To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement between Mission Critical Partners, LLC and County of Humboldt to conduct a Multi-Agency Consolidated Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Feasibility Study
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the agreement between Mission Critical Partners, LLC and the County of Humboldt to conduct a feasibility study of a multi-agency consolidated Emergency Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center within the County of Humboldt (Attachment 1);
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the original copies of the agreement and all amendments, extensions or revisions to the document for the term of the agreement; and
3. Instruct the Clerk of the Board to return the original signed agreements to the Sheriff’s Office.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Sheriff’s Measure Z (1100-297)
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) desires to conduct a study into the feasibility of consolidating all Humboldt County emergency communications dispatch centers and the county’s disaster response Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Currently, there are four emergency communications dispatch centers in Humboldt County. The four dispatch centers are being operated by the Eureka Police Department, Arcata Police Department, Fortuna Police Department and HCSO. Together, they provide services to HCSO, five police departments, nine fire departments, three Tribal Police departments, two contract cities, Humboldt County Probation Department, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, two Animal Control Services divisions and ancillary services to the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S Forest Service. Each dispatch center coordinates emergency medical services for their respective areas of responsibility.
Consolidating dispatch centers and the EOC would include:
• Standardizing equipment and procedures.
• Bringing all first responders into a common radio and data communication system.
• Creating a plan for meeting the continuously growing needs of the public safety industry within Humboldt County.
Future benefits of a potential consolidation include:
• Enhanced safety of first responders and the public.
• Expanding cost-effective benefits to employees and public agencies.
The current location and space of the county EOC presents many challenges for the efficient coordination of personnel in times of emergency. The preservation of life and property is a shared responsibility of local, state and federal governments. During major disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, coordination between county and municipal stakeholders is vital to providing life-saving services to the citizens of Humboldt County. Co-locating the EOC with a consolidated dispatch center would improve communication and coordination with vital public safety resources. A facility large enough to accomplish the co-location would be critical for its success.
On May 15, 2018, HCSO published a Request for Proposal (RFP) to advertise and distribute a request for professional services pertaining to a multi-agency consolidated Emergency Communications/Emergency Operations Center feasibility study. The RFP was advertised in accordance with the county RFP policies and two proposals were received. An evaluation team, consisting of; the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Captain, Extra-Help Captain, and the Emergency Communications Supervisor reviewed and scored both proposals based on the criteria set forth in the RFP. The evaluation team agreed that the most suitable firm to conduct the study is Mission Critical Partners, LLC. The Mission Critical Partners, LLC proposal is Attachment 2.
At the April 9, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, HCSO staff recommended that the Board authorize the Sheriff, or a designee thereof, to enter into negotiations of a professional services agreement with Mission Critical Partners LLC for the desired services.
Negotiations with Mission Critical Partners have been completed and HCSO staff now request the Board approve the agreement (Attachment 1).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The study will cost $90,973. The Fiscal Year 2018-19 adopted budget for the Sheriff’s Measure Z budget unit (1100-297) includes $50,000 for Professional Services (line item 2118) designated for this feasibility study. Your Board on April 9, 2019 approved a transfer from Salaries to Professional Services for the additional $40,973 needed to conduct the study was requested as an appropriation transfer from Salary and Benefits to Professional Services. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by managing our resources to ensure sustainability of services and creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Arcata Police Department
Eureka Police Department
Fortuna Police Department
Humboldt County Information Technology Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the agreement regarding a multi-agency consolidated Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center feasibility study. This alternative is not recommended as it prevents the county from the benefits of consolidation as outlined in the discussion.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Agreement between Mission Critical Partners, LLC and County of Humboldt.
Attachment 2 - Mission Critical Partners Proposal
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: April 9, 2019
File No.: 19-352