HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02122013 - D.1RECOMMENDATION(S):
Approve and authorize the Health Services Director, or designee, to execute, on behalf of the County, Contract
Amendment Agreement #23-333-6 with Fitch & Associates, LLC, a Limited Liability corporation, effective January
9, 2013, to amend Contract #23-333-5, to increase the total payment limit by $368,500 from $95,000 to a new total
payment limit of $463,500, and extend the term from December 31, 2013 to January 31, 2014.
Approve the transfer of $170,000 in County General Fund from the County Administrator's Office to the Health
Services Department, Service Area EM-1 Zone B.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment is funded by 63% Measure H funds and 37% County General Fund. The $170,000 County General
Fund share will be transferred from the County Administrator's Office to Health Services, Service Area EM-1 Zone B
(cost center 7406).
BACKGROUND:
On December 11th, 2012 the Board of Supervisors directed Contra Costa
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 02/12/2013 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Patricia Frost
313-9560
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: February 12, 2013
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc: J Pigg, D Gary
D. 1
To:Board of Supervisors
From:William Walker, M.D.
Date:February 12, 2013
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Amendment #23-333-6 with Fitch & Associates, LLC
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
Health Services Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to conduct an independent EMS System re-evaluation and to
report findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. The Board further directed EMS and County
administrator to work together to expand the study to include an evaluation of fire services related to EMS. In
November 2011, the County Administrator approved and the Purchasing Services Manager executed Contract
#23-333-3 (as amended by Contract Extension Agreements #23-333-4 and #23-333-5) with Fitch & Associates,
LLC, to conduct an independent study and evaluation of County’s Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”)
funding, identify potential new funding, and present the results to the Health Services Director, for the period
from October 24, 2011 through December 31, 2013.
Approval of Contract Amendment Agreement #23-333-6 will allow Contractor to conduct an expanded study for
the County’s EMS Modernization Project, through January 31, 2014.
This project is envisioned to identify strategic objectives to assist in making public policy decisions for the future
delivery of EMS and community healthcare to residents and visitors of Contra Costa County. Including but not
limited to:
• Evaluate current and alternative fire first responder and ambulance EMS service delivery to effectively respond
to incidents of acute illness or injury
• Establish mechanisms to achieve appropriate response to disasters, multiple casualty incidents, and other events
requiring additional surge capacity of providers
• Review and update ambulance ordinance to support EMS System enhancement
• Review dispatch procedures and protocols based on best evidence beneficial to patient outcomes
• Strategically enhance EMS services to match healthcare resources with patients’ illnesses, injuries, or social
needs
• Integrate EMS service delivery into County’s system to include prevention, early identification, resource
allocation, care delivery, transportation, and definitive care
• Prepare system for modern out-of-hospital initiatives for EMS providers such as, treat and release, alternative
destinations, referral to most appropriate resources, community paramedicine, etc.
• Expand funding sources and allocate resources to further accomplish system objectives
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this amendment is not approved, the Contractor will not provide the additional study that will evaluate short and
long term actions to address substantive issues impacting EMS, fire, ambulance and community healthcare in
Contra Costa County.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not Applicable.
CLERK'S ADDENDUM
Speakers: Raymond Bradley, Chief of Orinda-Moraga Fire Protection District; Jack Barton, Chief of San
Ramon Valley Fire District; Darryl Louder, Chief of Contra Costa Fire Protection District; Vince Wells,
President, Local 1230; Leslie Mueller, American Medical Response; Vito Impastato, Local 1230; Lance
Maples, Chief of El Cerrito Fire Protection District; Bill Granados, Fire Advisory Commission. ACCEPTED
and APPROVED the recommendations as presented; DIRECTED this matter be referred to the Public
Protection Committee and the Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors for their consideration
at their next meeting, and that they be provided with regular updates on the status of the study.
ATTACHMENTS
EMS Modernization Project
CCCFPD Evaluation Prtoject
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 1
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY EMS MODERNIZATION PROJECT
Overview
Fitch & Associates proposes to conduct an evaluation of the Contra Costa County EMS system
utilizing a “greenfield” or “whiteboard” approach. These methodologies begin with no
preconceptions that the current system is doing what is should be doing and in the manner that
produces the greatest benefit.
This structured process allows questioning of the status quo; including services and the manner
they are delivered, performance requirements, roles, goals, and visions for the future. All
options are available for consideration, and it allows for potential fundamental changes in
funding, structure, and activities.
