Approval is requested for the award of a contract to American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming, for two fire engines for the Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division.

The requested fire engines will replace two existing apparatus. Both existing fire engines has been in service for 20 years, and the cost of ownership is increasing. Replacement parts are becoming harder to find and the reliability of the units is decreasing. Due to the requirements for emergency response, neither is reliable for daily emergency service. In addition, the existing fire engines do not meet the new National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Requirements concerning air quality, seating and securing of passengers. Both are on the 2000/2001 replacement schedule, and a one-year lead-time is required for delivery of the new equipment.

On February 3, 1998, City Council awarded a contract for one fire engine to Redding Freightliner of Redding, California, as the result of a competitive bid (Invitation for Bids #F9797-01 and RTC 98-048). The Invitation for Bid requested a multi-year contract and stated: "The City may have an interest in purchasing additional Fire Pumpers from the successful bidder in future years (in the next 5-10 years)" with pricing based on the Producer Product Index (PPI) for motor vehicles.

Staff recommends purchasing two fire engines under the 1998 contract. Purchasing identical units will reduce training demands, minimize inventory of spare parts and streamline warranty administration. Utilizing the existing contract and exercising the PPI as a benchmark will result in .1% or $563 reduction from previous pricing.

Redding Freightliner, the original contractor, no longer manufactures fire apparatus. However, Freightliner/LaFrance, has a number of other manufacturing locations, including American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming. The Wyoming facility has agreed to manufacture the additional apparatus under the terms of the 1998 contract with Redding Freightliner.

Total cost to the City will be $561,937 including tax. Funds are available in Public Works Equipment Account #020700-5135.

It is recommended that Council award a contract in the amount of $561,937 for two fire engines to American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming, for two fire engines and authorize the Purchasing Officer to issue a purchase order to that effect.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley
Director of Finance

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose
Director of Public Works

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager