Title
a. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute a Standard Agreement with First Alarm, to provide remote fire alarm monitoring and scheduled inspection services at Probation’s Juvenile Hall, with a term retroactive to April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029, for an amount not to exceed $60,000; and
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute future amendments to the Agreement, provided that these amendments do not exceed an aggregate amount of $200,000 per fiscal year and fall within the signing authority of the County Purchasing Agent.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute a Standard Agreement with First Alarm, to provide remote fire alarm monitoring and scheduled inspection services at Probation’s Juvenile Hall, with a term retroactive to April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029, for an amount not to exceed $60,000; and
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute future amendments to the Agreement, provided that these amendments do not exceed an aggregate amount of $200,000 per fiscal year and fall within the signing authority of the County Purchasing Agent.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey, Probation Department, had an agreement with First Alarm for fire alarm monitoring and inspection services at the Juvenile Hall that expired on March 31, 2026. Although a new agreement was prepared in advance, negotiations over rates and terms caused delays, resulting in a lapse in coverage. The Probation Department still requires these essential services and is requesting approval of a new three-year agreement with First Alarm, retroactive to April 1, 2026, with a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000.
DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey entered into a Standard Agreement (Agreement) with First Alarm (Contractor) on April 3, 2020, to provide remote fire alarm monitoring, radio and antenna installation, and scheduled inspection services for the fire alarm system installed at the newly constructed Probation Juvenile Hall buildings. The Agreement was amended a total of four (4) times and recently expired on March 31, 2026.
The Probation Department has an ongoing need for the services covered under the Agreement beyond its March 31, 2026 expiration date. Although Probation prepared a new Agreement prior to the expiration, negotiations with the Contractor regarding rates and contract provisions resulted in processing delays, which ultimately led to a lapse in the Agreement.
Probation recommends approval of the new Agreement with First Alarm to ensure the continued provision of essential fire alarm monitoring and inspection services. The proposed Agreement is for a three (3) year term, with a retroactive start date of April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029, and a not-to-exceed amount of $60,000.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The proposed Agreement with First Alarm has been approved by the Office of County Counsel as to legal form and by the Auditor-Controller as to fiscal terms.
FINANCING:
This Agreement supports essential services for the Juvenile Hall. Funding for this Agreement in the amount of $60,000 is funded 57% by General Fund Contribution and 43% by the State's Juvenile Realignment programs. Sufficient appropriations and funding are included in Probation's FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget and FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget, for Appropriation Unit PRO001, Unit 8163. Subsequent fiscal years will be incorporated into the annual budget approval process. The recommended action results in no additional cost to the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports the Board of Supervisor Strategic Plan Goals of: a) Well-Being and Quality of Life, b) Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future, and c) Safe and Resilient Communities by maintaining the fire alarm equipment and monitoring services that are in compliance with local safety regulations, making it a safe environment for Juvenile Hall residents and Probation employees.
_X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Marcela Barbosa, Management Analyst II, Ext. 1100
Approved by: Jose Ramirez, Chief Probation Officer, Ext. 3913
Attachments:
FY 26-29 Agreement with First Alarm