The evaluation process will have two overriding objectives:
1. To recommend actions and decisions based on benefits to patients and the community.
2. To recommend roles and activities based on value – cost versus benefit.
Focus Areas for Scope of Work
The proposed scope of work dated October 24, 2012 forms the basis of the EMS modernization
project. An addition to the scope is to identify short term actions to address substantive issues
impacting EMS. These include: the closure of fire stations and the reduction of resources
available for medical first response, and changes in the healthcare facility capabilities and needs
within Contra Costa County.
The consulting team will focus on these immediate issues and use a shortened multi-phase
process as described later in this document to develop recommendations for the County.
These recommendations will include short-term action steps designed to mitigate and respond
to the urgent challenges. Within 30 days of the initiation of the process the Board of
Supervisors will receive these recommendations for action.
Another enhancement to the initial proposed scope of work is to evaluate alternative models of
delivery of medical first response. We will work closely with fire agencies to evaluate options
for the provision of medical first response within Contra Costa County.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 2
Eight-phase Project Work Plan
We have organized our work into eight phases. In each phase, we describe the purpose of the
phase and what will be included in completing it. The work plan starts with establishing the
scope and process, involves comprehensive data collection, and concludes with the final report.
All eight phases will be completed within 40 weeks.
Figure 1. Eight-phase Work Plan
Phase 1—Initiate Project
Phase one is designed to confirm the project schedule and deliverables and to initiate
information gathering procedures. The first task involves conducting Level “1” interviews with
key members of the EMS system. These will include individual meetings with important
stakeholders including:
County Representatives
Community leaders
Dispatch representatives
Fire Agency Leadership
Medical Director
Hospital, Health Care Systems, and Health Care Plan Representatives
Emergency ambulance service provider
CCT, BLS and interfacility ambulance service providers
EMS Agency representatives
The Level “1” interviews provide a candid opportunity to meet with the policy makers of the
EMS system and to get a clear foundation for the expectations of the project’s goals,
management, and outcomes. Included is the reaching of agreement on the framework of the
evaluation, a commitment of resources and support to the project, and the initiation of direct
dialogue for troubleshooting. The important end-point of phase one is an understanding the
expectations of key system leaders and setting the stage for a successful project.
Phase 1
Initiate Project
Phases 2 –5
Materials & Data Collection
Onsite Interviews & Direct Observation
Stakeholder Input
Phases 6 –7
Data Compilation & Client Input
Benchmarking & Compliance Assurance
Define Future State
Phase 8
Report Results
Comprehensive Data Collection Expert Analysis
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 3
Phase 2-Materials and Data Collection
Following the Level “1” interviews, we will utilize an Information and Data Request (IDR)
instrument to collect detailed information from the County, communications center, fire
agencies, ambulance provider, and medical stakeholders. The Fitch & Associates’ IDR has been
used in hundreds of organizations over the last 27 years, but will be modified and targeted to
meet the specific objectives of this project. Use of this instrument allows us to access key
information about your system and compare your results to other organizations. The
instrument is delivered in an electronic format with a defined deadline for completion. The IDR
data is essential for shaping initial questions, guiding onsite planning, and shortening follow up
requests for materials. Thorough and timely review, completion, and submission of the data
expedite the completion of the project.
The IDR component ensures the project team fully understands the current state of the system
and forecast the essential elements of the on site evaluation. Commitment to participating in
phase two sets a strong foundation for the project’s success.
Phase 3—Onsite Interviews and Direct Observation
Prior to the initiation of phase three, the project team will have thoroughly reviewed all
materials compiled and submitted as part of the IDR process as well as the notes from the Level
“1” interviews. The deployment analysis will be in progress. In Phase 3, we will visit with
individuals at various levels of the organization including:
EMS Agency management and staff
Fire Administration
Elected Officials
County Administration
Labor groups
Healthcare system representatives
Receiving hospital personnel
Dispatch/PSAP management
Ambulance contractor personnel
Physicians involved in EMS
Medical Director
Information Management personnel from County, Contractor, Dispatch Centers, etc.
Others
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 4
The majority of the interactions will occur in either one-on-one or small group interviews
around specific processes or operational functions (e.g. dispatch, first response, etc.).
Phase 3 is an important component of the review. It allows the consultants to take what they
have discovered through the IDR process and add to it by interviewing key stakeholders and
observing operational practices. During and immediately following this phase, it is common for
the project team to determine what additional information is required.
