Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the purchase of turnout gear for the Fire Department.
Summary
DATE: May 16, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Brian Brank, Fire Department
SUBJECT: Purchase of Turnout Gear
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Turnout gear is the protective ensemble worn by firefighters. It typically consists of the following garments: coat, trousers, boots, helmet, hood, and gloves. These items help protect firefighters in environments immediately dangerous to life or health. The fire department must replace turnout gear that is damaged and cannot be repaired. Additionally, National Fire Protection Association regulation 1851 establishes a usable lifespan for turnout gear of no more than ten years. As a result of these factors, the fire department has a need to purchase 46 sets of coats and trousers. The purchase of these garments will ensure that each fire rescue officer has a complete protective ensemble. After selecting our specification, we explored the State Cooperative programs utilized by the City of Killeen. The North American Fire Equipment Company’s quotation through TASB BuyBoard was found to be the least costly option for this purchase, offering a thirty-one percent discount off the list price.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Do not purchase turnout gear: This would leave us unable to provide adequate personal protective garment to firefighters.
2. Invitation to Bid: The fire department performed a wear test to compare the performance of various types of turnout gear. We selected our preferred gear based on the results of this test. This turnout gear is available through only one vendor in our area. (See Lion PPE Letter attachment.)
Which alternative is recommended?
Purchase 46 sets of turnout coats and trousers through TASB BuyBoard.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The City of Killeen is a member of the TASB Buy Board purchasing cooperative. This cooperative is in compliance with Texas Local Government Code section 252.022 and satisfies the City’s legal requirement to competitively bid this purchase. The purchase of turnout gear will be made through the TASB Buy Board purchasing cooperative on contract number 524-17.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
This request is for the purchase of 46 sets of turnout coats and trousers. The total cost for this purchase is $91,234.10.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is a one-time purchase for this budget year. We will need to purchase additional turnout gear in FY 18. Our future purchase needs will be dictated by the number and types of garments that are damaged beyond repair or nearing expiration.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, it is budgeted in account 010-7070-442.41-20. Currently, there is approximately $194, 000 in this account including $103,480 in unencumbered funds and $91,000 in remaining balances on purchase orders.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the purchase of 46 sets of turnout coats and trousers in the amount of $91,234.10.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Fire, Legal, Purchasing, Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Quotation
Lion PPE Letter
Certificate of Interested Parties