Submitted By: Tammi Haslam
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Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
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Department: Budget
FORMAL TITLE:
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Utilization of a cooperative purchasing agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for fire assessment study update services for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in an amount not to exceed $79,810
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala implemented a fire assessment program in Fiscal Year 2020-21 to support its fire rescue services. The assessment program structure was refined in Fiscal Year 2021-22 to provide a more equitable rate schedule. An additional update was conducted for implementation in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
The City is currently interested in updating the study for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Alfred Benesch & Company (formerly Tindale Oliver) has extensive experience with fire operations, funding options, and associated legal requirements and limitations, enabling it to provide the scope of services the City is interested in.
In February 2026, the Budget Department sought a procurement exception to piggyback the contract awarded to Alfred Benesch & Company by Lake County, Florida. Lake County competitively solicited public safety consulting services in 2024. Alfred Benesch & Company was the sole responsive bidder under Lake County’s solicitation. The Lake County contract was awarded for an initial term of one year with two one-year renewal options through December 31, 2026. Alfred Benesch & Company has agreed to extend pricing and services to the City of Ocala under the same terms and conditions as the Lake County agreement.
The City intends to piggyback on an existing contract with Lake County. The established time for performance is April 8, 2026, through December 31, 2026. No renewals are proposed.
The tasks to be completed as part of the study update include:
• Task 1 - Background Review and Methodology Review
• Task 2 - Update of Fire Assessment Methodology
o Task 2a - Identification of Full Cost of Services
o Task 2b - Analysis of Service Demand Using Proposed Methodology
o Task 2c - Calculation of Development Units
o Task2d - Calculation of Rates, Revenue Requirements
• Task 3 - Technical Report
• Task 4 - Legal Assistance
• Task 5 - Meetings and Presentations
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this service is budgeted in 001-019-019-522-52-31010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods and services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
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Deny
Provide alternate direction