The San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) seeks proposals from qualified consulting firms to prepare an alternative governance and service review study evaluating nineteen rural agencies that provide fire protection services in San Joaquin County.

Question 1:  Conflicting language on Page 1 and Page 2 with respect to the inclusion of EMS in the MSR.

 EMS is intended to be part of the report for each district if that district provides EMS. 

The report is also intended to discuss the feasibility of methods that could allow integration of EMS services to a Joint Powers Agreement or other institutional arrangement contemplated for future governance.  The report needs to provide the data needed to allow all parties to make a rational decision as to integrate EMS with fire protection services, or other EMS delivery system that is clear to dispatch services. The financing of any EMS service delivery recommendations should be included in the report.

•           Do you have an estimated budget or range for this project? If so, can you share the budgeted amount?

SJLAFCO expects each bidder to present their best estimated budget for the scope of work listed in the RFP.

•           What is the expectation for the number of on-site visits desired for this project?

The anticipated number of on-site visits is a factor that bidders need to present and account for in their respective scope of services to be provided.

•           Is there an anticipated timeline for the evaluation of responses, vendor selection, or contract award? Do you have a preferred project start or end date?

The review of proposals and consultant selection is expected to take place during December 2024 with contract staring in January 2025 completed by December 31, 2025.

•           Does each agency have CAD and budget data in an Excel format? Do you anticipate any limitations or challenges in gathering data from each agency?

The fire dispatch center, Valley Regional Communication Center, has CAD information available.  Budget data is probably in Excel format as many rely on the services provided by the County Auditor/Controller Office.

•           Are the 19 fire districts supporting this study available to provide interviews and able to distribute stakeholder surveys as needed?

Yes, each fire district chief has had an opportunity to review and comment on the RFP and should be expecting to be contacted as part of the study effort.

•           In addition to the 19 fire districts, are there other fire departments that will need to participate in this study?

Yes, the fire departments of the cities of Manteca, Stockton, Lodi and Mountain House will need to participate in the study as well as CALFIRE.