Phase 4—Stakeholder Input
It is impossible to fully appreciate how a large system operates without seeking broad input
from a variety of stakeholders. Through the use of stakeholder meetings, system participants
from various entities within the EMS system have an open forum to engage in dialogue about
the system, understand history, identify best practices, and highlight opportunities for the
future. In Phase 4, the project team will host multiple group meetings. Invitations will be open
to system participants and the process will be facilitated by an experienced team member. The
group sessions will be scheduled for two hours, but will go as long as the group requires.
Information developed from the groups will be included with the data collected in the first
three phases.
Phase 5—Data Compilation and Client Input
At the conclusion of Phase 5, the project team will have collected a large amount of data from
requested materials, interviews, and stakeholder meetings. After comprehensive review, the
data will be organized and catalogued to facilitate the building of a logical report that meets the
scope of work of the project and any additional areas identified. The consultants will visit with
targeted system participants to review specific data, ask follow up questions, and gain added
perspective to ensure appropriate understanding of what the results reflect. This will conclude
requests for data from the client or any of its related entities.
Phase 6—Benchmarking Process
In this phase, the project team will review the data collected from the Contra Costa County’s
EMS system and compare it to available benchmark data, key industry standards, contemporary
research, and with other systems of similar model and demand that are in the Firm’s database
of client reviews.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 5
Phase 7—Define Future State
A key outcome of the project is to provide you with a clear understanding of the EMS system’s
current performance, prioritized actions for improvement, and recommend potential future
states. The County seeks to determine creative ways efficiencies and effectiveness could be
improved and seeks to objectively review potential options for delivering cost-effective high
quality EMS.
In Phase 7, the project team will develop a list of recommendations for improving processes to
effectively integrate the activities of system participants to provide EMS consistent with
industry benchmarks. The recommendations will be designed to ensure:
Equity of response times,
Quality clinical care,
Appropriate utilization of resources,
Integration of healthcare providers, and
Cost-effective delivery of services.
The report will outline multiple options for future actions and options for the EMS system and
discuss the pros, cons, and financial impact of each. This phase will be where the key results of
the project come together.
The specific tasks required regarding the evaluation of the existing EMS agreements and
recommendations for provisions to be included in future agreements to improve clarity of
expectations, accountability, transparency, and funding allocations will be undertaken and
developed in this phase
Phase 8—Report Results
The deliverables from Phases 1 through 7 will be consolidated into a formal narrative report. A
discussion draft of the report will be provided for review as decided in conjunction with the
County’s project lead. The final report will be delivered electronically within the 40-week
project time frame.
The results will formally be presented in person at the conclusion of the project. This will also
allow stakeholders to have a question and answer session with members of the consulting
team. The presentation will occur at a time and location mutually agreed upon with the County.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
EMS Modernization Project Page 6
Deliverables
The specific deliverables for the Contra Costa County project include tangible products and
intangible benefits. The intangible benefits are derived from the face-to-face interaction with
system stakeholders through interviews, surveys, and group presentations and forums.
The tangible deliverables will be comprised of an initial presentation and summary of short-
term action steps recommended to address the immediate issues and a final comprehensive
report with sections addressing each of the scope areas. The acceptance of the
recommendations in the final report will form the basis to develop the RFP for the county’s
emergency ambulance service provider.
Work Plan and Timetable
The Proposed Scope of Services Yields Desired Outcomes
The proposed scope of work demonstrates that we understand the desired outcome and have
proposed projects and tasks to achieve that outcome. A table for each of the proposed phases,
activities, and time frames is attached to describe the project more clearly. We have outlined
the projects and tasks based upon accomplishing the project within a 40-week completion
schedule.
Fee Estimate
Fitch & Associates estimates that the project will require more than 700 consultant hours. We
propose a project price with progress payments made based on milestones completed.
Professional fees for the project are $175,000. Travel and expenses are estimated at $23,500.
The total price of the project is $198,500, inclusive of travel and expenses.
