In 2013 the Fire Department applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) through the Department of Homeland Security.  This application was in response to a recognized problem with the Department’s current SCBA inventory which was not compliant with the most current version of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1981 standard.  The AFG grant was awarded on June 6, 2014 and approved by City Council on June 9, 2014.  Total grant amount was $515,066, with 90% of the award ($463,560) funded by the Department of Homeland Security and 10% of the award ($51,506) being the applicant grant match.

This agenda item outlines a request to purchase all SCBA equipment listed in the grant.  This consists of SCBA’s, masks, regulators and voice amplifiers in the amount of $458,091.12 (see attached Municipal Emergency Services Inc. SCBA Quote for specific equipment details).  The applicant match is $45,809.11.  This equipment ensures interoperability between current SFD equipment and the other municipal fire departments in the immediate region.

Because of the importance of the interoperability of this vital piece of safety equipment, Scott Safety was the only SCBA that was considered in this procurement process.

The regional fire agencies (Sparks FD, Reno FD and Truckee Meadows FPD) all currently use Scott Safety SCBA’s.  The decision to purchase Scott Safety SCBA’s was based upon a regional evaluation that was first conducted in 1995 and again in 2000.  While each agency may have a different version of Scott Safety SCBA’s, the cylinders and the pressure that they operate at allow for interoperability as outlined in NIOSH – CFR 42, 84.71.  This enables us to utilize the each other’s cylinders when providing automatic and mutual aid.

The need for interoperability is further reinforced by our Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team (RHMRT).  This team was created under a formal agreement between the Cities of Sparks, Reno, and the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.  The type and amount of equipment utilized by the RHMRT, including SCBA, is collectively determined by the three agencies.  The RHMRT currently uses Scott Safety SCBA.  The budget for the RHMRT is funded by annual contributions from the each agency and currently does not include a provision for the replacement of SCBA.

Acquiring this grant has given the Fire Department the ability to upgrade the most critical components of its SCBA to the most current version of NFPA 1981.  However, it falls short of being able to replace the entire compliment of Scott Safety SCBA related equipment making interoperability with existing equipment a significant factor.  A total replacement all of current Scott Safety equipment is not financially feasible or fiscally responsible.

Based upon the above mentioned interoperability necessity, the City sought vendors that could fulfill our need while complying with the AFG grant guidance, in reference to procurement integrity – i.e. acquisition through a competitively negotiated third party opportunity, state contract, co-operative group purchasing or an existing previously bid (“tag along” contract).  Further, the City is exempt from competitive bidding requirements when purchasing safety equipment for its response agencies (fire department), as outlined in NRS Chapter 332.

Quotes were solicited from two vendors.  One vendor declined to provide a quote, as the manufacturer (Scott) limits their distribution network by geographical territories.  Therefore, the best available pricing was submitted by Municipal Emergency Services Inc. in the amount of $458,091.12 who quoted the equipment using an existing contract between their firm and Clark County.  This purchase would be using the “joinder” provision of procurement law, allowed under NRS 332 and often used by the City of Sparks for other commodity/equipment purchases.

1.  Council can reject the purchase on the grounds that sufficient funding is not currently available for the grant match amount.

2.  Council can accept the recommendation.

Approve the purchase of Scott Safety SCBA equipment from Municipal Emergency Services Inc. in the amount of $458,091.12