Explanation
BACKGROUND: For the option to purchase Firefighter Turnout Gear for the Fire Division in order to provide protection to firefighters when battling fires. The term of the proposed option contract would be three (3) years with an option to renew for two (2) additional one-year extensions, if mutually agreed upon. The initial term of the contract is through March 31, 2013.
The Fire Division conducted an evaluation process of the turnout gear products of six (6) manufacturers, after developing a basic specification of the gear that best met the Division's protective needs. The manufacturers each agreed to provide ten (10) sets of their gear to undergo the evaluation. Each set was put through combative and non-combative testing over several months and the firefighters involved in the evaluation documented their findings. In addition, objective data such as wear, protective aspects and serviceability were compiled. The Fire Division's Research and Development Office and the Personal Protective Equipment Clothing Committee reviewed the data and determined that the Morning Price (dba Honeywell) fire gear rated superior to the other manufacturers. Based on the testing and evaluation, a final specification was developed for the Morning Pride turnout gear.
Once it was determined that Morning Pride was the only acceptable gear, it was also determined that Morning Pride was the only available supplier. This is for two reasons: 1) Because of the size of the Columbus Fire Division, only the Morning Pride manufacturer would be able to provide the necessary gear to the City; 2) Since there were specialized proprietary aspects to the turnout gear that only Morning Pride can provide, no other bidders would be able to meet the Division's specifications. The Purchasing Office determined that the sole source process was the only means available to enter into contract with Morning Pride.
Therefore, this purchase is being pursued in accordance with Section 329.07 Sole Source provisions of the Columbus City Code (Solicitation No. SA003590). The Fire Division and the Purchasing Office has determined the only source for the Fire Division's Turnout Gear is Morning Pride Manufacturing dba Honeywell First Responder Products.
The Purchasing Office is recommending award of a contract to the sole provider:
Morning Pride Manufacturing dba Honeywell First Responder Products, CC# 31-1608763 (Expires 5/4/2011).
Total Estimated Annual Expenditure: $300,000.00.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal Excluded Parties Listing or the State Auditor's Findings For Recovery Database.
This ordinance is being submitted as an emergency because, without emergency action, no less than 37 days will be added to this procurement cycle and the efficient delivery of valuable public services will be slowed.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding to establish this option contract is budgeted in the Mail, Print Services and UTC Fund. The Fire Division will be required to obtain approval to expend from their own appropriations for their estimated annual expenditures.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to enter into a contract for an option to purchase Firefighter Turnout Gear, with Morning Pride Manufacturing dba Honeywell First Responder Products, to authorize the expenditure of one (1) dollar to establish the contract from the Mail, Print Services and UTC Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($1.00).
Body
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Office pursued a contract in accordance with the Sole Source provisions of the Columbus City Code and selected the sole provider; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance addresses Purchasing objectives of 1) maximizing the use of City resources by obtaining optimal products/services at low prices and 2) encouraging economic development by improving access to City bid opportunities and 3) providing effective option contracts for City agencies to efficiently maintain their supply chain and service to the public; and
WHEREAS, because the Firefighter Turnout Gear is used to protect Firefighters exposed to dangerous situations during the course of their daily employment and because the Fire Recruit class begins in June and a source of supply is needed for the recruits, this is being submitted for consideration as an emergency measure; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Fire Division in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a contract for an option to purchase Firefighter Turnout Gear, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Finance & Management Director be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into the following contract for an option to purchase Firefighter Turnout Gear for the Fire Division for the term ending March 31, 2013, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional (1) one-year periods if mutually agreed upon, in accordance with Solicitation No. SA003590 as follows:
Morning Pride Manufacturing dba Honeywell First Responder Products, All items, Amount: $1.00
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $1.00 is hereby authorized from the Mail, Print Services and UTC Fund, Organization Level 1: 45-01, Fund: 05-517, Object Level 3: 2270, OCA: 451130, to pay the cost thereof.
SECTION 3. That this purchase is hereby made pursuant to the City of Columbus Code section 329.07 Sole Source Procurement.
SECTION 4. That for the reason stated in the preamble here to, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.