The Fire Department utilizes Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles to provide breathable air for firefighters when operating in conditions that are dangerous to life and health. The SCBA bottles are cylinders that contain compressed air that allow the firefighters to function in toxic working environments including fires and airborne hazardous substances by providing a needed breathable air supply for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Currently, the Fire Department determined that the existing stock of SCBA bottles had reached their manufacturer and state DOT expiration dates.  Their immediate replacement was required to help ensure the safety of the firefighters in life or health threatening circumstances.

The Fire Department received a quotation and negotiated a price with Municipal Emergency Services (MES Fire) for 55 SCBA bottles at the total price of $61,789.45. The desired quantity was for 60 units, as approved in the budget; however, the current price exceeded the original budgetary estimates and the quantity was lowered to 55 units.

Purchasing requested additional price concessions from MES Fire, but the last quoted price was their best price. Purchasing worked with the Fire Department to seek other competitively bid contracts including national cooperative contracts, the Federal Government’s General Services Administration (GSA), and the State of California’s contracts. Though AllStar Fire Equipment, who had a state contract for SCBA bottles, would provide a 15-year life expectancy, the Fire Department desired bottles that provided a 30-year life expectancy, which would increase the service life of this equipment.  Purchasing obtained a quotation from AllStar Fire and their pre-tax price was $86.00 lower per unit than MES Fire. However, the budgeted amount would only allow the City to attain 59 bottles.  The Fire Department asked for a concession from AllStar Fire to allow them to obtain one additional bottle at no cost to ensure all expired 60 bottles were replaced.  The comparative savings from AllStar Fire was $5,559.90 with tax or about 9% less than MES Fire. Accordingly, staff recommends ratifying this purchase.