TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract and all necessary amendments with Zoll Medical Corporation, of Chelmsford, MA (not an MBE, WBE, SBE or Local), for the purchase of 12-Lead electrocardiogram units, batteries and accessories, in an amount not to exceed $373,573, including tax. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is being requested to authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a contract with Zoll Medical Corporation (Zoll) to purchase eleven 12-Lead electrocardiogram (EKG) units, batteries and accessories for the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD).
Zoll currently supplies the LBFD with the 12-Lead EKG units that it utilizes in providing emergency medical services. Purchasing new monitors from Zoll allows for the continued standardization of equipment and compatibility with current monitors, on which all paramedics have been trained. Parts and accessories will also be compatible, allowing for the stocking of only one brand of supplies and the flexibility to quickly interchange EKG units and replacement parts when necessary. The new equipment will allow the LBFD to continue to effectively identify 9-1-1 cardiac patients and transport them to an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Receiving Center hospital for definitive diagnosis and treatment, thus improving patient outcome. Additionally, the equipment will help the LBFD meet Federal and State mandates, which require all patient care records to be in electronic format by 2014.
Zoll Medical Corporation does not use regional distributors and is the sole manufacturer and source for their products. Therefore, no useful purpose would be served by advertising for bids and to do so would be deemed as an unnecessary expenditure of public funds and staff time.
The City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process, but allows for awards without a competitive bid process when authorized by a Resolution of the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 3, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt the attached Resolution and approve this contract is requested on December 18, 2012, to expedite the purchase of the recommended equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for this purchase is $373,573. The Fire Department's existing General Fund budget includes sufficient appropriations for the purchase, as well as related operating, maintenance, and replacement costs. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN GROSS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
MICHAEL A. DUREE
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER