Title
Resolution Determining the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs (IAFF/IAFC) to be the Only Source Practicably Available From Which to Procure the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program and Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Purchase Contract with IAFF/IAFC as the "Sole Source"
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue (HDFR) was approved for a (FY) 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (EMW-2014-FO-05980) in the amount of $173,514. The City of Hampton contributed a match in the amount of $17,351 (10% of the Federal grant contribution). HDFR requested the funding to provide mandatory, non-punitive, occupational wellness and fitness initiatives for all uniformed career and volunteer fire and EMS personnel. HDFR already provides a portion of the health and wellness program by providing medical, physical and mental health support. With this grant funding HDFR will be able to meet crucial needs like strength, endurance and nutritional training for its 420 uniformed personnel. The Division responds to an average of 24,046 emergency calls annually. In addition to fire and EMS responses, the Division provides disaster mitigation, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, building inspections, fire code enforcement, and public education to a culturally diverse population of 137,436. The grant funds will train 25 of our personnel as Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) and 6 of those to the level of Senior Peer Fitness Trainer (SPFT) and the grant will provide funds to backfill their positions while they attend classes. The grant funds will also provide course materials, fitness kits and manuals to the PFT trainers. The trainers and materials will allow the 25 trainers to train the rest of HDFR's personnel in health maintenance, healthy eating habits, physical fitness, injury prevention and self-care. Personnel will establish physical goals and health maintenance programs based on individual needs and track performance through a fire service related database (included in the grant funds). Along with the trainers, materials, data management and salaries for backfilling positions for training, the fire stations will also receive exercise equipment which will help meet the needs of individuals. The International Association of Fire Fighters/International Association of Fire Chiefs is the ONLY source for the ACE Peer Fitness Program which is why HDFR requests the IAFF/IAFC to be a sole source vendor for this health, fitness and wellness program. The grant was awarded to HDFR knowing that the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program would be used.
Discussion:
Firefighter safety depends on fire service specific baseline medical and physical assessments per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 and 1583. The grant and proposed program will benefit firefighters, the fire department at all levels, city government and the citizens of Hampton and surrounding region by enabling firefighters to remain physically capable of safely responding to daily emergencies and major disasters. Firefighters who are healthy, fit and injury free will enhance the effectiveness of day-to-day operations and help meet the number one goal of the fire service; protection of life and property.
Impact:
The action requested relates to Council policy initiatives as in Public Safety. Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue will provide excellent service to the citizens of Hampton, their guests, visitors and surrounding jurisdictions by keeping their personnel fit and protected.
Recommendation:
Rec
The desired action from Council is to accept the International Association of Fire Fighters/International Association of Fire Chiefs as the Sole Source for the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program.
Body
WHEREAS, Hampton City Council recognizes the public interest in providing through its Division of Fire & Rescue the most efficient means reasonably available and affordable to support the health and wellness program for the uniform personnel;
WHEREAS, the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs is the exclusive provider of the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program; and
WHEREAS, the price at which the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs has offered the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program has been determined to be fair and reasonable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia as follows:
1. That the contract for procuring goods and services described above may be negotiated and awarded to the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs as a "sole source" without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E;
2. That the City Manager or his authorized designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a purchase contract with the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs; and
3. That the notice awarding the contract to the International Association of Fire Fighters/Fire Chiefs shall be posted in a public place pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E.