Submitted By
Tom Ebsen, Fire Chief
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses and Associated Equipment from Air One Equipment, Inc. through the Houston Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $209,800.00 and Waiving the Village's Bid Process
End
Overview
Overview
The Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) EMW-2018-FO-03732 (AFG) in the amount of $268,160.00 for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatuses along with associated equipment and (2) PowerLoad Systems and Cots. The Village allocated the required 10% match ($26,816.00) for this grant in the 2020 capital equipment budget. This request relates to only a portion of the total AFG for the self-contained breathing apparatuses and associated equipment. The Powerload Systems and Cots were purchased in the 4th quarter of 2019.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution
Fiscal Impact
The funding is in the 2020 Capital Equipment Replacement Fund account number 3029-41300-714-570710 Pg. 183. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant will pay for $182,984.00. The ten percent (10%) matching share required from the Village will be $26,816.00.
Background
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an essential tool used by firefighters. The new equipment meets all current applicable requirements, and has all the technical and mechanical advancements available to ensure optimal protection while greatly improving safety for the firefighters.
After careful and extensive evaluation the SCBA committee recommended the purchase of the MSA G1 SCBA’s from Air One Equipment Inc. The G1 SCBA will be an upgrade of our current MSA SCBA’s from 2002 edition NFPA 1981 and 1982 standards, to the latest 2018 edition standards. The G1 we feel, will greatly enhance firefighter safety and job performance in many ways.
The committee evaluated all three SCBA manufacturers who passed NFPA 2018 edition standard requirements, and feels that the MSA G1 is the best choice and fit for The Oak Park Fire Department. The G1 SCBA provides an upgraded harness that helps shift weight onto the firefighter’s hips and off of the firefighter’s shoulders which could help prevent back and shoulder injuries. The G1 has increased safety lighting throughout harness, per NFPA standards, in order to increase visibility for firefighter safety as well. A digital display read out as a standard option in tandem with the traditional analog gauge, makes it much easier in near black out conditions for firefighters to safely assess their remaining air. On top of the digital display, MSA has also greatly upgraded the Heads up display in the users face piece, further enhancing the firefighter’s ability to assess remaining air as well as other safety conditions. As well as increasing firefighter safety greatly, the committee also feels that the MSA G1 SCBA is the most cost effective option.
MSA provides a 15 year warranty on almost all components of the SCBA greatly reducing future repair costs. Furthermore, MSA has removed all electronics from the users face piece and simplified their use by incorporating them into the pack itself. All of the accessory electronics are standard on the SCBA and are powered by a single rechargeable Lithium ION battery. Not only does this simplify the SCBA usage, but also reduces future maintenance costs. MSA has a proven track record of providing high quality SCBA and equipment. Air One Equipment Inc. and MSA also have a proven track record with the Oak Park Fire Department of providing high quality service and repairs quickly and efficiently. Staying with MSA SCBA’s will also help create some continuity making the transitioning to new SCBA’s much easier from both a training perspective as well as familiarity with repairs and maintenance.
Overall, after an extensive review process including product demos, references from area departments, individual evaluations, and live training, the committee is confident that the MSA G1 SCBA is the best choice for the Oak Park Fire Department
The Fire Department is recommending purchasing the self-contained breathing apparatus and associated equipment from Air One Equipment Inc. through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) in the amount not to exceed $209,800.00. The Village of Oak Park is a member of the HGAC, which is a governmental unit in Texas that provides a more efficient purchasing program for local governments by conducting on their behalf a competitive comprehensive cost-saving bidding process. Attachment contains the quote for the SCBAs and associated equipment.
Alternatives
None
Previous Board Action
In the FY 2018, the Fire Department received approved from the Board of Trustees to apply for a federal grant through the Assistance to Firefighter Program. The grant was for new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Equipment & Power Load / Power Cot Systems. In August of FY 2019 the Fire Department was awarded the grant in the amount of $268,160 for the equipment.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A