TO: Public Safety Committee
FROM: Jeff Carey, Chief of Fire
SUBJECT:
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Purchase of Firefighter Turnout Gear from Air One Equipment, Inc. for the Years 2025 - 2027
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BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department 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 useful lifespan of 10 years. The approved 2024 budget includes the purchase of 40 sets of turnout gear.
The Fire Department currently utilizes Globe through its local vendor, Air One Equipment Co. Inc. The Fire Department has been using Air One Equipment Co., 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 the turnout gear once again.
CONCLUSION:
Air One 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 2024 pricing using the current list price, Sourcewell, and HGAC Buy (cooperative purchasing). There is no current pricing for these resources for 2025 as of yet.
Prices listed are for a Bunker Coat and Bunker Pants for 2024:
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 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, 40 sets are needed.
The Total for Bunker Coats and Pants for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are as follows:
Bunker Coat Bunker Pants Total for Both Total for 40 sets
2025 $2,022.00 $1,599.00 $3,621.00 $144,840.00
2026 $2,125.00 $1,680.00 $3,805.00 $152,200.00
2027 $2,235.00 $1,765.00 $4,000.00 $160,000.00
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 2025 budget to purchase 40 sets of turnout gear in the Fire Department Administrative/Uniforms Fund (Org 07001000, Obj 536109, $144,840.00). Funds will also be requested in the 2026 and 2027 budgets.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council authorize the following:
1. Approve the purchase of 40 sets of firefighter turnout gear from Air One Equipment for 2025 at $3,621.00 per set, for a total of $144,840.00.
2. Approve the purchase of 40 sets of firefighter turnout gear from Air One Equipment for 2026 at $3,805.00 per set, for a total of $152,200.00.
3. Approve the purchase of 40 sets of firefighter turnout gear from Air One Equipment for 2027 at $4,000.00 per set, for a total of $160,000.00.
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