HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/18/2015 Waive Bid Process and Purchase Breathing ApparatusMount Prospect Fire Department
Interoffice Memo
TO: ACTING VILLAGE MANAGER DAVID STRAHL
FROM: FIRE CHIEF
DATE: AUGUST 10, 2015
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF BREATHING APPARATUS CYLINDERS
The Fire Department is requesting a waiver of bid for the purchase of 92 self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) air cylinders. Air One Equipment of South Elgin, Illinois, is the only authorized
Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA) dealer in Northern Illinois (Attachment 1).
The funds for the purchase of all the SCBA cylinders are in the 2015 CIP budget in the amount of
$70,000. The Fire Department applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for the
replacement of all of our existing air cylinders, SCBA harnesses, and face pieces with integrated
voice communication boxes. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in obtaining the AFG Grant this
year. Our existing bottles are at the end of their life cycle and will need to be replaced per
Department of Transportation rules and regulations. We will continue to apply for grants for
replacement of the SCBA harnesses and face pieces as grants become available.
SCBA Units
The SCBA's are vital for providing clean breathing air when entering toxic atmospheres. The
department currently owns 40 complete SCBA units with cylinders and 52 spare cylinders. These
units include structural firefighting SCBA, Hazardous Materials Team SCBA's, and Rapid
Intervention Team packs.
SCBA Air Cylinders
Compressed air cylinders provide SCBA users with a supply of fresh air while performing duties
that include structural firefighting and other job functions in contaminated atmospheres. Today's
technology has created lighter bottles made of woven carbon fibers which reduce the weight of
the cylinder. MSA cylinders also provide glow -in -the -dark illumination and Fire Department
labeling for identification in reduced visibility situations. Our existing SCBA air cylinders, which we
purchased in 2000, have a 15 -year maximum life expectancy and are due for replacement this
year.
Why MSA?
There are at least four manufacturers that provide SCBA units. We have used MSA SCBA units
for over 35 years with exceptional service and reliability. The cylinders we are purchasing are the
only cylinders that will integrate with our existing SCBA harnesses. Purchasing from MSA will
provide our continued standardization of SCBA units.
H:\Administration\Clothing & Equipment\Equipment\SCBA\SCBA cylinder 2015 Waiver -Village Manager .doc
Purchase of Breathing Apparatus Cylinders
August 6, 2015
Page 2
Recommendation
The proposed plan will provide new cylinders to all existing MSA SCBA's, spare cylinders for each
SCBA, and 1 hour cylinders for the Hazardous Materials Response Team and Rapid Intervention
Team. It is my recommendation to stay with MSA self-contained breathing apparatus and award
the contract to Air One Equipment in an amount not to exceed $69,540 (Attachment 2).
Additionally, Air One Equipment has provided the Fire Department with years of excellent and
efficient service.
Budget Authorization
There is $70,000 budgeted in account 020.70.90.00.1.709.665.004 (page 312 of the budget book)
for this purchase.
JM/bl
Attachments