Res 24-494 Approve Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment from Oshkosh Fire and Police Equipment Inc. for the Oshkosh Fire Department ($104,250.00)
BACKGROUND
The Fire Department has identified the need to replace a portion of its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Common Council allocated $166,200.00 in the 2024 CIP for this project. At their August 14, 2024 meeting the Common Council approved waiving the purchasing requirements of Section 12-10 of the Oshkosh Municipal Code as appropriate for staff to recommend Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) coats and pants that are best suited to the operational needs and budgetary requirements of the city.
ANALYSIS
Fire Department staff identified and researched companies and manufacturers that offer firefighting PPE including Fire Dex, Globe, Lion, and Lakeland. After a review comparing key criteria including performance during high heat conditions during fire conditions, and cooler temperature during searches of smoke-filled areas, staff concluded that the Fire Dex PPE offers the best functions and features for the operational needs of the department. Specifically, staff felt that the Fire Dex PPE offered better mobility, allowed for quicker donning, increased thermal protection, and their incorporated firefighter rescue device was found to be superior to all others.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Common Council allocated $166,200.00 in the 2024 CIP for this project. Purchasing reviewed the three proposals solicited from Fire Dex vendors for the 30 sets of coats and pants PPE and confirmed that the proposal from Oshkosh Fire and Police Equipment Inc. was the most competitive. The total fiscal impact for the 30 sets of firefighting PPE and related components from Oshkosh Fire and Police Equipment is $104,250.00. This purchase will be charged to A/N#: 0320230-7204-66105 (Turnout Gear).
RECOMMENDATION
Purchasing recommends the Common Council approve the purchase of the 30 sets of Fire Dex PPE coats and pants for $104,250.00 from Oshkosh Fire and Police Equipment Inc., 175 Indian Point Road, Oshkosh, WI 54901. Please direct any questions on this purchase to Fire Chief Mike Stanley.
