A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a critical part of fire suppression and victim rescue. The life expectancy of this equipment is approximately ten (10) years. The Fire Department's Scott SCBA systems is approximately twelve (12) years old and is recommended to be upgraded to the next generation Scott system. Additionally, several thousand dollars have been invested in the past three months to keep the existing air compressor functioning on a day-to-day basis. 

The Fire Department has a history of purchasing and using Scott SCBA products and has 10 Scott SCBA technicians who would have to be re-trained if Scott SCBA products aren't purchased. In addition, Scott technical software would have to be replaced. If Scott SCBA products are purchased, the Fire Department could also retain compatible equipment.  The proposed purchase will replace all existing SCBAs, the current stationary air compressor and provide a new, towable compressor as described below. 

There is documented superiority of Scott products, such as:

• Scott is the only manufacturer with a dual redundancy safety mechanism;
• The Scott air compressor has RFID technology;
• The Scott Liberty II mobile compressor provides a back-up for the department's stationary compressor should it become inoperable, as well as being able to utilize this tow behind compressor to fill bottles at the scene of a fire, hazmat incidents, confined space rescues, etc.

Municipal Emergency Services (MES Rockies) is the documented authorized distributor and sole source provider of the requested Scott SCBA equipment for the State of Montana.  Pursuant to the City’s Purchasing Procedures and State law, MCA Title 18, a contract may be awarded for a supply or service item without competition when there is only one source for the supply or service item.

City Council may:

• approve the purchase and upgrading of the Scott SCBA system equipment;
• or disapprove upgrading the existing Scott SCBA system equipment to the next generation Scott equipment as a sole source procurement for the Billings Fire Department.

 

Funding for the replacement and upgrade of the existing Scott SCBA's was approved through a supplemental budget request in FY 18, in the amount of $1,252.282.  If this request to upgrade the existing Scott SCBA system is approved, the Billings Fire Department will also realize cost savings through previous technician training and the ability to retain compatible product inventory and software.

Staff recommends approving the purchase of SCBA system equipment as a sole source procurement for the Billings Fire Department from MES Rockies, in an amount not to exceed the $1,252,282 earmarked in the FY18 budget.