HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-14-007 - Fire Department Pumper / Aerial Apparatus Purchase Staff Report
I r Community Services Department wvwuukitchenerra
REPORT TO: Finance & Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 13, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Tim Beckett, Fire Chief
PREPARED BY: Gary Mann, Deputy Fire Chief
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: November 25, 2013
REPORT NO.: CSD-14-007
SUBJECT: FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER/AERIAL APPARATUS
PURCHASE
RECOMMENDATION:
That the tender process be waived for the purchase of a custom built pumper/aerial
apparatus and allow the purchase of a comparable stock apparatus from a pre-qualified
dealer at a cost not greater than $782,800.00.
BACKGROUND:
The fire service typically has fire apparatus built to defined specifications desired for the scope
of the intended operations for the municipality and its fire department. These units are custom
built to these specifications by the manufacturer and/or the dealer who have been awarded the
contract through the formal tender process. This process would normally require up to eighteen
months of time to design, tender, build, inspect, and outfit for frontline duty. This would include
any potential cost increases during that period of time until delivery.
Dealers occasionally stock or build demonstration apparatus that are exhibited at trade shows to
promote their business and are often sold at the end of the year for discounted rates.
REPORT:
The current Pumper/Tower (unit 4529) is a 2005 apparatus and has been operational for 8
years. The apparatus is scheduled for replacement in 2014 as per the Capital/Fire-Major
Equipment/Fleet 20 year replacement schedule. The manufacturer of unit 4529 (American
Lafrance) is no longer in business and parts are increasingly difficult to locate and there is no
reserve pumper/tower apparatus should it become inoperable.
The Fire Department and Supply Services Division will complete the preliminary work of
canvassing fire apparatus dealers for the availability of in stock aerial apparatus, and the
associated pricing for units available. The purchase of in-stock apparatus is subject to
availability and whether the units meet the minimum specifications of the Fire Department. If a
stock truck is unable to be located, we will then conduct a full tender process.
4 - 1
This purchase would be similar to the aerial ladder purchases in November 2008 and October
2009. Through this process, the Department was granted approval from council to forgo the
design and build process and realize the savings associated with the purchase of a stock truck.
Stock Replacement of Aerial 4538
In 2008, the Capital Budget allocated $1,097,000 for the purchase of an aerial (4538)
apparatus. The Supply Services Division surveyed Dealers with in-stock units for sale and
ultimately purchased a stock apparatus meeting our specifications for $863,538.00. (Savings of
$233,462)
Stock Replacement of Aerial 4524
On November 26, 2009, City of Kitchener Council approved "that the tender process for the
purchase of a custom built aerial apparatus be waived to allow for the purchase of a comparable
stock apparatus from a prequalified dealer at a cost between $950,000 to 1,060,000." Supply
Services Division surveyed dealers with in-stock units and was awarded to Darch Fire for
$981,643.32. (Savings of$78,357.00)
If such an apparatus can be located; the benefit to the City is a reduced purchase cost and
immediate delivery, as opposed to eighteen months start to finish. There is also an opportunity
to take advantage of a strong Canadian Dollar at this time.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Theme: Financial Management
Strategic Direction: Ensure responsible use of public funds within a supportive policy framework.
The City of Kitchener's purchasing policies and practices ensure openness, fairness and
transparency in the procurement of goods and services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The search for an appropriate stock pumper/aerial apparatus can be lengthy due to the
fluctuations in availability and scheduling of apparatus inspections with dealers and staff.
However, preliminary discussions with dealers indicate that there are suitable apparatus
available or in the process of being built at this time. There are sufficient funds available in the
Capital/Fire-Major Equipment/Fleet to facilitate the purchase of the apparatus ($782,800.00)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
N/A
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that the tender process be waive for the purchase of a custom build
pumper/aerial apparatus and allow the purchase of a comparable stock apparatus from a pre-
qualified dealer.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
4 - 2