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February 4, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Purchase Approval: Waive the Competitive Bidding Process and Approve the Purchase of AMKUS Rescue Systems Products from Diamondback Fire & Rescue
Report Number: 25-0042
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Fire
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution waiving the competitive bidding requirements and approving the purchase of specified Fire & Rescue equipment, in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, from Diamondback Fire & Rescue over a five-year period.
SUMMARY
The Fire Department delivers fire, rescue and emergency medical services to Chula Vista residents, visitors, and employees daily. To ensure we are providing the highest quality of services, it is important to have the most up to date equipment available for personnel. By entering into an agreement with Diamondback Fire & Rescue we can provide continuity in the tools provided for emergency services and responses to incidents involving vehicles.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department responds to fire, rescue and emergency medical incidents both within the City and surrounding jurisdictions. Interstate 805 is one of the heaviest traveled highways in San Diego County and is a hotspot of traffic crashes according to Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems data. Of the 2,394 traffic crashes recorded in 2018 -2020, 22% of them were on Interstate 805 in the Chula Vista area.
Additionally, State Route 125 had nearly one hundred crashes. Travel patterns associated with these heavily traveled highways are impacted by residents, tourists, and commercial travelers.
Fire personnel are regularly moved from one fire station to another. Maintaining a standardized compliment of extrication equipment which firefighters can operate and locate in an efficient and timely manner while working in emergency situations is paramount to providing the most effective and efficient results for the trapped persons.
Currently, the Fire Department utilizes extrication equipment manufactured by AMKUS, which is retailed in California through Diamondback Fire & Rescue . A purchasing agreement with Diamondback Fire & Rescue will provide the opportunity for all extrication equipment to be the same, providing for increased familiarity and usability for firefighters. Furthermore, technological advancements found in new extrication equipment will allow crews to reduce the time required to extricate trapped victims.
In accordance with Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.070(B)(3) City Council may waive the competitive bidding requirements when such requirements are impractical, and City’s interests would be materially better served by applying a different purchasing procedure approved by the Purchasing Agent. In this case, purchase of extraction equipment from a different manufacturer other than AMKUS (through their California retailer, Diamondback Fire & Rescue) would result in non-standardized equipment City-wide and interfere with efficiencies in training and equipment use/knowledge.
Approval of the proposed resolution will waive the competitive bidding requirements in accordance with Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.070(B)(3) and authorize the City Manager or Fire Chief to purchase up to $5,000,000 in AMKUS equipment from Diamondback Fire & Rescue over a five-year period.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution has no current-year fiscal impact to the General Fund. Sufficient funds for current year purchases have been included in the fiscal year 2024-25 adopted budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution authorizes up to $5 million in purchases over a five-year period. The funding will be allocated as part of the annual budget from the General Fund, Measure A or Public Facilities Development Impact Fund depending on the equipment being purchased.
Future annual budget processes will incorporate purchase and maintenance funds, as appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
1. AMKUS Letter
Staff Contact: Tom Doyle, Principal Management Analyst
Chris Manroe, Deputy Chief of Training
Harry Muns, Fire Chief