Rural VFD Assistance Program Cost Share Rates and Guidelines

Rural VFD Assistance Program Cost Share Rates and Guidelines Element LARGE BRUSH TRUCK/TANKER Rate 90% of the actual cost no to exceed $200,000 in grant assistance per vehicle. For CAFS equipped vehicles, the maximum grant assistance per vehicle is $218,000 SMALL BRUSH TRUCK 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $100,000 in grant assistance per vehicle. For CAFS equipped vehicles, the maximum grant assistance per vehicle is $118,000 TRUCK CHASSIS 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $45,000 in grant assistance per small truck chassis or $90,000 per large truck chassis SLIP-ON MODULES RESCUE EQUIPMENT includes: SCBA Thermal Camera Extrication Equipment Cascade System Many other items-contact us with questions 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $18,000 in grant assistance. For CAFS equipped slip-on modules, the maximum grant assistance per module is $36,000 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $15,000 in grant assistance FIRE EQUIPMENT includes: Hose Emergency Lighting Portable Tank Generator Nozzles Flashlights Small Engine (Pump) 75% of the atual cost not to exceed $15,000 in grant assistance.

Fire Pump Ventilation Fans Ventilation Saws Ladders Many other items-contact us with questions STRUCTURAL GEAR See Structural PPE Guidelines for a list of eligible items 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $8,400 in grant assistance WILDLAND GEAR includes: Fire Shelters Wildland Boots See Wildland PPE Guidelines for a list of eligible items 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $8,400 in grant assistance TRAINING LIBRARY TRAINING EQUIPMENT includes: Projector Only DRY HYDRANTS TRAINING TUITION 100% of the actual cost not to exceed $8,000 in grant assistance 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $1,000 in grant assistance for an electronic projector 100% of the actual cost of components not to exceed $800 per installation 100% of the actual cost of tuition not to exceed $122 per day up to a maximum of $610 per trainee. The maximum grant assistance per school per department is $6,100. The ANNUAL MAXIMUM for all Training Tuition grant assistance per department is $12,000.

NOTICE TO PURCHASERS OF NEW FIRE TRUCKS The sale and lease of new motor vehicles in Texas is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 14, Regulation of Motor Vehicles and Transportation, Chapter 2301, Sale or Lease of Motor Vehicles. The law is administered and enforced by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). The law requires that vehicle manufacturers, converters, representatives, and franchised dealers be properly licensed and that they comply with certain standards of conduct. According to TXDOT interpretations, a franchised dealer, and only a franchised dealer, is legally allowed to sell a new fire truck in Texas. This applies whether the truck offered for sale is a manufactured vehicle or a converted vehicle. Manufactured Vehicles A fire truck that meets or exceeds the legal definition of a fire-fighting vehicle is considered a manufactured product and the entity that builds it is considered a manufacturer. Manufacturers cannot sell motor vehicles directly to consumers in Texas, including municipalities, and must have at least one franchised dealer located in the state in order to maintain their license. Converted Vehicles A fire truck that does not meet the legal definition of a fire-fighting vehicle is considered a converted product (conversion). It is a new motor vehicle chassis that has something substantial done to it prior to being sold to an end-user. The entity that builds it is considered a converter. Neither converters nor their representatives are allowed to sell converted vehicles directly to consumers. A new fire truck that is considered a conversion may only be sold to an end-user, including a municipality, by a Texas dealer franchised and licensed to sell the make of the chassis of the converted product. A licensed, franchised dealer must be listed as the seller or bidder of a new vehicle. This dealer must invoice the end-user for the entire purchase price of the vehicle including the conversion package, must obtain payment for the entire purchase price, and must perform the title work on the completed vehicle. 1. Comply with the law: WHAT SHOULD A FIRE DEPARTMENT DO? Determine that the manufacturer or converter of a fire truck is properly licensed to do business in Texas. Determine that the fire truck is to be sold to the end-user by a licensed franchised dealer. 2. Contact the TXDOT Motor Vehicle Division Licensing Section for information: Telephone: 877-366-8887 Website: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/txdot.htm Click on: Automobile Click on: Motor Vehicle Division Licensing The Texas Forest Service is providing this notice for educational purposes only, in an effort to promote compliance with the law. The final authority for communication, interpretation, and enforcement resides with the Texas Department of Transportation. Buyers and sellers of new fire trucks are encouraged to contact TXDOT directly for clarification and guidance. Failure to comply with the law may lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day.

