Staff recommends approving the purchase of a new breathing air compressor to replace the existing unit in the amount of $127,683.29.

In 2018 when we purchased the Scott breathing air compressor, we learned there were only two manufacturers of 7,000 psi compressors: Scott and Bauer.  All other manufacturers had 7,000 psi unit in the R&D stage but nothing in production.  We chose Scott for affordability, to keep our supply chain narrow and limit the number of brands of equipment we had on hand.  The Scott compressor has not performed as expected and attempts to repair it have been unsuccessful.  Scott announced the dissolution of the breathing air compressor line in May 2020.

Fire/SCBA Technicians began researching to find a replacement unit as soon as possible. Fifteen vendors and/or manufacturers were contacted only one quote was received that offered a 7,000 psi compressor. DXP Enterprises, Inc. offered a Bauer unit.  Many provided information on their current product lines but stated they did not yet have a 7,000 psi model in production.

City Council may approve or disapprove of purchase a new breathing air compressor.

In May 2018 the purchase price for the unit we are replacing was $83,958.00.  The City's Legal Department has been working to secure a refund from the manufacturer of our existing compressor and these funds can then be applied to the purchase cost of $127,683.29 for the new compressor manufactured by Bauer.