Contra Costa EMS Project Timeline
1 to 2 3 to 4 5 to 6 7 to 8 9 to 10 11 to 12 13 to 14 15 to 16 17 to 18 19 to 20 21 to 22 23 to 24 25 to 26 27 to 28 29 to 30 31 to 32 33 to 34 35 to 36 37 to 38 39 to 40
Immediate Action Steps
1.1 Identify needed interviews
1.2 Schedule onsite
1.3 Conduct interviews
1.4 Analyze Isssues
1.4 Develop immediate action recommendations
1.5 Present recommendations
Phase 1 Initiate Project
1.1 Finalize scope and schedule
1.2 Identify level "1" interviews
1.3 Schedule onsite
1.3.a Draft interview schedule
1.4 Level "1" interviews
1.5 Review interview data
Phase 2 Materials & Data Collection
2.1 Identify entities & responsible contact(s)
2.2 Identify & request financial documents
2.3 Modify IDR for system & respondents
2.4 Distribute IDRs
2.5 Distribute call data request
2.6 Monitor data collection progress
2.7 Receive materials & data
2.8 Organize & catalog
2.9 Consultant review of materials & data
Phase 3 On-Site Interviews & Direct Observation
3.1 Identify level "2," 3"," & "4" interviewees
3.2 Schedule onsite
3.2.a Draft interview schedule
3.2.b Schedule communication center visits
3.2.c Schedule observation activities
3.3 Develop interview outcomes
3.4 Onsite interviews & observations
3.5 Organize & catalog
3.6 Consultant review of data
Phase 4 Stakeholder Input
4.1 Identify venues
4.2 Schedule meetings & distribute invitations
4.3 Develop stakeholder questions
4.4 Conduct stakeholder group(s)
4.5 Consultant review of data
Phase 5 Data Compilation, Analysis & Client Input
5.1 Consultant review of collective data
5.2 Analyze financial data
5.3 Analyze call demand and location data
5.4 Create maps for drive & response time, EOA
5.5 Quantify revenue for EOA
5.6 Follow up contact of client system members
Phase6 Benchmarking & Compliance Assurance
6.1 Identify similar & best practice systems
6.2 Benchmark EMS system
6.3 Compliance review
Phase 7 Define Future State
7.1 Develop future states
Phase 8 Report Results
8.1 Drafting of report
8.2 Discussion draft
8.3 Client review & input
8.4 Drafting of final report
8.5 Final report delivery (Electronic Format)
8.6 Final report presentation
Note: Predicted timelines are estimates. Multiple tasks may be in progress simultaneously and tasks may be completed earlier and/or later than estimated depending
on project activities and progression. Exception - the draft report and final report will be delivered on time.
Phase/Task Week Week
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 1
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
EVALUATION AND OPTIONS APPRAISAL PROJECT
Fire Project Overview
Contra Costa County seeks to determine the optimal fire and first response coverage that can be
provided within the County Fire Protection District’s defined fiscal limitations. There is a clear
understanding at the outset that alternative service delivery methodologies, station deployment
and staffing may be required to achieve the objective. Developing an implementable model
requires a highly collaborative approach that engages system stakeholders. To that end Fitch &
Associates proposes the following scope.
Jurisdictions throughout the country, and especially in California, are facing a new reality in the
provision of public services. Fiscal resources are unable to sustain the traditional methods and
scope of providing services to the community. Concurrently, the taxpayers are unwilling to
increase their contributions to fund the status quo, let alone increased service levels.
In this environment, it is incumbent on government to explore options for the delivery of
essential services. This proposal is designed to investigate options for the fire service in Contra
Costa County.
One essential activity adopted by fire departments is the response to medical emergencies. This
accounts for the vast majority of fire responses. Contra Costa County is undertaking a separate
study for the modernization of its EMS system. This will result in recommendations for change to
the fire service role in medical response, but making operational changes to the fire service role in
EMS cannot be undertaken without fully understanding the impact on, and accounting for, other
aspects of the fire service’s mission. Fire suppression, prevention, disaster response, homeland
security, inspections, and training are among the fire service activities.
This proposal is integrated with the separate, but related, proposal for EMS system
modernization. We propose a team of experts in fire service explore and recommend options for
the Contra County Fire Department to respond to funding cuts while preparing for the fire
agency’s future service delivery in an operationally effective, efficient, and sustainable manner.
Scope of Work
1. Document Existing Service Levels
This element is essential to understand how the County currently meets its scope of service
requirements, evaluates risk, determines station and asset location based upon NAED, APCO,
NFPA, ISO and other relevant standards. Key elements of the analysis will include a detailed
review of call intake/communications center processes, an appraisal of standards of cover,
travel distance/time, coverage, response time, workload and call distribution. Fitch will
evaluate the agency’s capabilities as an “All Hazards Department” including risk assessment
and mitigation planning for specialized rescue, natural and man-made hazards (e.g.
earthquake, flood, wild land fire, landslides, dam failures), Haz-mat sites, transportation,
critical facilities and homeland security. Fitch will undertake a detailed geographic and
demand-based service delivery modeling and GIS Mapping technologies.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 2
2. Service Impacts of Station Changes
Fitch will analyze projected community growth, physical barriers, infrastructure, target
hazard occupancies, land use, traffic patterns, socio-economic factors and political climate.
