City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: FELIPE HERNANDEZ JR., FIRE & EMS CHIEF
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2024 Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2024 Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to enhance our special team’s equipment, emergency medical services (EMS) training, and incident command system (ICS) training.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of a competitive FEMA AFG application for funding up to $382,310; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: On November 6, 2024, FEMA published a notice of funding opportunity for the FY 2024 AFG to fund critical training and equipment to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters.
DISCUSSION: The Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) is preparing an application for grant funding to acquire fire boat radar detection equipment, personal protective equipment for specialized teams (i.e. marine operations, inland water rescue, technical rescue), EMS training equipment, and ICS training equipment. The grant project will enhance staff readiness, effectiveness, safety, and wellness. The grant application is due to the FEMA by December 20. Grant awards will be announced from April through September 2025. The grant period of performance will last 24 months.
FISCAL IMPACT: The gross cost of the project will total up to $424,789. The grant will require the AFD to provide a minimum 10% match. The AFD will request advanced payment of awarded grant funds up to $382,310. The estimated net one-time cost to the AFD will total up to $42,479.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Andrew Duke, Assistant Fire Chief