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Committee approves $350,000 pilot to modernize fire department medical-supply inventory
Summary
The committee approved a $350,000 innovation-fund appropriation to pilot RFID/Wi‑Fi tracking and inventory systems for the Fire Department—s medical supplies, aiming to reduce waste, improve readiness and enable predictive ordering.
The Innovation and Performance committee approved a $350,000 transfer from the Innovation Fund to pilot an inventory-management system for medical supplies used by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Chief Robert Barna (identified in the record as the project lead for the initiative) told the committee that repeated over-ordering, expired supplies and disconnected inventory systems have created inefficiencies. The pilot would test RFID tagging, Wi‑Fi connectivity at shops/stations and software to track stock levels and reduce waste. Presenters told the committee they currently lack full-time positions dedicated to inventory management and that connecting data streams and improving predictive ordering were central goals.
Committee members asked whether the project qualified for innovation-fund support rather than regular budget funding, noting other departments have built similar systems. Presenters said the pilot includes technology elements (RFID tagging, connectivity) and data-integration work that the department considered innovative and not fully budgeted. Committee members pressed for quantified savings and for coordination with other city programs that have implemented similar systems.
The committee—s recommendation established a new appropriation for the Fire Department—s inventory-management pilot, transferred $350,000 from Innovation Fund 105-10, and authorized the department to make technical modifications necessary to implement the project. The recommendation required the Fire Department to monitor expenditures and report back to the Innovation and Performance Commission on fund accounting, lessons learned and obstacles. The committee vote was recorded as in favor by Councilmember Rodríguez and Councilmember Bloomenfield; the motion passed.
