ORDINANCE awarding contract to MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES, INC for Inspection, Maintenance, Repairs and Testing Services on Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Systems for Various Departments; providing a maximum contract amount - $952,625.00 - General, Enterprise and Other Funds

Formal Bid Received May 27, 2021 for S95-L29813 - Approve an ordinance awarding a contract to Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $952,625.00 for Inspection, Maintenance, Repairs and Testing Services on Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Units for Various Departments.

Specific Explanation:

The Chief Procurement Officer recommends that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a three-year contract, with two (2) one-year renewal options to Municipal Emergency Services on its low bid meeting specifications for Inspection, Maintenance, Repairs and Testing Services on Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Units in the amount not to exceed $952,625.00 for various departments.

This Invitation to Bid (ITB) was advertised in accordance with the requirements of the State of Texas bid laws.  Prior to issuing the solicitation, the Strategic Procurement Division canvassed the City’s registered vendor data base, as well as the market, to identify potential bidders who could possibly provide the type of services needed. Several prospective respondents downloaded the solicitation from SPD’s e-bidding website, and two (2) responses were received as outlined below.

The scope of work requires the contractor to provide all labor, materials, equipment, safety, insurance, transportation, and supervision necessary to perform preventive and remedial maintenance; monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual inspections and testing on stationary and mobile breathing apparatus air units used by the Houston Fire Department (HFD), Houston Public Works (HPW), and the Houston Police Department (HPD). The self-contained breathing apparatus units are used by firefighters during fire suppression activities. HPD and HPW may use these SCBAs for rescue operations or confined space projects. The contractor provides annual fit and flow testing on approximately 3,100 breathing air masks and approximately 1,100 air packs as mandated by the Texas Fire Commission. In addition, the contractor also provides these services on approximately 150 breathing apparatus units being used by HFD, HPW and HPD where an imminent danger to life or health exists. The items covered within the bid are specialized in the health and safety requirements, and a Scott Safety authorized distributor must perform the services on this equipment to maintain the warranty and ensure proper safety measures are taken at all times.  

M/WBE Subcontracting:

MWBE zero-percentage goal document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.

Pay or Play Program:

The proposed contract requires compliance with the City's 'Pay or Play' ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors.  In this case, the contractor has elected to play by providing health benefits to each covered employee in compliance with City policy.

Hire Houston First:

The proposed contract requires compliance with the City's Hire Houston First (HHF) ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses and supports job creation.  In this case, Municipal Emergency Services does not meet the requirements for HHF designation; no HHF firms were within three percent. 

Fiscal Notes:

Funding for this item is included in the FY2022 adopted budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.

Funding for this item will be included in the FY2023 Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.

$629,771.97 – General (1000)

$317,853.03 – Water and Sewer System Fund (8300)

$    5,000.00 – Stormwater Fund (2302)

$952,625.00 - Total