Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for firefighter bunker gear cleaning and repair services with Gear Cleaning Solutions LLC, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $650,000.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Fire Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $119,167 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Fire Department.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 7800 EAB3000 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on July 1, 2024, and closed on July 30, 2024. Of the three offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=140748.
MBE/WBE:
This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide the Austin Fire Department (AFD) with a comprehensive bunker gear cleaning and maintenance program. Bunker gear is the protective ensemble firefighters wear while participating in firefighting and include items such as pants, jacket, helmet, gloves, hoods, and boots. The contractor will provide advanced inspections, repairs, cleanings, alterations, recordkeeping services, and a 48-hour turnkey pick-up and delivery service at fire stations and support service centers throughout the City. The contractor is authorized to provide these services and warranty work by the brand manufacturer.
The bunker gear maintenance program included in this contract will be managed by the AFD Safety Office and is designed to comply with the requirements set by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Compliance with the NFPA standards is mandated by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
This contract will replace a current contract which expires January 1, 2025. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these goods and services. Contract estimates are based on historical spend and anticipated personnel growth.
An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Gear Cleaning Solutions LLC as the best to provide these goods and services based on project concept and strategy, price proposal, qualifications and experience, local business preference, and small business preference.
A delay in contract approval could impact Firefighter safety and the City’s ability to stay in compliance with NFPA regulations.