RFI 27-206-Consultant for New Castle County Fire and Emer. Response System Modernization Initiative

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
New Castle County is seeking expressions of interest from qualified firms who have the ability
to provide potential solutions in providing consulting services for New Castle County Fire and
Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RFI SUBMISSION
Interested parties are asked to submit their information, in writing, to New Castle County
Purchasing Division, New Castle County Government Center, 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE
19720. Sealed envelopes must clearly display RFI #27-206 in the lower left quadrant on the
front.
Facsimile transmissions and email of RFI are unacceptable and will be rejected without any
notice to the vendor.
Interested parties are responsible for retrieving the RFI specifications and all addendums and
exhibits from the New Castle County Purchasing website at www.newcastlede.gov/Bids.aspx.
Important Dates:
RFI Release Date to Prospective
June 18, 2026
Respondents - First Date
RFI Release Date to Prospective
June 24, 2026
Respondents - Second Date
RFI Questions Due from Respondents July 8, 2026
NCCDE Responses Respondents Questions July 20, 2026
RFI Submissions Due from Respondents 2:00 p.m. August 5, 2026
Review of RFI August 12, 2026
Contact Information:
Questions should be submitted in writing and directed to Robin Allen, Chief Procurement
Officer at robin.allen@newcastlede.gov by the date and time noted in the table above.
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 1 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
This RFI is the first step necessary to determine whether there are responsive and responsible
parties interested in providing reasonably priced professional services as described herein. The
advertisement of this RFI does not commit public funds to any purchase, any future RFP, or
operate as a guarantee that a respondent is qualified or selected to provide New Castle County
professional services.
Responding parties should be aware that New Castle County may move quickly to issue a
corresponding RFP for the professional services at the heart of this RFI. Although respondents
should always first review any subsequent NCC RFP for the professional services listed in this
RFI and will not automatically be treated as a proposing party in any future RFP, it is possible
that NCC will permit respondents to designate their responses to this RFI as a response to a
future RFP of the same or similar scope of services. Therefore, responding parties are
encouraged to be fulsome, complete, and clear in responses to this RFI and treat responses to
this RFI as if they were responding to an RFP.
Background
New Castle County's fire and emergency response system is currently delivered through
21 independent fire companies that collectively provide comprehensive all-hazards services to
residents, businesses, and visitors. These services include fire suppression, rescue operations,
basic life support (BLS) patient care, ambulance transportation, special operations teams and
other critical emergency functions. While this decentralized model has long supported the
County's public safety needs, increasing service demands, rising costs, and evolving operational
requirements necessitate a more coordinated and forward-looking approach.
In December 2024, FACETS Consulting, LLP ("FACETS") issued a report recommending
that New Castle County develop a strategic plan to modernize and strengthen both the fire and
BLS systems. Central to this recommendation is the County's role in facilitating and, where
appropriate, providing shared services to improve cost containment, enhance revenue
opportunities, and increase overall system efficiency. This operational study builds upon those
recommendations by evaluating current capabilities and identifying opportunities for system-
wide optimization. The current funding system is not sustainable. FACETS Report
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 2 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
A key component of this study is a comprehensive deployment analysis to determine
the number, type, and distribution of emergency resources required to meet both current and
future demand. This includes assessing which existing fire stations should remain operational,
where additional facilities may be needed, and how resources such as engines, ambulances,
and specialized units-such as ladder trucks, heavy rescues, and marine units-should be
strategically located and staffed. The goal is to ensure that resources are aligned with service
demand, response time objectives, and community risk profiles.
The study also examines the ownership and management of fire and BLS assets,
including fire and ambulance apparatus, equipment, and facilities. This analysis only covers
those fire companies that are contracted with New Castle County Government. A more
centralized or coordinated approach to asset ownership may improve purchasing power,
standardization, and lifecycle management. In particular, the development of a County-
managed reserve fleet of engines and ambulances is identified as a significant opportunity. By
maintaining shared reserve apparatus available for short-term use during maintenance or
repair periods, the County can reduce the burden on individual fire companies to maintain
redundant backup units. The implementation of a daily usage fee for these reserve assets could
further support cost recovery and sustainability.
Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of a system-wide, data-driven strategy to
guide future investments and operational decisions. By enhancing coordination, leveraging
shared services, and aligning resources with demand, New Castle County can position its fire
and emergency medical services system to meet future challenges while maintaining high levels
of service, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.
SCOPE
FSSPC seeks to procure professional consulting services to investigate, opine upon, and
make recommendations regarding the topics set forth in this Statement of Work, all of which
are focused on and related to the provision of services performed by fire companies operating
within New Castle County, Delaware. The selected vendor is expected to review and make
recommendations for amendment or modification to the topics and subjects listed herein, but
no such amendment or modification shall become effective absent the written consent of the
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 3 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
FSSPC. The following topics and subjects constitute the minimum core requirements for the
written report contemplated by this Statement of Work:
A. Operational Deployment Analysis - Fire and EMS Resource Evaluation
1. Assess whether the quantity of emergency resources adequately meets current and
future public safety needs for the jurisdictions served by fire companies operating in
NCC.
2. Assess whether the physical locations of fire stations, their apparatus, and emergency
response coverage zones are professionally adequate, appropriate, and efficient.
Recommend relocation, additional stations, and/or consolidated, if warranted.
3. Recommend the appropriate and adequate number and type of engines, ambulances,
ladders, rescues, boats, and specialty units required for coverage of the entirety of
New Castle County, Delaware (excluding the City of Wilmington).
4. Evaluate ownership and availability of equipment, including reserve apparatus for
temporary replacement.
5. Analyze response times for call volume trends.
B. Volunteer Participation Analysis
1. Determine the average number of volunteers on apparatus responding per call as of
January 31, 2025.
C. Standards and Compliance
1. Assess and evaluate whether each fire company operating in New Castle County is
following NFPA 1720 standards for fire departments and offer recommendations to
achieve and sustain compliance where needed.
D. Special Operations Evaluation
1. Assess and report on the funding, deployment, and operational effectiveness of
special operations units in each fire company operating in New Castle County,
Delaware.
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 4 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
E. Staffing and Apparatus Deployment
1. Compare current staffing models used by fire companies operating in New Castle
County with applicable professional standards and assess compliance with same,
including the standard practice of three-person crews.
2. Analyze and recommend any remedial measures necessary to attain the appropriate
staffing levels for fire and EMS services throughout New Castle County, Delaware.
F. Ambulance and EMS System Review
1. Assess the adequacy of ambulance availability and deployment throughout New
Castle County, Delaware.
2. Consider alternative staffing models, including "one paramedic and one BLS provider"
on ambulances throughout New Castle County, Delaware.
3. The role of New Castle County's ALS providers and the eventual assumption of
ambulance transportation services in the County by the ALS system (from the FACETS
report).
G. Financial and Fiscal Responsibility Analysis
1. Determine the cost per response for fire and EMS apparatus by each fire company
throughout New Castle County, Delaware.
2. Compare fire company operating costs to that company's revenue sources including
grants, government funding, permit fees, and billing revenue and make
recommendations for enhanced performance and fiscal responsibility related to
identified deficiencies.
(Period of Time: Most current 12 months of financial data submitted to New Castle
County.)
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 5 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
H. Regional Coordination
1. Investigate, evaluate, and make recommendations for improvement or enhancement
of communications and mutual aid activities between all fire companies operating in
New Castle County, including the City of Wilmington Fire Department.
2. Consider and make recommendations to improve coordination with out-of-county and
out-of-state fire, BLS, and rescue resources.
I. Organizational Structure
Assess the long-term sustainability of the current fire service organizational model in
New Castle County, Delaware, including administrative and command structures
within individual companies and the benefits and burdens associated with the
exclusive administration and operation of all fire services by New Castle County
Government.
J. Organizational Interviews
We would recommend that the consultant would interview all Fire Department
Presidents and Chiefs or their designee, leadership of any union associated and other
key relative parties.
