For City Council Meeting May 27, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Brian Park, Fire Chief
Title
Request the City Council: (1) Approve a Purchase Order with Forge Fire & Company for Modular Training Equipment in the Amount of $172,875.00, and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Necessary Contracts and Purchasing Documents.
(ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Approve the purchase of modular training equipment, and
2) Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute any necessary contracts or purchasing documents.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto’s Fire Department has an operational need for specialized training infrastructure. Due to the temporary closure of the Fire Station 203 training tower while environmental testing and PFAS investigations are underway, an interim solution is necessary to support in-service training and the upcoming firefighter academy scheduled for June 2025.
The purchase of modular training equipment will serve as a short-term solution to address immediate training needs during the closure, and will also provide a long-term accessory to the department’s broader training program even after permanent tower access is restored or rebuilt.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
To maintain essential fire, rescue, and EMS training standards, the Fire Department intends to acquire modular training equipment that can be deployed within the city. This will allow personnel to complete training while remaining in-service and available to respond to emergency calls locally-eliminating the inefficiencies and operational risks associated with traveling to other jurisdictions.
The selected equipment is designed for both adaptability and durability, making it suitable for immediate deployment during the Fire Station 203 closure and as a supplemental asset to enhance the department’s long-term training capabilities.
Given the urgency, specificity, and compatibility requirements, this will be a sole source purchase through Sourcewell, a nationally recognized cooperative purchasing agency. Sourcewell’s procurement framework satisfies public purchasing requirements and ensures competitive pricing and compliance.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA. Pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5), the procurement of modular training equipment constitutes a general administrative activity and has no direct or indirect physical environmental impacts.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action aligns with General Plan Guiding Policy 5-3.1: “Increase the City’s fire protection capabilities and implement fire prevention regulations and standards that minimize potential fire hazards and fire losses. Provide for fire personnel, equipment, and fire stations to have adequate and appropriate resources to meet the needs and serve all areas of Rialto.”
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
Funding for this purchase is available through Fire Department training revenues within the approved operating training budget. No additional appropriation is required.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact on the capital improvement budget.
Licensing
If applicable, prior to execution of the Professional Service Agreement/Purchase Order/Construction Contract, the vendor shall submit a business license application and pay a Business License tax, as well as Administration and State fees.