Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Fire Medical
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To: |
Dave Corliss, City Manager
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From: |
Mark Bradford, Fire Chief
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Date: |
December 22, 2008
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Re: |
Protective Clothing Replacement Funding Request |
Background:
The Fire Medical department issues and maintains one protective coat and pant to each uniformed member of the department in addition to other related items to complete a full protective clothing ensemble. Protective clothing has generally been utilized until it was worn to a point that is no longer serviceable and was in immediate need of replacement. The department implemented an inspection program for personal protective clothing to meet safety requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Complete inspections of all department personnel were recently completed for 2008. All Garments were rated overall as needing Replaced, Repaired or Satisfactory. Mixing of current garments can result in differing levels of thermal protection and gaps that can result in burns. It is recommended that firefighters in the Department use the same gear.
Current Status:
Utilizing 2008 inspection results and reviewing equipment history we have identified 21 coats and 14 pants in need of replacement. The total cost for replacement is $26,397. The 2009 budget line item has been funded $45,000 for replacing firefighting safety equipment including protective coats, pants, gloves, helmets, boots, hoods, etc. All manufacturers recommend matching pants and coats from the same manufacturer.
Action Request:
The Fire Medical department requests sole source purchasing for replacement and repair of personal protective clothing totaling $26,397. Globe manufacturing is the manufacturer of coats and pants the department Health and Safety Project Team (a labor-management team) selected to meet our requirements in 2005. They have an exclusive dealer network in Kansas and have identified Municipal Emergency Services (MES) as the sole distributor that may sell to us. Fair pricing was verified during our last order through contact with others utilizing the same style of protective clothing and comparing specific components and pricing. The manufacturer has informed of a price increase of five to seven percent for all items ordered after January 15, 2009. The pricing we received for 2008 has been honored until that date.
Attachments: