HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/2017 Purchase of Interspiro Supplied Air System Plinge of Mount 13rosp"I
Item XI. A: Motion to accept purchase of the Interspiro surface supplied air
system in an amount not to exceed $31,975.54.
Department: Fire Department
......................................................................................................................."I'l""I'll""I'll'll""I'll""'ll""II..............."I'l""I'll""I'll'll""I'll""I'll",'ll""I"ll""I..............
Information:
The most dangerous environment public safety professionals can operate in is
breathing compressed air at depth. The first thought on a SCUBA diver's mind is air
consumption and preservation if they are trapped underwater or have a sudden
equipment failure. Today, redundant air systems have become the standard for
public safety divers. A redundant air system is a form of secondary air source.
Divers will often carry an entirely separate air source such as a "pony" bottle (18cf)
with regulating system. If the diver loses the primary air source due to failure, loss
of pressure or simply runs out of air, they will switch to this redundant system. This
may require mask removal in contaminated water. The Surface Supplied Air (SSA)
system we are requesting to purchase does not require manual activation or mask
removal. An independent switch automatically activates the reserve air bottles on
the diver's back. Another major benefit of this system is the regulator itself vibrates
indicating air is low. This feature is known as Vibralert and is only offered by
Interspiro in the public safety diver's market.
The weight of our current SCUBA bottles are very heavy, therefore reducing the
diver's physical energy. Gearing up and transporting our current gear packs often
requires additional manpower so the diver still has enough energy to perform the
search. The Interspiro Divator MKII Lite is the first SCUBA bottle to utilize
composite wrapped cylinders for SCUBA diving. These cylinders are about a third
of the weight of our current aluminum cylinders which is critical as reducing weight
for the diver is a physical safety benefit. These cylinders are very similar to the
cylinder technology we use for our firefighting air packs for the same reason. The
US Navy, FBI, and NASA spent over ten years testing this SSA system and all three
of these agencies currently utilize this system in active field applications. It should
be noted these cylinders are Department of Transportation (DOT) approved as well.
The added benefit of our SSA system will be vital in the cooperative effort with
MABAS Division 1's circular scanning sonar system. In the past, our divers would
Village Board Meeting-January 17,2017 Page 262 of 299
search blindly to find and rescue/recover a person or object. This would often
exhaust the diver within twenty minutes. We now have the opportunity to direct the
divers in a controlled fashion with sonar. The use of SSA will allow a diver much
more time underwater, therefore reducing the number of divers needed on scene.
SCUBA divers in the fire/rescue field are not recreational divers. We do not use
common recreational dive gear. Public safety divers must use rugged, tested,
environmentally safe equipment that will last. Ease of use is another benefit during
rescue/recovery missions. The purchase of this system will be a complete SCUBA
package. This will be one unit all from the same manufacturer for public safety
underwater diving. Having a mix of different diving gear from multiple manufacturers
was common practice in the past due to cost. The problem is alleviated with the
Interspiro System as it is one complete system.
Only a few select teams have utilized SSA system because these systems have
been technically challenging and limited in years past. Today, the opportunity has
become readily available for a SSA system to be utilized in a quick and safe fashion
with little technical effort at the surface panel. Interspiro has developed a diver
attached regulating system. All that is needed is a constant air source from our
cascade systems or various air bottles on our fire apparatus. The airline, or
lightweight high-pressure cord, is integrated with our current communication line.
This low profile airline is the life source that provides constant air for the diver. In
waters less than twenty feet we can theoretically keep a diver down for about two
hours with this system as compared to 30-40 minutes with our current equipment.
The most important benefit of the system is the increased safety it will provide to
our divers. The National Fire Protection Agency Standard 1670 (NFPA 1670),
states "the ultimate redundant air system for divers is a SSA system for meeting
personnel standards for specialized teams". The Mount Prospect Fire Department is
taking a pro-active step forward, and is leading the field in public safety diving.
Alternatives:
None
Budget Impact:
We will be purchasing this equipment directly from Interspiro and not through a
distributor, since Interspiro is a sole source provider of the SSA system and there
are no government purchasing programs available.
This proposed purchase will require the expenditure of $31 ,975.54 from the
Community Investment Program. Sufficient funds exist in the current budget.
Annual maintenance of equipment of less than $1,000.00. The existing annual
maintenance costs of equipment will be reduced with this new system.
Village Board Meeting-January 17,2017 Page 263 of 299
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the purchase of the Interspiro surface supplied air system in an
amount not to exceed $31,975.54.
SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
GOVERNANCE: Financially sound, providing exceptional service.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type Upload Date File Name
D Supporting Backup 1/10/2017 Interspiro_quote_and_sole_source_letter.pdf
Documents Material
Village Board Meeting-January 17,2017 Page 264 of 299