Modification Nos. M0008 and M0009 to Contract No. CW113639 with Safeware, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

approves two contract modifications with Safeware for firefighting and safety equipment, increasing the option year two not-to-exceed to 1.6 million and authorizing related payment

Retained by the Council with comments from the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

Summary of PR 26-0740 — Modification Nos. M0008 and M0009 to Contract No. CW113639 with Safeware, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

Purpose and intent

This emergency bill seeks to approve two contract modifications (M0008 and M0009) to Contract No. CW113639 between the District of Columbia (specifically the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department) and Safeware, Inc.

It also authorizes payments for the goods and services provided or to be provided under these modifications.

The emergency declaration accompanying the bill allows the Council to approve the modifications and payments on an expedited basis, bypassing the ordinary multi-reading process.

Key provisions and changes

Modification No. M0008:

Exercise of option year two of Contract No. CW113639 with Safeware, Inc..
Provides firefighting tools, hazardous materials response equipment, and safety equipment.
Not-to-exceed amount for option year two set at $900,000.
Coverage period: February 27, 2026, through February 26, 2027.

Modification No. M0009:

Increases the not-to-exceed amount for option year two.
Additional amount: $700,000.
New total not-to-exceed amount for option year two: $1,600,000 (i.e., $900,000 + $700,000).

Financial and payment authorization:

The bill approves payment for goods and services already received and to be received under the modifications.

Legal basis and emergency finding:

Section 451(b)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act requires Council approval because the modifications raise the contract value to more than $1 million within a 12-month period.
The Council explicitly finds emergency circumstances to justify adoption after a single reading and to take effect immediately.

Who/what is affected

Primary party: Safeware, Inc., supplier of firefighting tools, hazardous materials response equipment, and safety equipment.

District agency: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (EMSD/FEMS), through the Office of Contracting and Procurement.

District residents and public safety operations rely on continued access to equipment and services funded by these contract modifications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Date of bill introduction: June 3, 2026.

Emergency declaration: Enables expedited consideration and immediate take effect.

Notable action history: The Council retained the bill with comments from the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on June 23, 2026.

Effective timing: If enacted as an emergency measure, the changes and payments could proceed without the standard staggered readings, ensuring continuity of critical safety equipment and services.

Potential impact

Ensures continued procurement and delivery of essential firefighting and hazardous materials equipment for a 12-month period.

Maintains operational readiness of the District’s fire and EMS capabilities.

Provides clarity on funding limits and authorization for payments exceeding $1 million within a year, aligning with statutory requirements for contract modification approvals.