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Board approves contract with MSA for FEMA AFG reapplication after prior application error
Summary
The board approved a contract to have MSA reapply for FEMA AFG vehicle funding after the earlier application failed initial screening because of a company error; the motion passed 5–2 following debate about fleet needs and whether to request one or two vehicles.
The board approved a contract with MSA to prepare a reapplication to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) vehicle acquisition program after the prior application failed initial screening.
MSA's representative told the board the previous application did not pass initial screening primarily because staff or a contractor selected the wrong application dropdown and characterized the request as a "new purchase" rather than a replacement, which affected eligibility. The consultant apologized and said the company's staff made a clerical error and that the firm had requested FEMA clarification during the prior review.
Board members and fire department personnel discussed the department's aging fleet — several tenders averaging 34–39 years old — and the tradeoffs between applying for one vehicle (more likely to be awarded) versus two vehicles (riskier but could provide a larger fleet update if awarded). Fire staff argued the age of equipment and potential replacement costs (tank replacement an estimated ~$30,000; full installation upwards of ~$100,000) created a credible financial need narrative for the grant.
After debate and questions about past application deficiencies, a board member moved to approve the proposed contract for MSA to prepare the AFG reapplication and a second was offered. The board conducted a roll call and the motion passed with a recorded outcome of 5 yes and 2 no votes.
Board members instructed staff and MSA to work closely with the fire department to sharpen the financial‑need narrative, confirm the application scope (replacement vs. new purchase), and consider whether to seek funding for one or two vehicles in the next submission cycle.
