REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILLY ALCORN, Fire Chief
Fresno Fire Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Fresno Fire Department's Firefighting Turnouts:
1. Award a three (3) year sole source contract, not to exceed $2,700,000 to LN Curtis (Curtis Tools for Heroes) for the purchase of Globe firefighting turnouts as a sole-source provider based on unique features only available with Globe turnouts.
2. *** RESOLUTION - Adopt Resolution authorizing the Fire Department Chief or designee to enter into a three (3) year contract with Curtis Tools for Heroes without advertised competitive bidding. (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution suspending competitive bidding under the sole source exception; award a three (3) year contract, not to exceed $2,700,000 to Curtis Tools for Heroes, exclusive regional distributor for the purchase of Globe turnouts as a sole-source provider based on unique features and overall test results of major manufacturers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fire Department, as part of its ongoing personal protective equipment (PPE) replacement plan for turnouts, projects up to 460 sets will need replacement between FY 2024 and FY 2027. With the expiration of its current supplier contract in FY 2023, a new contract is required starting in FY 2024. According to NFPA 1851, turnouts are intended to have a 10-year life span. This recommended standard has also been adopted by Cal-OSHA. Turnouts from major suppliers were tested and evaluated by a committee of members of the Fresno Fire Department. This test was completed in 2020 and is intended to be completed every 5 years. The Globe turnouts rated most favorable from composite test scores related to safety, heat resistance, insulation materials, and mobility factors among others.
The $2,700,000 not to exceed amount also includes the cost of turnouts for one (1) attrition drill school per year over the next three (3) years. Th...
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