Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for fire hose inspection and testing for Austin Fire with Fire Catt LLC for an initial term of one year in an estimated amount of $76,500 with up to four one-year extension options each in variable amounts for a total contract amount not to exceed $427,500. Funding: $76,500 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Fire. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Fire.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $76,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget of Austin Fire.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Procurement Language:
Sole Source.
MBE/WBE:
Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide annual fire hose testing services for Austin Fire. Austin Fire maintains approximately 240,000 feet of fire hose that must be tested each year to confirm that it remains safe for use and meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Services include inspecting hoses and related components, conducting computerized pressure testing, identifying and removing failed hoses from service, maintaining barcode-based inventory records, and providing written and electronic test reports.
This contract replaces a contract that will expire January 10, 2027. The recommended contractor, Fire Catt L.L.C., is the current provider of these services and the only provider using its patented automated testing system with integrated safety controls, digital reporting, and barcode-based asset tracking. No other vendor offers comparable technology capable of meeting Austin Fire and NFPA requirements for safety, accuracy, and efficiency. The requested authorization is based on historical spending, departmental estimates, anticipated annual fire hose testing needs, and increased service costs since the previous contract.
If the City is unable to secure a contract, untested or damaged fire hoses may remain in service, increasing risks to firefighters and public safety.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
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Initial Term |
1 year |
$76,500 |
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Optional Extension 1 |
1 year |
$81,000 |
|
Optional Extension 2 |
1 year |
$85,500 |
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Optional Extension 3 |
1 year |
$90,000 |
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Optional Extension 4 |
1 year |
$94,500 |
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Total |
5 years |
$427,500 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage and may be more or less in the initial term and in each exercised optional extension; however, the total contract amount will not exceed $427,500.