Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director, Department of Emergency Management
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with Genasys to provide a Countywide evacuation planning and operations platform
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Genasys to continue providing a Countywide evacuation planning and operations platform, extending the term by 13 months through June 30, 2027, and increasing the amount by $106,506 for a new total not to exceed amount of $744,106.
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BACKGROUND:
The ability to plan for and manage effective evacuations during natural disasters, hazardous materials events and other emergencies is critical to protect lives. Since 2019, the Department of Emergency Management has provided support to all response agencies in the county, cities and towns and for use in unincorporated areas.
Genasys Evac designates zones for all areas of the county which allows for effective planning, alert and notification and management of timely evacuations. About 500 emergency personnel from all fire and law agencies in San Mateo County now use the Genasys Evac platform.
DISCUSSION:
The County’s 2019 contract with Zonehaven, Inc. was for a zone-based evacuation planning and operations platform that integrates alert and warning channels, provides mapping and planning tools and a hazard library that aids with evacuation planning, drills and actual emergency responses, in addition to year-round 24-hour support and community outreach tools. Zonehaven was acquired by Genasys, and the County’s contract was amended in 2020 and 2022, with service contracted through May 23, 2026. The recommended 13-month extension would provide continuity of support to the 500 emergency response users in San Mateo County and would give the Department of Emergency Management sufficient time to complete a new, comprehensive and competitive procurement process that allows sufficient time to train and transition to a new system, if a new vendor proves more effective. The Department of Procurement approved Emergency Management’s request for a waiver for this proposed Amendment.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The amendment of this agreement ensures the continuation of well-known and tested evacuation planning and operations capabilities. Use of a countywide evacuation support platform supports mutual aid, operational coordination and efficiency and ensures individuals, families and neighborhoods are safer during emergencies.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The revised agreement with Genasys is for a term through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $744,104. This agreement is funded through the ESC-JPA member agencies, to which the County contributes 50 percent of total funding. Funding for this agreement will be included in the ESC-JPA FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget and there is no other impact to Net County Costs. Negotiations led to a subscription renewal that includes a discount of nearly 60%, and the County’s procurement through the ESC-JPA delivers economy of scale benefits to cities, towns and response agencies.