We will identify impacts of changes to services, facilities, staffing, apparatus and fleet
services, training and information management based on that analysis.
3. Staffing Levels and Practices
Staffing levels and practices necessary to support recommended operational changes will be
evaluated. This will include location and configuration of stations, scheduling of personnel
and composition of staff, potential additional staff and cooperation/coordination of efforts
with other internal city agencies.
4. Internal Alignment of Responsibilities and Relationships
We will seek to understand current alignment and relationships. Fitch will provide
recommendations regarding reporting relationships and the utilization of both uniformed
and civilian personnel, including levels of authority and responsibility and the manner in
which efforts are planned, directed, coordinated, supervised and evaluated. Job descriptions,
work schedules and platoon structure will also be reviewed.
5. Optimized Deployment
Fitch will utilize its expertise to objectively determine options to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of department operations as it relates to the deployment (response model),
response times, safety and productivity including optimizing response options.
6. Current Response Model and Best Practice Comparison
Current response data will be analyzed and profiled with visual mapping models. Fitch will
provide recommendations based on industry “best practices” and current CAD software for
response data analysis and modeling tools/software that would allow for ongoing just-in-time
analysis, compliance to standards analysis and demonstrative impact analysis of hypothetical
operational, deployment and facility changes.
8. Prevention and Ancillary Support Programs
Prevention is an essential element in fire-life safety. We will analyze and provide
recommendations, additions and changes to current prevention programs, public information
and education and support service activities consistent to provide an optimal level of service
within defined cost limits.
9. Demographics, Growth, Incident Patterns and Strategies for Effectiveness & Efficiency
Fitch will analyze past, current and projected city growth, fire/EMS and other emergency-
related incident patterns, including type, frequency and distribution of all calls for service by
type and the level and quality of the current service, to develop long-term strategies to
improve efficiency and effectiveness of services.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 3
10. Ensure Broad Stakeholder Engagement Throughout the Project
Fitch will provide multiple opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to provide
input at multiple points during the consultation. These will include stakeholder meetings
facilitated by an experienced fire team member, interviews with key stakeholders, electronic
surveys and other input tools to achieve the objective.
To fully address the scope of work, Fitch will recommend current and future response,
operational and business targets using contemporary research. We will quantify resource
implications required to achieve these targets and describe opportunities and risks associated
with each option presented. Based upon the synthesis of all inputs, recommendations will be
made regarding structure, functions, staffing, deployment and fleet configurations. This
information is organized into a written report and summarized for presentation to local officials.
Methodology
The work of the Contra Costa County Fire project is organized in eight phases. In the initial phase
we meet key leaders, develop a broader understanding of your perspective and finalize the work
plans. In phases two through five, the primary data collection and analysis occurs. During phases
six and seven, we assimilate the information it a report format, draft the plan and work with you
to shape it to be uniquely yours. In phase eight, the plan is finalized for approval and
implementation.
Fitch proposes to use a collaborative approach that will blend local knowledge with information
provided by subject matter experts in a highly defined process to achieve the objectives. The team
approach is illustrated below.
The work plan developed in phase one of the project for your approval will further define the
interactions between administration, fire leadership and other stakeholders including community
consultation processes.
County & Fire Leaders
Team Members
Public Officials
Fire Administration
Local Unions
County Staff
Fitch & Associates
Jay Fitch, PhD
Rick Keller
Guillermo Fuentes
Jim Broman
Dianne Wright
Tom Somers
Methodology
and
Framework
Subject Matter
Expertise, Best
Practices
Knowledge of
Local Issues
Leadership
and Commitment
Project Team
Fitch & Associates
Rick Keller
Jay Fitch, PhD
Guillermo Fuentes
Jim Broman
Knowledge
Collaboration
MilestonesEmpowerment
Focus
ExecutionExecution
Coordination
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 4
Project Management
Our project management is a disciplined and structured process. Key activities are clearly
outlined and logically organized to produce specific deliverables within the defined period of time.
