AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2025-25R, approving an amendment to the contract with Westnet, Inc., for the First-In Fire Station Alerting System with automated voice dispatch and fire stations First-In Alerting Smart Station System that reduces emergency response times to provide for ongoing software and hardware maintenance in the amount of $39,954.54 annually, with up to three additional one-year renewals; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the contract amendment and any renewals on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: February 18, 2025
Department: Fire Department - Les Stephens, Fire Chief
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $39,954.54
Account Number: 10002135 52395
Funds Available: $39,954.54
Account Name: Software License and Maintenance
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: On July 5, 2022, City Council approved Resolution 2022-146R for the purchase and installation of a First-In Fire Station Alerting System with automated voice dispatch system and fire station First-In Alerting Smart Station System for $645,554.44.
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Background Information:
This is the ongoing software and hardware maintenance in the annual amount of $39,954.54 for the First-In Fire Station Alerting System with automated voice dispatch system and Fire Stations First-In Alerting Smart Station System. The Fire Department is budgeting for an annual increase of 5% annually.
The use of this technology reduces emergency response times by electronically alerting/dispatching responders while the call taker is still collecting information from the 911 caller. This saves valuable seconds on every emergent fire and EMS call throughout our community.
A fire station alerting system is a communication and dispatch tool designed to notify firefighters of emergencies as soon as they happen. It works by integrating with our dispatch center to deliver alerts using audio <https://www.firstinalerting.com/products/automated-voice-dispatch?hsLang=en>, visual, and digital signals, updating crews in real time. Westnet’s First-In Fire Station Alerting System is a zoned notification system utilizing a series of remote alerting modules placed strategically throughout the fire station to notify fire and EMS personnel of an emergency call in the quickest, safest, and most advanced means possible. Station alerting systems <https://www.firstinalerting.com/fire-station-alerting?hsLang=en> improve efficiency, reduce response times, enhance situational awareness, and support firefighter safety by providing accurate and timely emergency information.
Under the authority of Local Government Code Chapter 271, the City is authorized to participate in cooperative purchasing programs to include the Houston-Galveston Area Cooperative (HGAC) contract. WestNet, Inc., was awarded HGAC contract #EC07-23 for these services.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of this contract amendment.