Item:
Title
Request to Award Contract for Sole Source Purchase of Firefighter Protective Clothing
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: May 14, 2018
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to provide approval for sole source exemption for the purchase of 52 sets of structural fire-fighting protective clothing in the amount of $117,290 from Stevens Fire Equipment, Inc. This sole source request is for the compatibility and standardization of the existing Firefighter Protective Clothing that was originally purchased by Durham County Fire Rescue (DCFR). The purchase of this gear is consistent with the recommendations found in the National Fire Protection (NFPA) 1500 Safety, Health and Wellness Program. It is the identical gear currently issued to DCFR firefighters. Funding for the purchase is available in the current fiscal year budget.
Purchasing the 52 sets of gear ensures that each firefighter has a second set of gear immediately available to them should the first set of gear become contaminated during firefighting or hazardous materials operations. The second set of gear can be immediately used while the contaminated gear is cleaned and decontaminated.
This agenda item has been reviewed by the Purchasing Division for compliance with the request for sole source exemption.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This request aligns with Goal 3: Safe and Secure Community
Resource Persons: James E. Groves, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Director and Reggie Villines, DCFR Fire Chief.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the sole source exemption and authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract for the purchase of 52 sets of structural fire-fighting protective clothing from Stevens Fire Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $117,290.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________