Minimum Standards and Specifications For Firefighting Vehicles All firefighting vehicles funded under this program must meet the following minimum standards. These standards were developed to establish broad equipment categories for funding and review. They are not intended as bid ready equipment specifications. Departments are strongly encouraged to add capabilities and features as required to meet local needs. WEIGHT AND BALANCE The fully loaded and equipped operating weight of the vehicle must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle as determined by the manufacturer, nor the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the vehicle as determined by the manufacturer. The vehicle weight must be balanced so that the vehicle is easy to control. The vehicle center-of-gravity must be low enough to safely operate in curves and on side slopes. The vehicle must have effective brakes that can stop the vehicle without brake fade. TANKS All vehicles must have a water tank with a minimum capacity of 200 gallons. All water tanks must be baffled. All water tanks constructed of mild steel must be protected from corrosion. SMALL BRUSH TRUCK A vehicle designated as a Small Brush Truck must meet the following design minimums: LARGE BRUSH TRUCK 200 Gallon Water Tank 100 GPM Pump @ 100 PSI Ability to draft water a minimum of 12 vertical feet Two and one-half inch pump discharge A vehicle designated as a Large Brush Truck must meet the following design minimums: 500 Gallon Water Tank 250 GPM Pump @ 40 PSI Ability to draft water a minimum of 12 vertical feet Two and one-half inch pump discharge Minimum 22,000 pound GVWR chassis Effective 09/01/05 Revised 10/27/05

TANKER A vehicle designated as a Tanker must meet the following design minimums: 1,000 Gallon Water Tank 250 GPM Pump @ 40 PSI Minimum Dump Valve of 4 ½ inch (round or square) Ability to draft water a minimum of 12 vertical feet Minimum 22,000 pound GVWR chassis OTHER MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS All slippery surfaces where personnel will step must have skid plates or abrasive surfaces to prevent personnel from slipping under wet conditions. Vehicle must have back-up alarm. Vehicle must have illuminated pump controls. Vehicle must have vehicle lighting and markings as required by law. MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR CAFS EQUIPPED VEHICLES In addition to the minimum standards and specifications for Small Brush Trucks, Large Brush Trucks, and Tankers described above, the following minimum standards are required for CAFS equipped vehicles and Slip- On Modules: WATER PUMP Minimum Water Pump Capacity: 90 GPM @ 100 PSI Minimum CAFS Solution (Water) Flow: 20 GPM for a 1-inch CAFS discharge AIR COMPRESSOR Minimum Air Pressure: 100 PSI Minimum Air Flow: 20 SCFM for a 1-inch CAFS discharge FOAM PROPORTIONER Unit shall be equipped with a discharge-side foam proportioning system capable of inserting Class A Foam in percentages from 0.01% to 1.0%. Foam concentrate insertion point shall be downstream of the tank-fill discharge and the pump re-circulation line, with at least one check valve (recommended non-metallic) to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water supply. Effective 09/01/05 Revised 10/27/05

PLUMBING Plumbing exposed to foam solution shall be stainless steel or, where necessary for flexing, highpressure wire-reinforced hose. Plumbing shall be assembled using unions, flanges, swivels, etc., to facilitate the servicing of all components. Check valves shall be used to prevent water from entering the air compressor and foam concentrate; to prevent air from entering the water pump and foam concentrate; to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water pump and air compressor; and to prevent foam concentrate and air from entering the water tank. MINIMUM ACCESSORIES Unit shall have vibration-dampening gauges for water and air pressure. Unit shall have plumbed into the air system, a quick-connect female fitting for standard air hose male fittings. MINIMUM OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS CAFS flows shall be capable of an operator-selectable wet to dry aerated foam discharge (similar trajectory to that of a water-only stream on the wet side and have the ability to cling to a vertical surface on the dry side). CAFS unit shall be able to produce independent flows of air, water, foam solution, or CAFS, and simultaneous flows of compressed air foam, or foam solution and plain water, with combined flows up to the maximum rated GPM capacity of the pump at 100 PSI. The water pump discharge pressure shall be operator-selectable. Effective 09/01/05 Revised 10/27/05

