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Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents, with Baum’s Castorine Co., Inc., of Rome, NY, for the purchase of Novacool Universal Extinguishing Foam in an amount not to exceed $200,000. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Baum’s Castorine Co., Inc. (Baum’s), for the purchase of Novacool Universal Extinguishing Foam (UEF) to be used by Long Beach Fire Department’s (LBFD) fire boats in the Port of Long Beach (Harbor Department). Novacool UEF firefighting foam is the primary fire extinguishing agent used for Fire Boat 15 “Vigilance” and Fire Boat 20 “Protector,” operated by LBFD in the Port of Long Beach.
Baum’s is the developer and sole manufacturer of Novacool UEF firefighting foam and does not authorize retailers to sell the product. Novacool UEF firefighting foam is uniquely appropriate for the marine firefighting environment as it does not contain environmentally harmful chemicals, such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEs) or glycol ethers.
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 adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on April 21, 2022, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on April 28, 2022, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on May 4, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
Novacool UEF firefighting foam has been tested for aquatic toxicity and biodegradability and was shown not to cause toxic buildup or pollute groundwater. Novacool exceeds EPA guidelines and provides an environmentally responsible alternative to harsh extinguishers that pollute valuable resources in the environment.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on May 24, 2022, to ensure the contract is in place to allow for the timely purchase of Novacool UEF firefighting foam.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the contract will not exceed $200,000. The Long Beach Fire Department will pay for the firefighting foam and will transfer the entire cost to the Harbor Department as agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Long Beach Fire and Harbor Departments. Sufficient funds for this contract are budgeted in the Harbor Fund Group in the Harbor Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
XAVIER ESPINO
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER