It is critical that your Company talk with its Regional VCAF Representative prior to embarking on a vehicle, equipment, or facility project. Lack of initial planning and VCAF Committee involvement can cost your company the opportunity to obtain a VCAF loan and/or grant.
Your Company must know what they are buying or building and when they plan to take delivery of the equipment or ownership of the facility. The Company’s administration should consider beginning the VCAF loan or grant process by:
- Establishing a committee to determine the equipment or facility specification – what they want and more importantly what the company really requires to provide adequate fire, EMS, and rescue services
- Identifying vendors or builders that are qualified to supply or refurbish the equipment, or build/improve the facility
- Refining specifications to ensure your Company is going to get what they expect and that the vendors/builders can provide “apples-to-apples” proposals, and
- Working with the vendors/builders to obtain cost estimates for the equipment or facility to ensure affordability before making a final procurement decision