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52 <br /> <br />Phase One: "Where are we now?" <br />Phase One is a thorough review of the current status of fire/rescue services in Orange County, <br />examining organizational structures, staffing, resources, operating and capital budgets, and <br />current service delivery profiles. <br />The resulting data would be analyzed compared to Federal and state laws and regulations that <br />apply to fire and rescue operations, such as: <br />Fire Prevention and Protection Act, 1997 <br />State Public Fire Safety Guidelines <br />National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 and 1720 pertinent to the <br />organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical <br />operations, and special operations to the public by career and volunteer fire and EMS <br />departments <br />Data collected will parallel to the greatest extent practicable that necessary for any fire/rescue <br />organization choosing to work towards achieving national accreditation. The approved final <br />work product from Phase One would become the baseline for determining Phases Two and <br />Three. <br />County staff further recommends the Phase One final work product be presented to the public <br />through one or more input and feedback sessions using an external facilitator. Findings from <br />the feedback sessions would assist the steering committee in developing the formal RFP for <br />Phase Two. The BOCC would approve the contract award for Phase Two. Phase One should <br />take approximately 3-6 months from contract execution and cost an estimated $20,000- <br />$25 000. The expert facilitation of public sessions is estimated at $5000-$7500. <br />Phase Two: "Where do we want to go?" <br />Phase Two is an environmental analysis focusing on fire/rescue services delivery in a modern <br />and increasingly urban community with changes anticipated in population, demographics, <br />urban development, the transportation network and other factors over the next five to ten <br />years. The consultant would be directed to return with projections and scenarios for providing <br />the most appropriate level of services within Orange County, identifying the risk factors, trigger <br />points, and resource requirements involved in decision making. Phase Two maw <br />approximately 3-6 months from contract execution and cost an estimated $25,000-$35,000. <br />Phase Three: "How do we get there?" <br />Phase Three is the development of a collaborative and detailed action plan built upon <br />community values, best industry practices, risk management, and fiscal responsibility. The <br />completed. report would provide a strategy and financial roadmap for delivering a defined and <br />acceptable level of fire/rescue services throughout the County. The ultimate "vision" on level <br />of service and ability to pay is a decision to be made by the appointed and elected leadership <br />based on sound information and public participation. The BOCC is responsible for setting the <br />annual fire district tax rates and authorizing the annual budget for Emergency Services with <br />related revenue from fire inspection fees. Phase Three may take approximately 6-8 months <br />from contract execution and cost an estimated $35,000-$45,000. <br />Initiating Phase One <br />