National standards require that firefighters wear approved protective clothing and advise replacement every 10-years.  To maximize available funding and maintain the replacement cycle of a minimum of 10 sets per fiscal year, the City issued an Invitation for Bids for the purpose of entering into a five (5) year contract, subject to annual renewal provided all terms, conditions and prices remain unchanged, for the purchase of Firefighter Structural Protective Clothing. A five-year contract provides for more consistency in pricing and will assist in meeting the goal of purchasing the aforementioned 10 sets of PPE per fiscal year.  The ever-increasing cost of PPE led the department to research this approach in an effort to better maximize available funding and maintain said replacement cycle.  The six (6) bids are being reviewed for compliance to the bid specifications with consideration given for the level of service offered and ability to meet stated specifications as outlined in the contract documents. Bids received are also being evaluated to determine if any exception noted by bidders is acceptable and/or has an impact on the performance and workmanship of the proposed product.  Staff recommends delaying the contract award in order to complete the review.

City Council may approve or disapprove postponing the contract award for firefighter structure protective clothing.

The financial impact depends on which bid is recommended for award.  Costs will be provided in the staff report for the October 22 City Council meeting.

Staff recommends that the City Council postpone the contract award to the October 22, 2018 Council meeting.