TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary amendments, with South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc., of Ontario, CA, for the purchase of two Pierce Arrow XT fire ladder trucks, with related equipment and accessories, on the same terms and conditions afforded to the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC), of Houston, TX, in an amount not to exceed $3,130,518, inclusive of taxes and fees;
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into contracts with South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc., for the purchase of two Pierce Arrow XT 102-foot ladder trucks and FWD Seagrave Holdings, LP, for the purchase of ten Seagrave Capitol Cab Pumpers, respectively, for use by the Fire Department.
The current fire ladder and pumper trucks have exceeded their 15-year lifecycles and are experiencing increased downtime due to the increasing need for repairs and delays in parts procurement. Due to their age and condition, the risk of breakdowns is more likely to occur, potentially interrupting critical services. These 12 units have been approved for purchase by the City Manager in the FY 20 Fleet Replacement Plan.
Timely replacement of fire equipment is critical to successful operations and the overall health of the fleet. The Fire Department has mutual aid agreements in place and often deploys strike teams to assist during wildfire events throughout the state. This requires sending front line equipment while still having the ability to backfill equipment needs within the City limits. Additionally, adequate spares are needed when units are down for routine maintenance or unplanned breakdowns. These purchases have very long build times and can take up to 18 months before they are placed in service, putting an extra strain on the existing fleet and can potentially impact availability.
City Charter Section 1802 provides an alternative procurement method by permitting the City to purchase or otherwise obta...
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