TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the procurement of turnout gear for the Fire Department.
SUMMARY
DATE: May 21, 2019
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Brian Brank, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Fire Department works toward replacing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) every five years in order to stay in compliance with NFPA 1851 (National Fire Protection Association). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the protective ensemble worn by firefighters which 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 PPE that is damaged and cannot be repaired. Additionally, industry standard establishes a usable lifespan for PPE of 5 years for front line use and 5 additional years as reserve or training gear. As a result of these factors, the fire department has a need to purchase approximately 20% of our current PPE inventory for our personnel each year in an attempt to avoid purchasing a large number of items in one year. This would create an inevitable hardship which could possibly exceed the reasonable budget for any given year. The current estimate of 20% is approximately 30 sets, which could increase as our personnel requirements increase. This will also allow us to outfit new employees who will be on shift before the next fiscal year, therefore making the annual expenditure with North American Fire Equipment Company (NAFECO) over $50,000.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1: Purchase PPE from The North American Fire Equipment Company’s (NAFECO) quotation through TASB Buyboard.
2: Seek alternative vendors outside the purchasing cooperative.
Which alternative is recommended?
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