Included in the Airport's Capital Improvement Program is the purchase and replacement of twelve sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA's) Ensembles for the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Division.  The Airport is Federally regulated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations; therefore, firefighter safety is extremely important and the Airport is required to supply the SCBA equipment, which the firefighters are mandated to wear.  This SCBA equipment is worn on the back of a firefighter and provides him/her with a supply of fresh air anytime a firefighter is working in a hazardous environment.  The existing equipment varies from 15–20 years old, has outlived its useful life, and needs to be replaced.  The original manufacturer that provided the existing SCBA equipment is no longer in business and was purchased by another company that has discontinued equipment support.  Additionally, parts are difficult to find and the repair technician has had to cannibalize units to keep others working.  Additionally, the technology over the years has improved.  Ultimately, safety for our Airport firefighters is a top priority when responding to an aircraft accident and this equipment is needed in order for them to successfully and safely perform their job.  This purchase also includes 24 spare air cylinders and some modification work to the Airport's existing air cylinder recharging station in order to make it compatible with the new equipment.   

This SCBA Equipment Replacement Project was advertised in the Yellowstone County News on July 5, 12, and 19, and was posted on the City and Airport's Websites.  On July 23, 2019, the following bids for this equipment were received:
  
VENDOR                                                        BID
Big Sky Fire Equipment                                 $123,367.07
DXP Enterprises, Inc.                                  Incomplete Bid Package
Estimate                                                        $160,000.00

City Council may:

• Approve the award for the purchase of new SCBA equipment for the ARFF Division; or
• Decline the purchase of the SCBA equipment, reject all bids, delay the purchase, and provide staff direction on how to proceed.

The total cost of this new SCBA equipment is $123,367.07.  The equipment will be funded 90% ($111,030.36) with FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement grant funds and 10% ($12,336.71) local match funds. This project is included in the Airport's CIP and budget, and the local funds are available in the Airport's Capital Account. 

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the bid from Big Sky Fire Equipment for the purchase of new SCBA equipment with spare air cylinders for the ARFF Division for the amount of $123,367.07.