City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 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 Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF).
BODY
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ISSUE: Should the City update its application to the 2024 Rescue Squad Assistance Fund Grant to include specialized transportation and training equipment?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1- Approve the competitive RSAF grant application for funding up to $70,300, due September 16, 2024, to the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS); and
2- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: On May 6, 2024, OEMS announced the competitive Fall 2024 RSAF Grant opportunity to provide emergency medical services (EMS) agencies matching funds for equipment, training supplies, special projects, and other priorities. On July 2, 2024, the City Council approved the initial RSAF grant application for funding up to $50,000. On August 13, 2024, OEMS announced the addition of “EMS Medication Management Systems” to the grant program. If approved, the projected period of performance will last from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
DISCUSSION: To prevent staff injury and better serve patients with obesity, AFD intended to procure and deploy specialized bariatric transportation equipment and training tools through RSAF grant funding. Due to the revised RSAF grant funding opportunity, AFD intends to update its planned RSAF grant application to fund the purchase of EMS medications, in addition to a set of specialized bariatric transportation and training equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT: The RSAF grant is primarily a reimbursement program. Localities must initially pay the full project cost. Afterwards, they may request reimbursement up to 50%. In rare cases an 80/20 hardship match is provided. Rarer yet, a 100% award may be granted. Initial costs for specialized bariatric transportation equipment, specialized bariatric training equipment, and EMS medications will total up to $70,300. Net costs will total up to $35,150 after reimbursement.
ATTACHMENTS:
(1) Draft RSAF 2024 Fall Application - In Progress
(2) AFD Annual Medication Cost Estimate
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Felipe Hernandez Jr., Fire & EMS Chief