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be onsite, and staffed, during commercial airline service activities. These services include fire containment and suppression, passenger and crew rescue, airframe and cargo preservation and maintenance of the site to aid in after-incident investigations.
The Department of Aviation’s current ARFF Vehicle, an Oshkosh Striker, was purchased in 2007 through Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding and is 18 years old. The manufacturers of firefighting apparatus, fire departments, and the Federal Aviation FAA do not have requirements as to when a vehicle must be replaced. However, in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5220-10E, it is determined that on average, an ARFF vehicle normally has a 10-12 year service life. Additionally, the AIP guidelines (AIP Handbook) indicate an ARFF vehicle is eligible for grant funding for a replacement vehicle after a minimum of 15 years of service. Additionally, the FAA recommended in their last annual inspection of ACV that the Department of Aviation prioritize replacement of the current 2007 ARFF Vehicle. Due to the age of the current Oshkosh Striker and the Department of Aviation having no reserve equipment that meets the airport index, it is essential to acquire new equipment and place older equipment on reserve. This is because the FAA requires that if an airport’s current ARFF vehicle becomes inoperative, it must immediately be replaced with equipment having at least equal capabilities. If the required index level of capability is not restored within 48 hours, the airport operator must limit air carrier operations to the airport. Due to the specialized firefighting agents carried by this apparatus, there is no regional replacement vehicle available. The end result would likely be the temporary cessation of airline service until the ARFF vehicle was repaired or perhaps, if aircraft were available, restricting the size of aircraft to a much smaller passenger aircraft.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Aviation Capital Projects (3539)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (3539-170) |
FY25-26 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$1,300,000 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$1,300,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (3539-170) |
FY25-26 Projected* |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$1,235,000 |
|
Local Cost |
$65,000 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$1,300,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The anticipated total cost for ARFF vehicle acquisition is $1,300,000. The Department of Aviation has been working closely with the FAA to complete planning steps to allow the county to apply for, and be in contention to receive, reimbursement for 95%, or an estimated $1,235,000. The county would be responsible for the remaining 5%, or an estimated $65,000 (dependent on the winning bid amount). The Department of Aviation has included the estimated total vehicle acquisition costs in its proposed fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget in its Aviation Capital Projects budget, 3539170. There is no obligation to purchase until grant funds are secured and Purchase Agreements are complete.
STAFFING IMPACT:
N/A
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the authorization to bid. However, this is not recommended due to the age of the current Oshkosh Striker and the Department of Aviation having no reserve equipment that meets the airport index. It is essential to acquire new equipment and place older equipment on reserve to ensure prompt and effective fire and rescue services are available, as required by the FAA.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bid Packet - ARFF Vehicle Acquisition
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A