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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/2002, C4 - SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS UNIT (SCBA) REPLACEMENT & FACE PIECE ACQUISITION conn ck 1/8/02 acEnaa RepoRt rcmNumlKr CITY OF SAN LUIS OBI SS PO FROM: Robert F. Neumann, Fire Chi/9 Prepared By: Viv R. Dilts, Management Assistant and Roy Damas, Fire Engineer SUBJECT: SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS UNIT (SCBA) REPLACEMENT & FACE PIECE ACQUISITION CAO RECOMMENDATION Approve Specification #90312 for the purchase of 35 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units and 25 additional individual face masks, authorize soliciting of bids and authorize contract award by the CAO if the proposed contract amount is less than $112,500. DISCUSSION The 2001-03 Financial Plan includes funding to replace 45 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units this fiscal year, at a cost of$112,500. After researching this equipment, staff is recommending replacing only 35 SCBA units and purchasing an additional 25 new face masks. Why Purchase 35 SCBA Units and 25 New Face Masks instead of the 45 SCBA units requested? When the request was first made, units in service were assigned to a piece of equipment with generic one-size fits all face masks. Under these circumstances, the replacement of 45 SCBA units was appropriate. However, since the initial budget request was made, a requirement has caused the department to implement a Respiratory Protection Program in accordance with California Code of Regulations, sections 3409 and 5144. This program establishes Departmental policy, responsibilities, and requirements for the protection of firefighters whose job requires the use of respiratory protection. As part of this policy, each Firefighter will be required to have an individual face mask. Why are Individual Face Masks Important? ■ An effective face mask seal is extremely important when using protective equipment. Minor leakage can allow contaminants to enter the face masks. Face masks now come in sizes to ensure proper face mask seal. Each Firefighter will be required to pass a face mask size fit test during initial and annual training. ■ There will be equipment accountability and continuity. Each Firefighter will be assured that their face mask is cleaned, disinfected, and ready for use at all times. Council Agenda Report—SCBA Unit Replacement and Face Piece Acquisition Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT Even though the 2001-03 Financial Plan approved $112,500 for these purchases, it should be noted that on September 17, 2001 the Fire Department received notification that a grant application submitted under FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for SCBA replacement units had been approved. The federal grant amount is $102,150. ALTERNATIVE As the grant has a time restriction, not purchasing in a timely manner places the City in jeopardy of losing $102,150 in grant funding. Council Reading File: Specification#90312 Invitation for Bid Package 4-2