01-08-2002 - Fire Department Mobile ComputersCity of West Covina
Memorandum
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager AGENDA
and City Council
ITEM NO. C-4d
FROM: Richard E. Greene, Fire Chief January 8, 2002
DATE y
® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
SUBJECT: Fire Department Mobile Computers
SUMMARY:
The Fire Department'is recommending approval of the funding required for the final phase of the
Fire Department Automation and CAD interface. This funding is for the purchase of hardware
and ' software of the system, which will make the Fire Department computer system mobile,
providing computer capability in all emergency response vehicles.
BACKGROUND:
During the 1997/98. Capital Improvement Program budget sessions, the Fire Department was
given authorization to replace its antiquated computer system.
In 1998, the Fire Department began Phase I of the Fire Department Automation Project. Phase I
was completed in 1999. Phase II, which makes the system mobile, was delayed until Phase I was
operational.
To date the :Fire Department Automation Project for Phase I has been purchased, delivered and
installed. The system gives the Fire Department access to vital resources and pertinent
information in a timely., efficient and effective way and will improve dispatch capabilities.
DISCUSSION:
This is Phase II and is the final completion of the Fire Department Automation Project and
makes our computer system mobile. All emergency fire equipment will be equipped with mobile
computers. These computers are electronically networked to the Dispatch Center. This
capability gives fire companies responding to emergencies the ability to obtain important and
necessary information in route. The information accessed will allow the department to respond
faster and more effectively. The mobile computer system will thus provide a higher level of
service to the citizens of West Covina. Additional benefits of the system will:
Provide accurate mapping and routing to emergencies.
• Give fire companies the ability to retrieve pertinent building information in route.
• Allow for the retrieval of life-saving patient information from the scene or while in route.
O Provide the basis for GPS dispatch capability, which will always route the closest unit.
• Increase the efficiency in completing required reports.
0 Provide an additional link between field personnel and the Dispatch Center.
• Supply engine companies with ability to access the Uniform Fire Code from the field.
O Provide ability to access in the field, Department of Transportation Emergency Response
Guidebook for Hazardous Material Incidents.
This system consists of mobile computers, which will be installed by Communication
Department personnel in all fire vehicles, and the -required interface with the City's 911
Communication Center. The mobile computers utilize a cellular linkup with the dispatch center,
that is not compatible with the police system, which allows them to be fully functional and
maintain direct communication and dispatch capability when units are responding out of the area
on mutual aid. This system differs with the current system used by the West Covina Services
Group in that its capability is specific to the Fire Departments Fire Information System, and it is
connected to the City's dispatch center via cellular technology which allows the system to
continue to operate when West Covina fire units are operating out of the City. This system also
has an integral GPS feature that will provide the basis for "closest unit dispatch" which will aid
in reducing response time.
The 2001/2002 CIP budget provided $69,000.00 for the purchase and 'installation of the system.
Bids were received from five companies. Three of the companies were not considered as
responsive bidders. The two remaining bids were as follows: Amrel Systems, LLC of Arcadia
California - $67,095.00; and Business Communication Systems (BCS) of Illinois - $55,065.79.
The lowest bidder is BCS of Illinois.
Business Communication System $55,065.79
Amrel Systems $67,095.00
Rightway Inc. Bid Invalid
Itronix Bid Invalid
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this system was requested and approved in the 2001/2002 CIP budget. $69,000.00
was approved for complete purchase and installation of the system. Total acquisition cost is
$55,065.79. In addition, $12,095 is earmarked for software interface costs to the West Covina
Service Group. This will allow compatibility with the Communication Centers' dispatching
system. Licensing fees for four months totaling $1,800.00 will be needed also. Total project
costs are $69,000.00. Re -occurring costs for this system is $5,400.00 annually. This shall be
paid out of the Fire Departments existing licensing account. The Department requests these
funds come from account #114-320-3222-7130.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the award of the bid to Business Communication
System of Illinois and authorize expenditures for the West* Covina Service Group.
Prepared by:
J ice Petty, Adminis at' e Analyst
Alex Rodriquez, Batta on CQef
Reviewed and approved by:.
Richard Greene, Fire Chief
Reviewed and approved by:
gaPKI,ating, Communi at n Director