12-20-1994 - Replacement of Fire Department Command UnitCity of West Covina
Memorandum
TO
FROM .
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY:
BACKGROUND
City Council and City Manager
Fire Department
REPLACEMENT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
COMMAND UNIT
AGENDA
ITEM NO. C-10 W
DATE December 2n, 1994
City Council will consider the replacement of a command
unit for the Fire Department.
At the present time the Fire Department utilizes a 1988 Chevrolet
Caprice as a command unit.
This vehicle is used by the Duty Battalion Chief to respond to
emergency calls. Emergency incidents include structure fires,
grass fires, hazardous materials spills, major rescue problems,
etc. In addition to responding incidents within the City limits,
Battalion Chiefs also respond to mutual aid calls as an Area D
Strike Team Leader. Mutual aid assignments have taken us
throughout Southern California on all types of incidents (i.e.
riots, firestorms, earthquakes, etc.).
ANALYSIS
Although our current vehicle has served its purpose of transporting
the Battalion Chiefs to alarms for the past six years, it is not
the most functional vehicle for use as a command unit. Space
within the vehicle is limited, map sections and protective clothing
are carried in the back seat with all other equipment stored in the
trunk. The majority of the equipment carried is not readily
available and has the potential of being damaged as it is not
strapped down. In the event of a major incident, the Battalion
Chief is severely handicapped in his ability to initiate the
Emergency Management System.
Given the type of calls the Department responds to and the
necessary equipment for a command unit, staff is recommending that
a more functional vehicle be purchased. An effective command unit
needs to meet the following requirements:
A. Must have adequate space for equipment including:
* City map sections
* Strike Team Leader kits
* All radios (mobile and portable)
* Mobile data terminal
* Map books (mutual aid.areas)
* Miscellaneous equipment
* Self-contained breathing apparatus
* Extinguishers
* Hazardous vapor indicator
* Protective gear (turnouts, fire shelters)
* Bullet proof vests, as warranted
B. Command Post Ability
* High visibility
* Organization
* Incident command formats
* Incident plotting ability
* Matches function with other communities
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COMMAND UNIT
Page Two
Mobility
* Limited off -road capability
* Damaged road surfaces
* Ground clearance -for Fire Scene access
* Designed for heavy duty use
At the present time, the only vehicle meeting these requirements is
the GMC or Chevrolet Suburban. This type unit is standard in the
fire service and more closely meets the needs of the City of West
Covina than the existing Sedan. The Department also works within
the Incident Command System and is committed to Area D
responsibilities, requiring a functional, coordinating command
unit.
FINANCIAL COMPARISON
On November 28, 1994, the County of Orange requested bid proposals
for the purpose of obtaining three 1995, 3/4 ton, two (2) wheel
drive, Chevrolet Suburbans, (per specification #94-36-f, bid No.
1600000129, Folder No. 4276870) Two bids were received as follows:
Johnson Equipment Company $44,579.94 with tax
Chino Hills, Calif 91709
Fire -Bann Corporation $46,070.12 with tax
Ontario, Calif 91761
Although Johnson Equipment Company was awarded the County of
Orange's bid, Fire -Bann Corporation has offered to beat their bid
price of $44,579.94 for the City of West Covina and guarantee
immediate availability of the Chevrolet Suburban for a total cost
of $40,888.19. The above bid includes the cost of the vehicle at
$27,752.05 including tax, with the necessary equipment totaling
$13,136.14 which includes: Front Mobile Data Terminal Cabinet
(MDT), built in rear Command Modules with drawers, Lighted inlaid
maps, Code 3 Light bars with strobe lights on the top, rear and
both sides of the vehicle, sirens, heavy duty relay stations, back
up alarms, dual battery pack systems and heavy duty alternator,
all electrical and workmanship included in the internal
reconstruction of the Mobile Command Vehicle and exterior painting
of the vehicle.
Due to the limited number of Suburbans being manufactured and the
high demand for this particular vehicle, we cannot be given a
guaranteed delivery date before mid -year 1995 from Johnson
Equipment Company.
Johnson Equipment Company is a fairly new company, and staff was
unable to obtain references for large completed contracts, which
made it difficult to verify their past performance records on a
project of this magnitude, whereas Fire -Bann has been established
for more than 35 years and has proven their reliability and high
quality of service to the City. Also, due to the immediate
availability of the Suburban from Fire -Bann as opposed to a non -
guaranteed date of mid year 1995 from Johnson Equipment Company,
Staff recommends we accept their bid.
Section 2-333(i) of the Municipal Code authorizes the City Council
to accept such an offer and waive formal bidding procedures for
purchases by another local agency, having obtained the bid pursuant
to formal contract procedures at least as rigorous as those of our
City. After careful review of the County's bid specifications and
requirements, staff feels these requirements have been met.
Funding for this vehicle is available in the City's Replacement
Fund #365-165.
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COMMAND UNIT
Page Three
It is anticipated that this command unit will be used as a first
line unit for ten years. To provide adequate funds for the future
replacement of this vehicle, $4,500 annually will be budgeted to
the,Vehicle Replacement Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the use of the County of Orange's Bid/Quote No.
1600000129 is as stringent as that used by the City and
therefore satisfies the formal bid process per Municipal Code
Section 2-333 (i).
2. Authorize staff to purchase one (1) 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
from Fire -Bann Corporation at a cost not exceed $40,888.19 to
be charged to the Vehicle Replacement account.
Richard E. Greene
Fire Chief
REG:JHJ:plp