Title
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Training (Ordinance S-50710)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board (DFW) for Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Training for the Fire Department. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse funds required for this item.
Report
Summary
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Sky Harbor) has Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) capability. In order to maintain this capability, City of Phoenix Fire Department (PFD) firefighters stationed at Sky Harbor must train in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. These standards mandate that PFD firefighters train with live burn exercises each year, and every third year the training must be held at a facility with multiple, simultaneously burning full-scale aircraft. DFW meets or exceeds the Index D training facility requirements by the FAA.
There are very few large-scale training sites located across the United States that meet the Index D training facility requirements set by the FAA. ARFF requires a site with ample flight availability and proximity to allow an approximate 24-hour turnaround training for students. DFW is a large-scale training facility and meets the flight and proximity requirements.
DFW has taken exception to the indemnification and liability provisions in the contract. PFD is seeking an exception to Phoenix Code section 42-18 in allowing for indemnification against any liability, claim, loss, damage or expenses, including without limitation, reasonable attorney fees, arising from its negligent acts or omissions in connection with its performance of the agreement, or its failure to comply with the terms of the agreement, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. PFD is also seeking an exception to Phoenix Code section 42-18 in allowing a limitation of damages not to exceed $5,000,000.
Contract Term
The contract term shall begin on or about April 1, 2024 for a three-year term with no options to extend.
Financial Impact
Maximum total three-year contract value could be up to $415,000. The funds are available in the Aviation Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.