At the new Plano Fire-Rescue Training Center, the burn prop buildings currently uses Fireblast training props with the Talon Control System manufactured by Fireblast Global, Inc. This supplier was selected during the original construction effort using a Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) Process. With safety being the primary concern in live fire training environments, it is imperative to keep the same manufacturer of props and controls. Best safety practices dictate the need to have consistency in training props and controls for the burn props for staff familiarity of operation and maintenance.
As part of a phased prop procurement approach, this group of props will complement the original group of props that were installed with the previous construction effort. Just as future props will be procured to compliment this equipment.
The total cost of this purchase will be $986,308 with funding coming from Fire Department account 552.8416.
If not awarded, Plano Fire-Rescue would not have the planned equipment for this phase of fire training props and could not use this portion of the training facility for its intended purpose. Training would have to continue to just be on the original group of props, limiting the variations of training scenarios that the facility was built to provide.
The City is exempt from the competitive bid process for this purchase allowed by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 252 Subchapter B Section 252.022 (a)(7)(D). (City of Plano Internal Contract No. 2022-0584-X).