TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Minh Tran - County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Leah Greenbaum - Emergency Services Officer
SUBJECT: Waiver of Competitive Bidding Requirements to Purchase Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle
RECOMMENDATION
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County Executive Officer and Emergency Services Officer requests a waiver of competitive bidding requirements and sole source award to VideoRay LLC of Pottstown, Pennsylvania for the purchase of an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the amount of $100,797, pursuant to County Ordinance § 2.36.090.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved certain actions related to the FY2020 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), including establishment of a capital asset in the amount of $100,797 for the purchase of an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Division will utilize the equipment to safeguard lives and property in local underwater environments.
Today’s requested action is to approve a waiver of competitive bidding requirements and sole source award to VideoRay LLC of Pottstown, Pennsylvania for the purchase of an ROV for $100,797.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Emergency Services |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Division will utilize this equipment to safeguard lives and property in local underwater environments. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Any future costs will be budgeted accordingly in Sheriff’s Office Operations budget |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Under the FY2020 HSGP, purchase of the VideoRay ROV has been approved by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If not approved, grant funding for this item will be forfeited. |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Effective and Open Government |
Healthy, Safe, and Welcoming Place to Live, Work, and Visit
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The FY2020 HSGP plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient Nation. The building, sustainment and delivery of these core capabilities are not exclusive to any single level of government, organization or community, but rather, require the combined effort of the whole community. The FY2020 HSGP supports core capabilities across the five mission areas of Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. California’s HSGP administers funds for the purpose improving:
1. Information Analysis and Sharing
2. Critical Infrastructure Protection
3. Enhance Cyber Security
4. Communications Capabilities
5. Medical and Health Preparedness
6. Violent Extremism Prevention
7. Community Resilience
8. Food and Agriculture Security
9. All Hazards Planning, Response & Recovery
10. Exercise, Evaluation and Training Programs
As required in the Cal OES FY2020 HSGP grant guidance, the proposed expenditure plan was developed in consultation with the Approval Authority Body (“Gang of 5”) composed of the Napa County Sheriff, the County Public Health Officer, the County Fire Chief, the City of Napa Fire Chief and the City of Napa Police Chief.
On March 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved certain actions related to the FY2020 HSGP, including establishment of a capital asset in the amount of $100,797 for the purchase of an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Since that time, Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Division has researched and/or tested ROVs from numerous vendors, including VideoRay, Deep Trekker and RJE Oceanbotics. Staff felt the claw (grabbing) tool capable of being manipulated under water (exclusive to VideoRay), in addition to a 24-hour per charge battery life and on-site training set the VideoRay ROV apart from other equipment.
The County successfully completed a lengthy two part FEMA project review that entailed the submittal of an Environmental Historic preservation application as well as a Watercraft Approval application. After this lengthy review period, Napa County was notified by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 28, 2021 of approval for the VideoRay ROV.
Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Division will utilize the equipment in the local underwater environments of Lake Hennessey, Lake Berryessa and Napa River. Responsibilities include searching shoreline and water areas for evidence and recovery of those items, locating and investigating underwater crimes scenes, including accidents (swimming, scuba diving, boating and aircraft), investigating and retrieving water borne vehicles, salvage operations intended to assess the possible value of submerged objects and conducting emergency and/or rescue operations.
Today’s requested action will allow for the purchase of the VideoRay ROV, waiving competitive bidding requirements since there is no other apples-to-apples equipment and grant a sole source award to VideoRay LLC of Pottstown, Pennsylvania for the purchase of their ROV for $100,797.