Council extends AED Brands contract, citing Project Heartbeat lifesaving work

San Diego’s City Council approved a one‑year extension of its agreement with AED Brands LLC for the San Diego Project Heartbeat program, allowing the city to continue a marketing partnership and accept a guaranteed $150,000 in fees that will support San Diego Fire‑Rescue’s AED deployment and outreach.

Sarah Brenna of Economic Development summarized the request, noting that AED Brands would pay a $100,000 guaranteed marketing fee plus a $50,000 minimum sales stipend and provide a dedicated regional sales representative to support program efforts. "The partnership helps ensure AEDs are available like fire extinguishers across the region," Brenna said.

Supporters argued the continuity of equipment and training is essential for consistent rescuer and public response; opponents in public comment urged caution about giving exclusive marketing or procurement privileges to a private vendor. A public commenter raised concerns about exclusive rights for private firms to benefit from city endorsement.

Councilmembers underscored the program’s lifesaving benefits and the need for standardization of equipment for training and field compatibility. Councilmember Campbell moved staff’s recommendation and noted the importance of AED availability; the motion passed in recorded vote with seven yes votes and two members absent.

Next steps: the contract extension will be executed and the marketing fee accepted by the CFO for the Fire Rescue EMS fund; staff said they will proceed with the competitive RFP process already underway after extending the contract to allow time for a revised procurement.