Agenda Item: 7
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: March 14, 2023
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF A SPECIALIZED MOBILE COMMAND UNIT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Tyler Pledger
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the “piggyback” purchase of a C-45X-4 Specialized Mobile Command Unit, using Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract #113021-OKC in an amount not to exceed $1,507,138.
2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $694,001 from the General Fund (Fund 100) to expenditure account 1008102-520103 and $13,037 from the Federal Grant (Fund 229) to expenditure account 2296150-520103.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita’s (City) Emergency Operations is charged with responding to emergency events and protecting residents from unsafe conditions, including natural and man- made hazards. This includes coordinating and facilitating preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan), updated and approved by City Council in 2021, identifies local hazards and a long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and increase preparedness. As outlined in the Plan, the City is highly susceptible to hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, and power outage events, often requiring the City's emergency response. To enhance the City’s emergency response through increased situational awareness and effective communication with other agencies during emergencies, acquiring a Mobile Command Unit was identified in the City’s five-year strategic plan Santa Clarita 2025 (SC2025).
The goal of a Mobile Command Unit is to increase the City’s ability to facilitate emergency
briefings, support tactical operations, and enhance interagency communications in response to natural and man-made disasters. The Mobile Command Unit will allow the City to mobilize the City’s Emergency Operations Center during prolonged disasters and better coordinate disaster response and recovery with local emergency services, utility companies, community-based organizations, and school districts. Furthermore, this vehicle can be stationed at large events and serve as a strategic meeting space for emergency response personnel, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's and Fire Departments.
This vehicle can also be used to increase the City’s community outreach and education efforts specifically with regard to public safety and emergency preparedness. By displaying this vehicle at a variety of large-scale events throughout the City, staff can connect with residents and share best practices for emergency preparedness and mitigation.
The Mobile Command Unit is designed to replicate an emergency operation center with advanced technology and communication capabilities. The vehicle will accommodate a large conference area, seven workstations, teleconferencing, radio communications, press conferences, and more. The vehicle is designed to be setup and operational in minimal time. The estimated lead time for fabrication and delivery of the vehicle is 22 to 24 months after purchase.
While the vast majority of the City's fleet is procured locally, staff has confirmed that no local vendors provide this type of vehicle due to the customization and features required. After performing cost analysis and reviewing commercial list pricing for comparable vehicles from other sources, it has been determined that Sourcewell's cooperative purchasing contract #113021-OKC with Oshkosh Corporation provides competitive pricing, quality service, and the best value to the City. The City will purchase and place the order for the vehicle through South Coast Fire Equipment, a dealer within the Oshkosh Corporation network.
On July 11, 1995, the City Council approved "piggyback" purchasing, allowing the City to place orders against a competitively-awarded public agency contract. The City is utilizing the cooperative purchasing contract between Sourcewell and Oshkosh Corporation. This contract, which was awarded on February 15, 2022, was competitively solicited through a nationwide bid process and is valid through February 10, 2026. The vehicle's total purchase price, including tax and delivery, is $1,507,138.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon approval of the recommended actions, adequate funds will be available in expenditure accounts 1008102-520103 (General Fund), 2296150-520103 (Federal Grant), and 2596151- 520103 (Misc. Grant Fund), to support the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
Santa Clarita C-45X-4 Mobile Command Proposal (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
Sourcewell Contract #113021-OKC (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)