City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 21, 2017
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Homeland Security Grant Program.
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ISSUE: The City of Alexandria Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been notified of a grant opportunity through the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the submission of the two proposals for the HSGP grants.
BACKGROUND: Two grant proposals with short application periods were due on June 16th. These funds are made available as Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has made previous awards to other jurisdictions that were not completely spent. Due to coordination with vendors on pricing and compatibility, OEM was not able to prepare a docket item to City Council before the grant application was due. OEM has applied for both grants but can withdraw the applications if City Council does not approve the grant application.
DISCUSSION: There are two significant projects that the city would benefit from through the HSGP. They are as follows:
• Quantitative Threat Characterization of Unknown Substances for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Response;
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Communications and Information Technology Equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT: The CBRNE grant application is $64,777 and will be used for the purpose of updating portable detection equipment as well as training on the new equipment. The EOC grant application is $60,605 and will be used to install amateur radio antennas to enhance additional radio capabilities. In addition, the grant will support the purchase of switches, chassis and servers to improve operational coordination, operational communication and situational assessment. There is no local funding match required for either project. Both CBRNE projects will not require any additional operating support or replacement as funding from other grants and the Fire Department’s Operating budget already support these materials. The EOC equipment will be replaced under standard capital replacement through the capital replacement process.
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Morgan Routt, Budget Director
Corey A. Smedley, Deputy Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator