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Home My WebLink AboutFS 2015-03-17 ITem 2A - Purchase - 12 Thermal Imaging Cameras for Fire DepartmentCity of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Haggerton Finance and Safety Committee FROM: Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief DATE: March 4, 2015 SUBJECT: FD Purchase of Thermal Imaging Cameras ISSUE The department administration is asking Tukwila City Council to approve the purchase of replacement thermal imaging cameras (TIC's). BACKGROUND All department thermal imaging cameras are scheduled to be replaced in 2015. The expenditure was included in the 2015 -2016 departmental biennial budget request, and approved by Tukwila City Council. Funding can be found in Account Number 000 11 522 200 35 00, on page 195 of the City 2015 -2016 Biennial Budget. These units replace existing inventory, whose service lives span technological changes over three plus decades. A team was assigned to research and make recommendation regarding the unit to be purchased. The chosen unit not only tied for the highest assessment score, but is available at the most competitive pricing. DISCUSSION The City /Department can take advantage of discounted pricing and equipment bonuses by ordering and purchasing this equipment prior to the expiration of the attached existing current quote. FINANCIAL IMPACT The financial impact is $55,642.43. The amount budgeted for this expenditure is $72,000.00. The funding source is City /Department General Fund. RECOMMENDATION The Council is being asked to approve the proposal and consider this item at the March 23, 2015 Special Meeting Consent Agenda. ATTACHMENTS Current Quote Research Document 1 Unifire, Inc. 3924 E. Trent Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 Quote To: Joel Perry Tukwila Fire Dist. #54 4237 S. 144 St. Tukwila, WA 98168 206 -849 -1298 joelp00 @yahoo.com Toll -Free: 1 -800- 745 -3282 Phone: 971 -269 -4226 Fax: 509 - 535 -9064 www.unifireusa.com Quote Date Quote # 2/23/2015 10065BJS Quote By: Jerry Springer Item Description Qty MSP Your Cost Ea. Ext. Cost 63501 -0201 K -50 320X240 Thermal Camera Kit* 10 $4,995.00 $ 4,275.00 $ 42,750.00 T198322 Truck Charger 12 $795.00 $ 645.00 $ 7,740.00 63501 -0201 K -50 320X240 Thermal Camera Kit* 2 $4,995.00 N/C $ - 1st Quarter Promotion: Buy Five (5) K- 50 Thermal Imagining Camera's and get one (1) K -50 camera free. Good through: March 2015 $ - `Kit Includes: Hard Case, Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), (2) Li -Ion Batteries, Tabletop Charger w /Power Supply, USB Cable, Retractable Lanyard, Neck Strap, Tripod Adapter (UNC 1/4" -20), FUR Tools Software (scratchcard), Documents Comments Subtotal $ 50,490.00 `ALL PRICES F.O.B. SPOKANE, WA 99202., CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. * *ALL PRICES IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS. ** *PRICES QUOTED, GOOD FOR 45 DAYS FROM 2/23/2015. Shipping $ 325.00 Sales Tax % 9% $ 4,827.43 Total $55,642.43 1- 800 - 745 -3282 www.unifireusa.com Page 1 of 1 oco (( 35OU Fax: 509 - 535 -9064 3 THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS Recommendation for the Tukwila Fire Department Prepared by Firefighters Joel Perry and Andy Nevens Reviewed by Capt. Randy Edwards November 19, 2014 5 Recommendation The crew of "B" 54 was tasked with researching and recommending for purchase new Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs). We explored a total of 6 different cameras with various capabilities from the following manufacturers: FLIR, ISG, Bullard, and Argus. On October 29th, Joel Perry and Andy Nevens performed a field test with each TIC at the North Bend Fire Academy. The results of the test are outlined in the pages to follow. Best price quotations were solicited from each vendor as well as warranty and customer service information. Outside fire agencies were contacted for input on their recent TIC purchases. Based on the aforementioned factors, we recommend the department purchase the FLIR K50. Our second choice would be the ISG X380. FLIR K50 Pros: FLIR K50 Cons: $4920 + tax / each New to the FF market Great size and shape Camera picture quality (still pictures) is poor Detailed and clear picture, good accuracy Slow start up, <25 seconds Battery has smart charger Lag / hesitation between high to low sensitivity ranges Extended warranty - 2 yr. components, 10 yr. sensor Zoom quality poor Easy transition between modes FLIR made the sensors for Bullard and MSA before going out on their own. Field Test recommended by members of Lacey Fire and Eastside Fire and Rescue Highly recommended by Portland Fire, Clackamas County Fire, Poulsbo Fire, and Cowlitz Fire 2 ISG X380 Pros: ISG X380 Cons: Been in FF market for many years $7800 + tax / each (if purchase 6 or more) Neighboring departments use ISG. Renton is purchasing the X380 model. Questionable customer service Great size and shape Small lag /hesitation when moving