Water Tender narrative & calculations HELP

Have tried for a couple years to get this tanker but have been bombed first round. So "when" I make it this year I need to cross the t's in the narrative. Anyone willing to share a good narrative can send them my way please.

What is the calculation limits for dollars per population or years of service/calls? We live in a rural low volumn area so believe we will 'have to' get a loan and put a bunch of $$$$ up front to even get past first round computers for a truck. Seems a little backwards as far as need....but it is their rules.

Any help is appreciated!!!
You can email them to gee_man83@hotmail.com

THANK YOU!

Per Person:

Figures needed:
1) Cost of project
2) Population
3) Service life of equipment/apparatus

Cost of project/ (population x service life) = per person cost

Ex. Jaws of Life:

Cost: $65,000
Population: 2,500
Service life: 15 years

65,000/ (2500 x 15) = $1.73 per person

Rule of thumb: less than $1.00

Frequency of use:

Figures needed:
1) Cost of project
2) Incidents per year
3) Service life of equipment/apparatus

Cost of project/ (incidents x service life) = frequency of use cost

Ex. Apparatus

Cost: $200,000
Incidents per year: 100
Service life: 20 years

200,000/ (100 x 20) = $100 per incident

Rule of thumb: less than $200

The ROT's are not written in stone. Projects have been awarded with figures higher than those. The key is to get as close as possible. You are competing against others, so if another department has a cost of $2.50/person and yours is $1.50/person; then yours scores better.

There is only one figure that you can manipulate in the application; the cost of the project. If you can pick up more of the cost (ex. 15%) the cost benefit goes down. Another advantage is during PR the reviewers will see that the department is picking up more of the tab vs. just the 5% match; will gain points with them.

Problem is getting past the computer with 40 calls, 1700 immediate population and 68 square miles.

$180-190,000 Tender, you would be saying to get it below $160,000?? Pick up a loan for $20-30,000?