Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving a contract with Symtech Live Fire Simulation Technology to build a fire tower training prop, in the amount of $1,063,062.65.
Body
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: James Kubinski, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Live Fire Simulation Training Tower Vendor and Contract
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Symtech Live Fire Simulation Technology is a vendor and builder of fire training props to include fire training towers across the continental United States. Notable agencies they have built for are the Fire Department of New York and Los Angeles County amongst numerous fire departments in the State of Texas as well. Symtech has presented a plan to the Killeen Fire Department for a five-story training tower that meets the department’s comprehensive fire training needs in the amount of $1,063,062.65. Their proposal price is presented through the Sourcewell purchasing cooperative featuring a one-time discount of $20,149.35. Symtech’s Sourcewell contract number is 102325-SYM.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Proposals matching requirements from two other training tower providers were reviewed.
Fire Facilities - $1,266,000
WHP Training Towers - $1,220,784
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Symtech training tower is recommended due to overall cost as well as lower cost for the necessary concrete and foundation/footings. Due to construction of modular containers, a full foundation is not required. Only piers are necessary to set the modular base sections.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This purchase will be made through Symtech Fire LLC, via Sourcewell purchasing cooperative, contract number 102325-SYM. Purchases made through a cooperative contract are exempt from the competitive bidding process as stated in Texas Local Government Code (TLGC) section 271.102, subchapter F, “a local government that purchases goods or services under this subchapter satisfies any state law requiring the local government to seek competitive bids for the purchase of goods or services."
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The Symtech proposal total of $1,063,062.65 is for materials and assembly on site. This is a one-time expenditure. A schedule of usage and rental fees has been submitted for fiscal year 2027 so that the facility may be a potential source of revenue for regional fire-rescue organizations to utilize when it is not in use by the Killeen Fire Department.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a one-time expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
This expenditure is budgeted in account number 300-56110-900-250-925028.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to approve Symtech Live Fire Simulation Technology as the vendor to build a live fire tower training prop in the amount of $1,063,062.65 and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any, and all change orders within the amounts set by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Fire
Engineering
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Proposal
Contract
Certificate of Interested Parties
Presentation