Title
Award of bid for four (4) new fire pumpers and one (1) new 75 foot Quint (combination ladder and pumper) from Emergency One, Inc. (B)
Explanation
The purchase of four (4) new pumpers and one (1) new 75 foot Quint will replace six (6) aging pumpers and one (1) 75 foot Quint. One (1) of the pumpers has already been replaced but based on the ages of current pumpers it was kept in the fleet as an additional reserve pending this procurement. After the delivery of these new units, Gainesville Fire & Rescue's fleet size will be reduced by one (1) pumper.
Bids were solicited from twenty-six (26) vendors, and three (3) proposals were received. The recommended vendor received the highest overall evaluation and was also the bidder with the lowest price. The total cost of these units is $1,425,885, less $355,000 in trade-in allowance for a net of $1,070,885.00
Fiscal Note
The fire apparatus replacement schedule calls for the acquisition of two pumpers in FY01 at a cost of approximately $450,000 and two more pumpers in FY02 for $460,000. In order to take advantage of trade-in opportunities and current favorable prices, this schedule was accelerated as detailed above and will result in a reduction of the Fire Rescue fleet by one pumper. Financing alternatives for the purchase such as a lease-purchase or the Florida League of Cities capital equipment financing program are currently being reviewed. If these alternatives do not prove to be advantageous to the City, funds for the acquisition are available in the Fleet Service Fund replacement reserve. Any amount drawn from the reserve will be paid back from future fleet appropriations.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the purchase of four (4) new fire pumpers and one (1) new 75 foot Quint from Emergency One, Inc. of Ocala at a cost (net trade-in) not to exceed $1,070,885.00 and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the purchase agreement subject to the approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.