TO: Public Safety Committee
FROM: Jeff Carey, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Purchase of 110 Additional Sets of Firefighter Turnout Gear from Air One Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $398,310.00
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BACKGROUND:
The Joliet Fire Department (JFD) outfits each department member with firefighter turnout gear. The City replaces the gear if it is beyond repair due to normal wear and tear or reaches its maximum lifespan of 10 years. The approved 2026 budget includes funding of 45 additional sets of turnout gear. To meet NFPA standards, the JFD will need to purchase an additional 110 sets of turnout gear.
The JFD currently utilizes Globe through its local vendor, Air One Equipment, Inc. The Fire Department has been using Air One Equipment, Inc. since 2020. The gear from Air One Equipment, Inc. meets the specification requirements and has been well received by Fire Department personnel with no issues or concerns. In an effort to standardize our equipment and provide turnout gear that personnel feel comfortable and confident while wearing, the Fire Department is requesting that Air One Equipment, Inc. furnish additional turnout gear sets to meet operational needs.
CONCLUSION:
Air One Equipment, Inc., is a long-time vendor to the City of Joliet. Sourcewell pricing will be utilized to secure pricing, as shown below. The Sourcewell contract, which is nationally bid, is 37% off the list price. HGAC Buy is another nationwide cooperative. The prices listed below are the 2025 pricing using the current list price, Sourcewell, and HGAC Buy (cooperative purchasing).
Prices listed are for a Bunker Coat and Bunker Pants for 2025:
Sourcewell Price HGAC Buy Current List Price
Bunker Coat: $2,314.43 Bunker Coat: $3,275.13 Bunker Coat: $4,366.84
Bunker Pant: $1,826.07 Bunker Pant: $2,584.07 Bunker Pant: $3,445.52
Total Both: $4,140.05 Total Both: $5,859.20 Total Both: $7,812.26
Air One Equipment, Inc. has negotiated an Agreement with Globe that the City of Joliet will receive no more than a 5% increase for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. At this time, 110 sets of turnout gear is needed, in addition to the 45 sets approved in the 2026 budget. Foreign Fire Tax will split the cost for the additional purchase of 110 sets of gear with the City. Air One Equipment, Inc. has agreed to honor 2025 pricing.
The Total for Bunker Coats and Pants for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are as follows:
Bunker Coat Bunker Pants Total for Both Total for 110 sets
2025 $2,022.00 $1,599.00 $3,621.00 $398,310.00
2026 $2,125.00 $1,680.00 $3,805.00 $418,550.00
2027 $2,235.00 $1,765.00 $4,000.00 $440,000.00
The price for the 110 sets will be $3,621.00 per set, which equates to $398,310.00.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases over $25,000.00 may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. One (1) of these circumstances applies:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council.
Sufficient funds have been requested in the 2026 budget to purchase 110 additional sets of turnout gear in the Fire Department Administrative/Uniforms Fund (Org 07001000, Obj 548000, $398,310.00).
JFD will purchase the turnout gear for a total of $398,310.00, however, Foreign Fire Tax will reimburse $199,155.00 of the cost which will reimburse the Fire Department Administrative/Uniforms Fund (Org 0701000, Obj 548000).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council authorize the approval for the purchase of 110 additional sets of firefighter turnout gear from Air One Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $398,310.00.
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