City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 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:
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2024 Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Mini-Grant Program.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2024 Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) to enhance Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) live fire training facilities through the purchase of durable steel burn props.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of a competitive VDFP mini-grant application for funding up to $26,592; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: On September 26, 2024, the VDFP announced the relaunch of their competitive mini-grant program to fund operational expense items and personal protective equipment.
DISCUSSION: The AFD is preparing an application for VDFP grant funding to acquire durable steel burn props to enhance its burn building training facility. AFD firefighters currently train in bare concrete rooms with no furniture or obstacles. Adding furniture props to rooms increases the complexity of evolutions by creating a more realistic environment. This will improve performance in the areas of hose-line deployment, victim location, victim extrication, and firefighter self-rescue. This is a one-time cost. The grant is due to the Commonwealth by November 15. VDFP will evaluate applications in December. The 12-month period of performance begins upon the date of award.
FISCAL IMPACT: The projected gross cost of durable steel burn props will total $34,990. The grant application will propose a 24% match by the AFD and $26,592 in VDFP funding. Grant funding will be delivered in full upon award. The net cost to the AFD will total $8,398.
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Andrew Duke, Assistant Fire Chief