Title
Resolution to Purchase SCBA Cylinders, SCBA Voice Amplifiers and SCBA Pac Tracker from West Shore Fire Inc. ($36,900.00)
Memorandum
The attached resolution seeks approval of a purchase order for the acquisition of SCBA cylinders, SCBA voice amplifiers, an SCBA Pac Tracker and necessary accessories in the amount of $36,900 from West Shore Fire Inc. (“West Shore”).
SCBA equipment is imperative for the fire service to respond adequately with safe breathing apparatus equipment to enter life threatening emergency incidents. The new equipment will be deployed for everyday use, and allow firefighters to quickly and confidently enter emergency situations to protect the lives and property of the City’s constituents, businesses and visitors.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department responds to all fire, medical first response, technical rescue, water rescue, hazardous materials, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and environmental calls. In addition to covering Ann Arbor’s community, the Fire Department is a partner of the Washtenaw County Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), registered through the State of Michigan, and responsible for responding to local and state mutual aid calls when needed.
Funds for the purchase have been budgeted and approved in the FY 18 Fire budget for capital. The additional cylinders will ensure that there are 2 cylinders available for each SCBA unit during a hazardous situation. The voice amplifiers will allow the firefighters to better communicate with each other during a fire and other hazardous situations. The Pac Tracker will provide the ability to tracking missing or downed firefighters.
This is a best source purchase. The Ann Arbor Fire Department currently has Scott Safety SCBA equipment. In order to be compatible with current SCBA equipment, Scott Safety SCBA cylinders, voice amplifiers and pac tracker must be purchased. There are only two authorized retailers of Scott Safety SCBA equipment in Michigan. Since there are only two authorized retailers of Scott Safety SCBA equipment there would be no benefit to the City for a competitive ITB process. Quotes were obtained from the two authorized retailers and the lowest vendor, West Shore, was selected.
Approval of the purchase is recommended.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Buselmeier, Financial Analyst
Reviewed by: Mike Kennedy, Interim Fire Chief
Approved by: Howard Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Fire Department values human life and the reduction of workplace injuries to firefighters;
Whereas, SCBA equipment is imperative for the fire service to respond adequately with safe breathing apparatus equipment to enter life threatening emergency incidents
Whereas, West Shore Fire, Inc. (“West Shore”) is recognized as the lowest priced authorized retailer of Scott Safety SCBA equipment and there are both cost efficiencies and training benefits to continuing to purchase this brand of SCBA equipment;
Whereas, Funds for the purchase of SCBA cylinders, SCBA voice amplifiers and an SCBA pac tracker were budgeted and approved in the FY 18 Fire Department budget for capital; and
Whereas, West Shore complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a purchase order from West Shore for the purchase of SCBA cylinders, SCBA voice amplifiers, an SCBA pac tracker, and necessary accessories, totaling $36,900.00.