Date:
September 15, 2026 02
To: Board of Supervisors
Title
Request for a Single Source Procurement for a New Cooperative Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for Continued Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services (Districts: All)
End
Overview
In 2008, the County of San Diego (County) Board of Supervisors (Board) established the San Diego County Fire Authority (County Fire) to coordinate fire protection and emergency response services to under-resourced fire protection districts and volunteer fire companies in the rural communities of the unincorporated region. In 2020, the San Diego County Fire Protection District (SDCFPD) was created to formalize the governance, boundary and latent powers for service, and provide a funding source from a dedicated portion of property taxes within the SDCFPD. By 2024, 20 formerly independent fire agencies consolidated into the SDCFP). To provide fire protection and emergency medical services, the County partners with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) through a cooperative agreement (Agreement). As of July 1, 2026, the County funds over 300 CAL Fire staff to provide paramedic-level responses at 21 fire stations, manages over 20 ambulances in the SDCFPD Ground Ambulance Service Area (ASA), and provides critical fire prevention efforts to help mitigate wildfires in our region.
The County’s current Agreement with CAL FIRE was approved by the Board on May 24, 2022 (3), for up to three years and two option years through June 30, 2027. Today’s request is to authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to enter into a contract with CAL FIRE for fire protection and emergency medical services and operating goods.
Body
Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize
the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting to ...
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