around room Spokane and Tualatin Valley Fire gave positive recommendation 3 color scale jumps around — would need training Great picture Hot spot finder was great feature Laser feature would be good during overhaul Extended warranty — 3 years NFPA compliant 6 Field Test, Thermal Imaging Cameras - October 29th 2014 Assignment: Review and recommend for purchase new Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC) that best meets the needs of the Tukwila Fire Department. Thermal Imaging Cameras under review: ISG X380, Argus Mi -320, Eclipse LD, Bullard T4, FLIR K50, Bullard T320. Members of B/54 evaluated the prospective cameras during live fire training at the North Bend Academy. The TICs were each given approximately 15 -20 minutes of fire time and graded on their overall function, picture/ display, accuracy and battery life using a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best. • The function grade consisted of the camera's overall size, weight, ergonomics, and ease of use. Additional features were also considered within this grade. • The picture / display grade consisted of the camera's screen size, clarity, quality, color, ability to distinguish materials at different temperatures. • The accuracy grade consisted of the camera's ability to determine the correct temperatures, the ability to quickly change based on different materials and movement between rooms. • The battery life grade was determined based on how long the battery lasted while being used for 15 -20 minutes. Results of the field test: FLIR K50: Overall grade, 4.375 • Function, 3.5 - Pistol grip was nice, easy to use buttons with single gloved hand. Not too heavy, slim profile — good overall size. Initial start had a lag, but after device has been on its boots right up. Menu feature on screen is helpful. • Picture, 4 - Picture was very clear in each fire room. Picture is very detailed, able to see nails and studs behind walls. Screen is good size, good readings. Unit works in rooms with high heat and low to no heat. Great for a search. • Accuracy, 5 - Very accurate, able to pinpoint temperatures between materials. • Battery, 5 - Battery did not lose any life during test — very good. 7 ISG X380: Overall grade, 4.375 • Function, 4 - The laser feature would be helpful, especially in overhaul situations. Pistol grip was a plus. Good weight and slim profile. Not bulky or in the way when hanging off of gear. Buttons are easy to use, especially with one hand (wearing gloves). • Picture, 3.5 - Screen size is ok, a little small but able to see everything. Good clarity between materials and different surfaces. Able to see nail patterns in plywood & studs behind walls. Bad — a little annoying when the 3 color scale jumps around- would need training. Small lag/ hesitation in picture when moving it around room. • Accuracy, 5 - Hot spot finder is a great feature. Good accuracy between materials. • Battery, 5 - No loss of power during test. Argus Mi -320: Overall grade, 4 • Function, 4 - Good size, easy to use buttons, fire/ search mode is useful. Handle not ergonomic. Easy to clip on bunkers and move around without it being in the way. • Picture, 4 - Screen is small. Temperature readings are small and hard to see. Clear and detailed picture at high temperatures. No lag between transitions. Colorization same, doesn't change between modes. • Accuracy, 5 - Good accuracy between materials. The crosshair was able to distinguish different material temperatures in close contact with each other. • Battery, 3 - Battery started full and was 1 bar down by the end of the 15 -20min test. Bullard Eclipse LD: Overall grade, 3.25 • Function, 3 - Good size. Not easy to hold and use buttons — felt awkward. • Picture, 3 - Ok picture, uses only blue to distinguish heat. Others use a few colors. Picture seemed to wash out in the blue heat — not impressive. Placement of temperature reading in bad spot. • Accuracy, 4 - Fairly accurate • Battery, 3 - Battery lost 2 bars during 15 -20min test. 8 Bullard T4: Overall grade, 3 • Function, 2 - Unit is very big, bulky, and heavy. Not easy to use with gloved hands — takes both hands to operate. Pistol grip is better, but it adds more weight and bulkiness. Without pistol, awkward hand holds. • Picture, 3 - Picture is decent with good screen size. No temperature number display — just a scale. Zoom feature not needed. Picture lagged when moving around room. Recording feature may not be necessary for suppression — fire prevention feature. • Accuracy, 4 - Good accuracy, was able to read different material temperatures. Colorization was the same across rooms. • Battery, 3 - Battery lost 2 bars after 15 -20min test. Bullard T320: Overall grade, 3.5 • Function, 2 - Buttons were hard to use with gloved hands. It took both hands to operate. Hand holds are not good ergonomically. Bulky, not as bad as the Bullard T4. • Picture, 3 - Not a clear picture - compared to competitors. • Accuracy, 5 - Good Accuracy • Battery, 4 - Battery lost 1 bar during test. Other: After we had concluded our testing, a few instructors from Eastside Fire and Rescue, Lacey Fire District 3, and Bates Technical College had a chance to use each thermal camera. They all concluded the FLIR was a superior unit. Eastside Fire and Rescue had just purchased the Bullard T320, but he said he would take the FLIR over the Bullard they had just bought. 