The department's current inventory of SCBA equipment has reached the end of its operational service life in order to remain compliant with NFPA and is no longer covered under the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, the upgrade of SCBA's allows for greater cleaning capabilities and greatly reducing firefighter exposure to cancer causing carcinogens.  In addition, maintenance costs are significantly increasing while replacement parts are  becoming more challenging, reducing the long-term reliability of the equipment.  Replacing the department's SCBA inventory is necessary to maintain compliance with the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1850 standard and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) regulations.

HEAT Safety Equipment LLC is a TXShare purchasing cooperative vendor, of which Schertz is a member. Subchapter F, Chapter 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code, “Cooperative Purchasing Program Participation,” provides that a local government may participate in a cooperative purchasing program with other local governments or a local cooperative organization established to provide local governments access to contracts with vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, services or equipment. Procurement through a cooperative satisfies the requirement of the local government to seek competitive bids for the purchase of the goods and services.

Regulatory Compliance: Bringing the department's life-safety inventory into full alignment with current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) standards. 

Risk Mitigation: Replacing aging equipment to greatly reduce firefighter exposure to cancer causing carcinogens and eliminate the risk of mechanical failure in toxic or Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments, while reducing rising maintenance costs. 

Operational Enhancement: Upgrading to modern technology that improves on-scene communication, air management efficiency, and Firefighter ergonomics during sustained operations. 

Uninterrupted Emergency Response Capability: Firefighters cannot enter a burning structure, hazardous materials scene, or toxic environment without a functioning SCBA. By replacing this fleet, the community is guaranteed that first responders are equipped to make immediate, life-saving entries during a crisis. 

Fiscal Responsibility & Cost Predictability: Continuing to maintain an aging equipment results in unpredictable and escalating repair costs, specialized technician fees, and expensive replacement parts. Investing in a new fleet under warranty stabilizes the city's fire department budget and protects taxpayer dollars from being spent on depreciating assets.  In this warranty period, repairs and replacement are covered for 15 years. 

Retention of High-Quality First Responders: providing modern, compliant, and reliable life-safety equipment demonstrates the community's commitment to the health and long-term wellness of its public servants. This not only sends a message of support to personnel, but it also directly supports the recruitment and retention of our firefighters and supporting a safe and livable community. 

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the resolution authorizing the replacement procurement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment for the Fire Department. 

The total cost of the replacements is $638,208.18 of which $307,000 was budgeted in FY 2026 and the remainder was planned to be purchased in FY 2027. Due to potential savings with one purchase, staff proposes to purchase all the replacements in FY 2026. A budget amendment for the remaining amount will be brought to Council for approval in September. Staff is seeking a total not-to-exceed amount of $640,000.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the resolution authorizing the replacement procurement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment for the Fire Department.