Minimum Standards and Specifications for CAFS-Equipped Firefighting Vehicles In addition to the minimum standards and specifications for Small Brush Trucks, Large Brush Trucks, and Tankers, the following minimum standards are required for CAFS equipped vehicles and Slip-On Modules: WATER PUMP Minimum Water Pump Capacity: 90 GPM @ 100 PSI Minimum CAFS Solution (Water) Flow: 20 GPM for a 1-inch CAFS discharge AIR COMPRESSOR Minimum Air Pressure: 100 PSI Minimum Air Flow: 20 SCFM for a 1-inch CAFS discharge FOAM PROPORTIONER Unit shall be equipped with a discharge-side foam proportioning system A Foam in percentages from 0.01% to 1.0%. capable of inserting Class Foam concentrate insertion point shall be downstream of the tank-fill discharge and the pump recirculation line, with at least one check valve (recommended non-metallic) to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water supply. PLUMBING Plumbing exposed to foam solution shall be stainless steel or, where necessary for flexing, highpressure wire-reinforced hose. Plumbing shall be assembled using unions, flanges, swivels, etc., to facilitate the servicing of all components. Check valves shall be used to prevent water from entering the air compressor and foam concentrate; to prevent air from entering the water pump and foam concentrate; to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water pump and air compressor; and to prevent foam concentrate and air from entering the water tank. MINIMUM ACCESSORIES Unit shall have vibration-dampening gauges for water and air pressure. Unit shall have plumbed into the air system, a quick-connect female fitting for standard air hose male fittings. MINIMUM OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS CAFS flows shall be capable of an operator-selectable wet to dry aerated foam discharge (similar trajectory to that of a water-only stream on the wet side and have the ability to cling to a vertical surface on the dry side). CAFS unit shall be able to produce independent flows of air, water, foam solution, or CAFS, and simultaneous flows of compressed air foam, or foam solution and plain water, with combined flows up to the maximum rated GPM capacity of the pump at 100 PSI. The water pump discharge pressure shall be operator-selectable.

Optional Suggested Specifications for CAFS-Equipped Firefighting Vehicles The following Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) specifications are for consideration as design options for mid-size CAFS modules. They exceed the minimum published standards for CAFS modules required under the HB 2604 grant program. These specifications are presented for informational purposes only. They are intended to guide fire departments in designing CAFS trucks with higher capability. These specifications do not meet the current minimum standards for the Texas Addendum to ISO for CAFS Credit. There are several possible considerations for creating a CAFS fire truck. The conversion can be accomplished by adding a fully self-contained CAFS module (water pump, air compressor, and foam proportioner), or by adding components to a truck or slip-on module, with one or more of these CAFS components already in place. Some CAFS manufacturers offer modules with or without water pumps and pricing will vary accordingly. Suggested Specifications For a Mid-Sized CAFS Module: WATER PUMP Minimum Capacity: 250 GPM at 40 PSI, with a minimum operating performance of 100 GPM at 100 PSI. Minimum CAFS Solution (Water) Flow: 45 GPM for a 1.5-inch discharge. AIR COMPRESSOR Minimum Air Pressure: 100 PSI Minimum Air Flow: 45 SCFM for a 1.5-inch discharge. A Rotary-Screw compressor is required. FOAM PROPORTIONER Unit should be equipped with a discharge-side foam proportioning system capable of inserting Class A foam in percentages from 0.01% to 1.0%. The foam concentrate insertion point should be downstream of the tank-fill discharge and the pump re-circulation line, with at least one check valve (recommended non-metallic) to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water supply. PLUMBING Plumbing exposed to foam solution should be stainless steel, or where necessary for flexing, high-pressure wirereinforced hose. Plumbing should be assembled using unions, flanges, swivels, etc., to facilitate the servicing of all components. Check valves should be used to prevent water from entering the air compressor and foam concentrate; to prevent air from entering the water pump and foam concentrate; to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water pump and air compressor; and to prevent foam concentrate from entering the water tank. MINIMUM ACCESSORIES Unit should have vibration-dampening gauges for water and air pressure. Unit should have plumbed into the air system, a quick-connect female fitting for standard air hose male fittings. MINIMUM OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE CAFS flows should be capable of an operator-selectable wet to dry aerated foam discharge (similar trajectory to that of a water-only stream on the wet side, and have the ability to cling to a vertical surface on the dry side). CAFS unit should be able to produce independent flows of air, water, foam, solution, or CAFS, and simultaneous flows of compressed air foam, or foam solution and plain water, with combined flows up to the maximum rated GPM capacity of the pump at 100 PSI. The water pump discharge pressure should be operator-selectable.

