Agenda

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Consent

Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	10/14/2019
Approval to Purchase Hydraulic Rescue Tools from Rescue 1
Submitted by:	Brian Goss, Fire & Rescue
Department:	Fire & Rescue

Information

Subject

Approval to Purchase Hydraulic Rescue Tools from Rescue 1

Background

The City purchased a new piece of fire apparatus in FY 2019 for the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department (BFR). This apparatus, Ladder 53, was placed in service this past summer using the tools and equipment formerly carried on Engine 53. Once the tools and equipment were removed, Engine 53 was sent to a repair facility to be refurbished for continued use as a reserve apparatus. Once Engine 53 returns, the original equipment will be pulled from Ladder 53 and placed back on board.

For this reason, $29,000 was budgeted in the FY 2020 annual operating budget to purchase new tools and equipment to be placed on Ladder 53. BFR traditionally bids loose equipment separately from the apparatus purchase itself in order to obtain the best competitive pricing. One of these items is a rescue tool set commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life.” These tools are used to extricate persons from various types of entrapment--most commonly as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

The tool sets carried on BFR apparatus include both spreading and cutting appliances. These tools have traditionally been powered by way of a hydraulic pump and hoses connected to the apparatus. New technology, however, has enabled the development of battery-operated equipment to achieve the same—or better—cutting and spreading force without having to be tethered to the responding truck or engine. These have proven to be more flexible, deployable, and adaptable than traditional hydraulic tools.

For these reasons, BFR solicited bids for a battery-operated rescue tool system to include a spreader, cutter, spreader extension, batteries, and chargers. Three bids were received. The lowest and best bid with no exceptions was an Amkus tool set submitted by Rescue 1 out of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the amount of $17,240.00. The lowest bid, in the amount of $16,222.50, was submitted by Municipal Emergency Services for a Hurst tool set. However, the Hurst set uses a proprietary battery system which will cost significantly more to maintain over the life of the tool than will the Amkus system. Specifically, Hurst batteries cost $435.00 each compared to the Amkus battery which costs $35. Additionally, Amkus accessories and batteries are compatible with other equipment carried within the BFR fleet.

For these reasons, Staff recommends approval to purchase an Amkus rescue tool system from Rescue 1 in the amount of $17,240.00. Please contact the Fire Chief with any questions.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval to purchase an Amkus rescue tool set from Rescue 1 in the amount of $17,240.00

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	$17,240.00
Source of Funds:	Annual Operating Budget
Account Number:	110-42200-83530

Fiscal Impact:

Funds are available in the FY 2020 General Fund Budget for this purpose.

Attachments
Bid Document
Bid Tab
Photos and Specifications