We will review our progress against the work plan on a bi-weekly basis to ensure that we are
progressing according to plan. Any deviations will be flagged immediately and appropriate action
taken, through discussion with you, to address issues.
An Experienced Team
Fitch has a nearly 30-year track record conducting evaluations and planning projects for
emergency service organizations in nearly 1,000 communities. Examples of relevant fire related
projects include:
• City of Las Vegas, NV Fire Department (on behalf of City of North Las Vegas and Clark
County) — Regional fire and EMS communications study for the largest departments in
Nevada.
• City of Richmond, VA — Comprehensive Fire Master Plan for Virginia’s capital city
Optimized resource deployment, staffing and apparatus changes for both fire and EMS
first response capacity.
• Hong Kong (China) —Strategy for modernization and implementation of MPDS processes
for department that serves nearly 8 million people in the core city and surrounding
islands.
• Lacey, WA — FPD #3 (serves City of Lacey and Thurston County FPD). Comprehensive
business process and deployment review in a politically complex environment.
• Hanover Park, IL – Business process and deployment review and evaluation of service
expansion.
• City of Natchez/Adams County, MS — Comprehensive fire service capacity review, rating
enhancement and negotiation of long term service agreement between the county and its
largest city.
• Pinellas County, FL — Evaluation of multiple EMS and fire plans involving potential EMS
service level changes for 18 fire departments. Project involved quantifying the impact on
fire deployment and suppression capabilities for a county that has unique risk factors and
920,000 residents.
There are seven key personnel responsible for accomplishing your project. Of these, three are
partners with the firm. Five are active or recently retired fire service executives with extensive
planning experience. Members of our team have had experience developing sustainable plans
previously implemented by the County as well as multiple projects across the State of California.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 5
Key members of the Contra Costa Fire Project Team include:
Team Member Position Primary Responsibilities
Richard A Keller Founding Partner, Fitch & Associates, 27
years with the firm.
Project Partner, overall project
leadership and coordination. Financial
review; evaluation of budget and cost
models
Joseph (Jay) Fitch,
PhD
Founder, Fitch & Associates, 28 years with
the firm. Municipal fire district board
member, 15 years.
Fire project director, stakeholder input,
organizational change management and
development of conceptual models for
Contra Costa County fire service
Guillermo Fuentes,
MBA
Partner, 10 years with the firm, extensive
experience in information systems
management and CAD/GIS mapping
development; he has the distinction of
having had two dispatch centers accredited
as centers of excellence; former Chief
Administrative Officer Niagara (Ontario)
Regional Police Agency.
Data collection, deployment plan and
optimization of system operations;
personnel workload analyses,
development of multiple deployment
models
Chief James Broman,
MPA
Consultant, Two years with the firm —40+
years in fire service; most recently Fire
Chief of Lacey Fire District in Thurston
County, WA; previously served as Chief, City
of Englewood, CO. Chaired professional
development committee; IAFC.
Stakeholder input; risk assessment;
interface organizational and governance
plans across multiple jurisdictions
Michael Ward, MBA Senior Consultant, 2 years with the firm – 35
years emergency services provider/leader
in fire and EMS. Mr. Ward is the author of
the Fire Officer Principles and Practices
jointly published by IAFC and NFPA.
Stakeholder input, assist in translating
fire needs into tangible deployment
plans; detailing of fire personnel needs
and workload analysis; input regarding
risk and impact on ISO rating
Captain Tom Somers Senior Consultant, 6 years with the firm–
30 years California fire service experience.
Currently serving in communications
division, Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Communications and data assessment
and support; stakeholder input, risk
mitigation plan
Dianne G. Wright,
MPA
Senior Consultant, 15 years with the firm–
10 years fire and EMS administration with
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, 30 years
experience in Florida county and municipal
budgeting and finance
Develop budget models based on various
deployment plans for comparison
purposes; identification of indirect
support functions and costing models
Fitch will accomplish each of the scope within a 40 week time frame. Individual milestones to be
achieved will be developed as part of phase one – detailed plan for approval by the county.
Scope and Fees for Contra Costa County Fitch & Associates, LLC
Fire Protection District Options Appraisal Page 6
Fee Estimate
Fitch & Associates estimates that the project will require more than 600 consultant hours. We
propose a project price with progress payments made based on milestones completed.
Professional fees for the project are $150,000. Travel and expenses are estimated at $20,000.
The total price of the project is $170,000, inclusive of travel and expenses.