In a recent development, Belleville Fire and Emergency Services have announced their recommendation to accept the Request for Proposal (RFP) submission from the City of Peterborough for the Supply and Delivery of Fire Dispatch Services. The proposed contract is set to run for a 5-year term, totaling $2,100,410.09, which includes $241,640.10 HST. This recommendation comes as the sole qualified proposal received during the RFP process.
The decision to award the contract to the City of Peterborough follows a rigorous evaluation process by the Fire Management team. The City of Peterborough was the only bidder that met the specified requirements outlined in the RFP.
The transition to Peterborough as the dispatch provider comes as Belleville Fire and Emergency Services partners across Hastings County are in the process of transitioning to an alternative dispatch provider. The closure of dispatch services in Belleville was previously announced with a planned end date of no later than December 31st, 2023. Upon the execution of the contract, the transition process to Peterborough Fire Services will commence. Peterborough Fire Services has outlined a 9-week onboarding process that will begin concurrently with the closing of fire dispatch services in Belleville. The complete transition is expected to conclude in the 2024 calendar year, with a specific date to be determined.
One significant advantage noted during the RFP process is the shared radio communication contractor between the City of Peterborough and the City of Belleville. This shared infrastructure is expected to facilitate a smooth transition to the new dispatch provider.
Financially, the proposed contract cost for the five-year term is detailed as follows:
- Year 1: $1,858,769.99 (including HST)
- Year 2: $358,757.89
- Year 3: $371,314.42
- Year 4: $384,310.42
- Year 5: $397,761.28
The contract includes the option for a five-year extension, subject to mutual agreement by both parties, and rates during the extension period will not exceed the Ontario Annual Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate.
The decision to award the contract to the City of Peterborough was based on various assessment criteria, including their experience in dispatch, compliance with NG911 and NFPA standards, general knowledge of the project’s scope, and financial considerations.
This recommendation to accept the City of Peterborough’s RFP submission marks a significant step in ensuring continued effective dispatch services for Belleville Fire and Emergency Services and their partners in the region.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