CONTRACT TERMS:
As part of their submission, respondents are requested to provide prospective, non-binding
contract terms for anticipated length of time and estimation of costs for such services.
ADDITIONS
New Castle County may require other related services, products, and/or equipment not
specifically listed. Vendor may be given the opportunity to provide a quote. Should New Castle
County deem the quote to be non-competitive, New Castle County reserves the right to seek
proposals from other vendors.
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 6 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANIZATION
1. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
A. One (1) original and one (1) printed copy. Responses must be complete and must
contain all the information as requested in this RFI. Responses will become the
property of New Castle County and will not be returned to Respondents.
B. All materials submitted by Respondent to the County are subject to disclosure
unless such materials are exempt from disclosure pursuant to Federal or State law.
The burden of claiming an exemption from disclosure shall rest solely with each
Respondent. Any materials for which Respondent claims a privilege from
disclosure shall be submitted marked as "Confidential" and accompanied by a
statement from Respondent explaining Respondent's claim of exemption from
disclosure. The County will promptly notify Respondent of any requests made for
disclosure of documents submitted under a claim of confidentiality. Respondent
may, at Respondent's sole expense, take any appropriate actions to prevent
disclosure of such material. Respondent specifically waives any claims against
County related to disclosure of any proprietary materials. In order to comply,
please note the following:
i. Respondent shall not stamp all materials confidential. Only those materials for
which a claim can be made under the Freedom of Information Act, such pricing,
non-public financial information, etc., should be deemed confidential.
2. ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE
The general purpose of this expression of interest is to assess the interest of qualified and
experienced entities with respect to lockbox processing, scanning, software, and implementation
of such.
Responses shall be organized in the following manner:
I. Executive Summary
II. Firm Information
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 7 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
The Respondent shall demonstrate their experience providing consultant services
for a Fire and Emergency Response System Moderinization Initiative as per the
scope of this RFI
a. Description of overall corporate team and management structure; and
b. Time frames and estimated costing of the solution(s) your firm can
provide.
III. Key Personnel and Organization
a. Experience and ability of key professional personnel.
b. Summary of experience providing the services mentioned above within the
past five (5) years, including the outcomes achieved resulting from the
implementation of such.
c. References who can support the above
DISCLAIMER
This RFI does not represent a commitment or offer by New Castle County to enter into an
agreement with a respondent, or to pay monies or costs incurred in the preparation of a response
to this request. The responses provided, and any information made a part of the responses to
this RFI will NOT become a part of any future project's files in relation to the subject matter
and/or information requested above. New Castle County is not obligated to return the responses
from the individual respondents.
New Castle County may request a meeting to clarify information obtained via the responses to
the RFI, and such meeting would not constitute a contingent offer for or to obtain goods and
services in relation to this RFI.
CONFIDENTIALITY
New Castle County is a public agency and is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Firms must designate those items that are considered "trade secrets" as defined in the Delaware
State Code Title 29, Chapter 100. Respondent(s) are advised that once an expression of interest
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 8 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
is received by New Castle County its contents will become public record and nothing contained
in the response will be deemed to be confidential except those proprietary items marked as
"trade secrets".
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 9 of 12

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-5250
Request for Information and Expressions of Interest- Consultant for New Castle
County Fire and Emergency Response System Modernization Initiative
RFI #27-206
Non-Collusion Statement
(This page must be completed and submitted with the Vendor's RFI submission.)
By signing below, the Vendor certifies they have neither directly nor indirectly, entered into any
agreement, participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free
competitive bidding in connection with this proposal, and further certifies that it is not a
subcontractor to another Vendor who also submitted a proposal as a primary Vendor in response
to this solicitation.
Company Name: ___________________________________________________________
Company Address: ___________________________________________________________
Company Tax ID: ___________________________________________________________
Authorized Representative:
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________________________________________________
Facsimile #:
___________________________________________________________
If applicable
Signature: ___________________________________________________________
Date Signed: ___________________________________________________________
How did you hear about this opportunity?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
06/16/26 RFI # 27-206 Page 10 of 12