Structural - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines Complete list of eligible items. Bunker Coat Bunker Pant Structural Boots Structural Helmet Structural Hood Structural Gloves Suspenders Ear/Neck/Face Protectors (Shrouds) Visors Note: o Only the items listed above are eligible for cost-share reimbursement. o Gear bags are not reimbursable. o Structural PPE must meet the current NFPA requirements. 03/03/2015

Wildland - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines Complete list of eligible items. Aramid Coveralls Aramid Pant Aramid Shirt Aramid Jacket Wildland Gloves Wildland Hardhat Wildland Goggles Wildland Boots Ear/Neck/Face Protectors (Shrouds) Reflective Trim Fire Shelter Note: o Only the items listed above are eligible for cost-share reimbursement. o Gear bags are not reimbursable. o Wildland PPE must meet the most current requirements of NFPA 1977. 03/03/2015

Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program Guidelines For Grant Assistance Responsibilities of the fire department following notice of grant approval: In order for your department to receive reimbursement under the grant program, the documents listed below are required: 1. A copy of the certificate of completion for each student who attended. 2. A copy of your payment to the school (check(s) / credit card statements) or a receipt/invoice from the school. 3. Please fax to (979) 845-6160. Special Note: Applications for Training Tuition grants must be received before the course start-date. Applications submitted on or after the course start-date are not eligible for a Training Tuition grant. A training grant will expire on the following date: Training Tuition 30 days after the completion date of training course or school On-Line Training Tuition 3 months from the approval date Cost-share assistance for Training Tuition grants will be capped at a maximum of $12,000 per department per fiscal year (September 1 through August 31). Training Tuition grants are capped at a maximum of $122 per trainee per day, a maximum of $610 per trainee per school, and a maximum of $6,100 per school per department.

Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program Training Tuition Grant Guidelines for Firefighter Training 3.2 TRAINING TUITION GRANT GUIDELINES FOR FIREFIGHTER TRAINING The program provides grants for tuition for firefighters in Texas to attend initial and recurrent training. Tuition grants under this program are subject to the following standards. 3.21 Eligibility Only firefighters from departments qualifying for assistance under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program are eligible. 3.22 Approved Courses Courses certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association of Texas, the Texas Fire Chief s Association, and/or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group are eligible. Courses leading to the following firefighter certifications and credentials are eligible: Structural Firefighting Wildland Firefighting Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Marine Fire Fighting Industrial Fire Fighting Rescue Driver/Operator Fire Inspector Fire Instructor Fire Investigator Wildland Urban Interface Fire Service Officer First Responder/Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) Hazardous Materials Technician Incident Command System Public Fire Educator Texas Fire Chiefs Academy Other courses in addition to those shown above may also be eligible. Most fire courses offered by the TEEX ESTI are eligible, with some exceptions. Training leading to the EMT or Paramedic credential is not eligible. Training leading to a law enforcement certification is not eligible. Non-fire related courses are not eligible. NWCG courses, other than S-130 and S-190, must be taught by an NWCG member agency. NWCG courses not offered or sanctioned by an NWCG member agency are not eligible for grant assistance. All training courses must be taught within the State of Texas. Rural VFD Assistance Program Revised 09/01/2014

