FIN 2017-08-08 Item 2C - Purchase - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus Replacement for Fire Department

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C4y,of Tukwila FROM: Jay C. Wittwer, Fire Chief BY: Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: 07/12/17 r .wUBJECT: Fire Department Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA) Replacement. ISSUE The de!gartment breathing, s,,fstems, SCBA and SABA have exceeded 209 Ve rars f in the Public Safety Plan is identified to replace both systems in 2017. The department seeks the vendor, for credit towards purchase of new equipment. SCBA is one of the most critical systems of Personal Protective Equipment in the modern firefighter's armor.. It protects our respiratory systems from intense heat and toxic substances. It allows us to function in environments that can be deadly to the unprotected. BABA protects rescuers from the inhalation hazards associated with the confined space work place. This is an environment that is commonly entered by construction workers, utility workers, and some of our Tukwila Public Works employees, Both systems have exceeded their service life. The manufacturer no longer supports this equipment and repair parts are scavenged from units turned into the manufacturer's representative by other departments. Service life was extended through an extensive rebuild that was conducted on all systems five years ago. The Public Safety Bond identifies replacement of these systems at 15 -year intervals, This is consistent with a 15 -year warranty and a maximum service life of 15 years for all high-pressure cylinders. The department evaluated the breathing systems of two manufacturers, MSA and Scott. These are the only systems in use in King County, and a majority of Western Washington. Our current systems are MSA. MSA was again chosen, through an evaluation process that included search & rescue and live fire exercises at the Washington State Fire Service Training Academy. DISCUSSION Replacement is imperative. Approximately half of the current inventory of high-pressure breathing cylinders will expire in August of 2018. Manufacturing lead time, acceptance and training must be considered in the timing of replacement. An order placed by the end of August will place us in a favorable position to conduct all service preliminaries prior to the expiration of current components. We will also be afforded the pricing offered to the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and other area departments in a package sale and manufacturing window. The purchase is eligible to be executed under the HGAC Buy, but with better pricing than currently exists through HGAC Buy. This will be accomplished through discount for turn -in of existing equipment. HGAC is an existing competitive government bid, In 2014 The City of Tukwila purchased two fire engines from Pierce Manufacturing through the HGAC Buy program, 13