DATE: December 23, 2014
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Russell Truell, Assistant City Administrator / CFO
Rocky Garzarek, Fire Chief
Brian Wilcox, Purchasing Manager
SUBJECT:
Consideration Of Bid Award To North America Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Of Decatur, AL In The Total Amount Of $56,614.34 For Supply And Delivery Of The Specified Quantities, Makes And Models Of Firefighting Nozzles And Hydrant Wyes For The Fire Department (Purchasing Office Procurement Solicitation No. 2015-017; $60,000 Budgeted In 110-83530-42200 For Fiscal Year 2015; Contract No. 2014-0346) (01/13/15 WS) y
Purpose
The purpose of this procurement would be to purchase firefighting nozzles and hydrant wyes for the Fire Department. The proposed purchase would equip the department with better functioning and standardized equipment throughout its fleet of apparatus. Of the 72 new nozzles specified, 58 would replace aging nozzles of a variety of brands, while 14 of the new nozzles and all seven of the new hydrant wyes specified would be used to put into service the department's new complement of high rise firefighting equipment. The purchase includes training on use of the new equipment.
Background
The City published on November 20, 2014 a Notice to Bidders in the Williamson Herald for supply and delivery of firefighting nozzles and hydrant wyes. In addition, bid documents were sent on or about the same date directly to five (5) potential bidders known or thought to be interested in this solicitation. Bids from four (4) vendors were publicly opened at the bid opening held on December 4, 2014. A tabulation of the bids received for this solicitation is attached.
Financial Impact
The apparent lowest, most responsive and responsible bid, from North America Fire Equipment Co., Inc. (NAFECO) of Decatur, AL, is in the amount of $56,614.34 for supply and delivery of the specified quantities, makes and models of firefighting nozzles and hydrant wyes. This bid was identified because it is the lowest bid that meets or exceeds the City's intention as expressed and implied by the City's specifications as well as the instructions, terms and conditions pertaining to this procurement solicitation. The Fire Department budget for fiscal year 2015 allocates $60,000 out of the General Fund for the purchase of this equipment. The NAFECO bid amount is $3,385.66 (5.6%) under budget.
Options
In accordance with the bid documents, the City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City accept, contingent upon Law Department and City Administrator approval of City Contract No. 2014-0346, the apparent lowest best bid, from North America Fire Equipment Co., Inc. of Decatur, AL, in the amount of $56,614.34 for supply and delivery of the specified quantities, makes and models of firefighting nozzles and hydrant wyes. Purchasing Manager Brian Wilcox is of the opinion that the prepared specifications as distributed allowed for competition among multiple vendors, and that the staff recommendation appears to be made in a fair and impartial manner based upon the bids received.