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...
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