3.23 Approved Schools Most fire schools administered or facilitated by the Texas Engineering Extension Service Emergency Services Training Institute (ESTI) are approved, which includes the Fireman s Training School at Texas A&M University and all TEEX Area schools. Most programs administered by state agencies and state universities are approved, provided they are certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association, or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Most regional schools are approved, provided the curriculum is certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association, or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Other training schools and courses not leading to a certification by the State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or qualifications under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide will not be approved. If a course is not conducted by a state agency or university, it must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Texas A&M Forest Service. Registration fees for certain statewide conferences are eligible provided they are approved in advance by the Texas A&M Forest Service. 3.24 Instructors and Training Facilities Training must be conducted by a lead instructor holding the Texas Instructor I credential or higher. NWCG training must be conducted by a qualified lead instructor holding qualifications as required by the NWCG Field Manager s Course Guide, PMS 901-1. Training fields, classrooms, and training facilities should be certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. 3.25 Other Approved Training The Program provides grant funds for the establishment of a fire publications and video training library. All publications and videos should be housed at a location accessible to all department members. All publications and videos should be ordered through the State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association, however, purchase through other providers is acceptable. Grants are available for the purchase of electronic projectors as an item of Training Equipment. The maximum grant assistance is 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $1000 in grant assistance. The Program provides reimbursement grants for registration fees for attendance at the following conferences: Industrial Fire World Annual Conference State Firemen s and Fire Marshals Association of Texas Annual Conference Texas Association of Fire Educators Annual Conference Rural VFD Assistance Program Revised 09/01/2014

Texas Fire Chiefs Association Annual Conference Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) Conference 3.26 Limitations Grant assistance is not available for reimbursement of transportation, meals, or lodging expense. However, lodging and meal card expenses at the TEEX Summer Municipal Fire School may be eligible for reimbursement, provided the charges are invoiced by TEEX. Federal VFA grant funds will be used to fund this lodging and meal card component. Applicants must adopt NIMS in order to qualify for federal VFA funds and must meet other federal eligibility requirements for federal VFA and NFP funds. Electronic projectors, DVD players, computers, or satellite-based subscription services are not eligible grant items under the Training Library category. Grants for Training Equipment cover only the purchase of electronic projectors. They do not provide reimbursement for the purchase of computers, external DVD players, or projection screens. Training tuition grants are provided up to a maximum of $122 per day, not to exceed $610 per trainee per school. Training tuition grants are limited to a maximum of $6,100 per department per school. The maximum amount of Training Tuition grant assistance a department may receive in a fiscal year (September through August) is $12,000. Written application for a Training Tuition grant must be received by the Texas A&M Forest Service before the course start-date. An application received on or after the course start-date is not eligible for grant assistance. 3.27 Training Tuition Payments Grant payments for Training Tuition to the TEEX Spring Fire School and the TEEX Municipal Fire School may be made directly to TEEX on behalf of the grant recipient. Tuition and related expenses must be listed on an itemized master invoice provided by TEEX. Grant reimbursement payments for tuition at all other schools will be made directly to the grant recipient. Dorm lodging and meal card expenses at the TEEX Summer Municipal Fire School may be eligible for reimbursement, provided the charges are invoiced by TEEX, and provided the FD applicant has adopted NIMS. Federal VFA grant funds may be used to fund this lodging and meal card component. The applicant must also meet the eligibility requirements for federal VFA and NFP funds. Grant payments for Training Tuition to the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy may be paid directly to the Texas A&M Forest Service on behalf of the grant recipient. Rural VFD Assistance Program Revised 09/01/2014