Sole Source Purchase for S65-S25184 - Approve the sole source purchase and payment for personal protective gear from Lion First Responder PPE, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000.00 for the Houston Fire Department.
Specific Explanation:
The Chief of the Houston Fire Department and the City Purchasing Agent recommend that City Council approve the sole source purchase and payment for personal protective gear (bunker gear) from Lion First Responder PPE, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000.00 for the Houston Fire Department and that authorization be given to make purchase, as needed, for a 36-month period with two one-year options. This award also includes payment in an amount not to exceed $401,389.66 for the purchase of 227 coats and 224 pants (bunker gear) for fitting of several cadet classes prior to Council Approval.
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) purchases fire bunker gear, as needed, throughout the year for classified employees involved in firefighting activities. Lion First Responder PPE, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and distributor of firefighting coats and pants to specific HFD requirements that meet or exceed NFPA 1971 "Structural and Proximity Firefighting Gear" minimum standards. Bunker gear is worn to protect fire fighters from physical harm while in the performance of their duties. It enables them to enter areas otherwise untenable and affect rescue and fire suppression operations. One sixth of all bunker gear is replaced each year as part of a scheduled replacement strategy to maximize safety.
This recommendation is made pursuant to Chapter 252, Section 252.022 (a) (2) "a procurement necessary to preserve or protect the public health an safety of the municipality's residents" of the Texas Local Government Code for exempted procurements.
Hire Houston First:
The proposed award is exempt form the Hire Houston First Ordinance. Bids/proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a sole source supplier for this purchase.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Calvin D. Wells, City Purchasing Agent Department Approval Authority Signature
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division
Estimated Spending Authority:
| DEPARTMENT |
FY2016 |
OUT YEARS |
TOTAL |
| HFD |
$1,600,000.00 |
$6,400,000.00 |
$8,000,000.00 |