9 Price Quotations FLIR K50: Unifire, Inc. 3924 E. Trent Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 Quote To: Joel Perry Tukwila Fire Dist. #54 4237 S. 144 St. Tukwila. WA 98168 206- 849 -1298 joelp00. yahoo .com Toll-Free: 1- 800 - 745 -3282 Phone: 971-269-4226 Fax: 509-535-9064 www_un Quote Date Quote # 11/14/2014 10065AJS Quote By: Jerry Springer Item Description Qty MSP Your Cost Ea. Ext. Cost 63501 -0201 K -50 320X240 Thermal Camera, Kit* 1 $4,995.00 $ 4,215.00 $ 4,275.00 1198322 Truck Charger 1 $795.00 $ 645.00 $ 645.00 $ - 'Kit Includes: Hard Case, Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), (2) Li -Ion Batteries, Tabletop ChargerwfPower Supply, USB Cable, Retractable Lanyard, Neck Strap, Tripod Adapter (UNC 1141 -20), FLIR Tools Software (scratchcard), Documents Comments Subtotal $ 4,920.00 ALL PRICES F.O.B. SPOKANE. WA 99202, CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES_ "ALL PRICES IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS. "'PRICES QUOTED. GOOD FOR 45 DAYS FROM 11/14 /2014. Shipping Sales Tax % % Total $4,920.00 1 10 ISG X380: itt wept coat September 3rd, 2014 Joel Pere - Tuk;:ila Fire Department 444 Andover Park E Tukwila, WA 98188 X380 TIC's 18322 9th St E Lake Tapps, WA 98391 Phone: 253 - 826-9852 Fax: 253 - 826 -9850 E -Mail: thoffmanitx3_net Qty Item Disc. Price Ext Price 1 ISG X380 package Includes TIC, 12} 3 -hour batteries retractable lanyard, truck mount charger, 2 year warranty, Hot spot tracker & zoom batteries for life program $ 8,500.00 $ 8,5(0.0C *Train the trainer class presented by ISG No Charge No Charge Subtotal $ 8.500.00 9 Shipping & Insurance $ 100.10 $ 100 CC. Subtotal $ 8.600,00 Sales Tax code 1729 9.5 ", $ 817 DC GRAND TOTAL GRAND TOTAL S 9,417.00 Train the training is a one day class- (with or without i`rve burn) on a mutual agreed won date. Glass wig be instructed by ISG director of western sales Jay Mete. Jay has 44 years of T7C training experience and 35+ year in the fire service. For orders of 6 or more new X300 TIC's, price will drop to $8,300.00 (plus tax shipping) and a 3ru year warranty will be added to each TIC. Sincerely, Tracy Hoffman West Coast Fire & Rescue 11 From: "Tracy Hoffman" <thoffman @tx3.net> Date: November 16, 2014 at 16:44:46 PST To: "'Joel " <joelp00 @yahoo.com> Subject: ISG Final Pricing Joel, After a long and heated exchange with ISG and there cost structure, I was able to match Spokane pricing ($7,800.00) for you IF you order 6 or more TIC's. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be in Idaho first of the week but should be home Tuesday evening if you need anything else. Regards, Tracy Hoffman West Coast Fire & Rescue 1- 888 - 826 -TOOL 0:253- 826 -9852 / C:253- 312 -3939 F:253- 826 -9850 www.westcoastfirerescue.com 12 ADMENDMENT 1 In late November 2014, the crew of B/54 met with Assistant Chief Soss and presented our recommendation of which thermal imaging camera (TIC) to purchase. Our findings were based on significant research. We used a rating system to score each camera, contacted references and departments currently using the products, and tested each device in a live fire scenario. Out of the six cameras tested, the FLIR K50 and the ISG X380 tied with the best results. However, the FLIR K50 was far less expensive than the ISG X380. Since cost was a factor, we suggested that the department choose FLIR. In mid - December, Chief Flores asked us to revisit the TIC research. He wanted additional input from Tukwila Firefighters. We were able to contact the vendors and place both the FLIR K50 and the ISG X380 on L54 for approximately two weeks. We requested that each firefighter use the products and give us feedback. We received approximately ten written responses. Most of the people that responded liked the ISG over the FLIR. They liked the clarity of the ISG at longer distances, the hot spot finder, and the laser pointer. The FLIR did have a couple supporters that did not want ISG because of a history of poor customer service. Many people noted that the display on the FLIR lagged or froze when moved around. To be fair, the ISG lagged during our live fire test and when used during a search scenario at zone 3 truck academy (1/15/15) the unit had a "blank screen" problem. The ISG and the FLIR are both quality products and will provide our membership with better visibility and versatility compared to what we have now. In summary, we feel these imagers will be an asset to our personnel and provide us with a valuable tool to use in any situation that may arise. 13