HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Manager AnnouncementCITY HALL
215 Church Avenue
P.O. Box 1130
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
54903 -1130 City of Oshkosh
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TO: City Manager Mark Rohloff
FROM: Jon Urben, Director of G al Services :4
Tim Franz, Fire Chief
DATE: May 5, 2009
RE: Request to waive bids: Quantum Fire Truck
The 1985 Duplex/3D fire engine is scheduled for replacement in the 2009 CIP. The
standard life expectancy of a fire engine is 15 years of front line service and an additional
5 years in reserve status which obviously has been exceeded. Beyond this standard, it
should be noted that this vehicle has been taken out of service because it has failed it's
annual pump certification test and the small aerial fire stream device on this vehicle
collapsed during annual certification testing. This vehicle has numerous other
maintenance issues that would require an investment beyond any current value.
Replacing this vehicle will allow a 1992 Darley to be moved from front line to reserve
status along with retiring this vehicle.
All of our front line fire apparatus are Pierce Quantum's of a standard design with the
exception of the 1992 Darley. This standardization is critical to a safe and efficient
operation under emergency conditions. In addition to the operational significance,
standardization creates efficiency from a maintenance standpoint as well. Our current
Pierce fire apparatus have been proven to meet our operational needs, have been very
reliable and the few issues we have had are dealt with promptly by Pierce as they are a
local company. We had a committee made up of two personnel from each rank of the fire
department and reviewed several types of apparatus and the consensus of this committee
was that the Pierce Quantum was the best apparatus for this department.
The price that Pierce has quoted to us is lower by no less than $9,351.00 compared to
several similar units in which Pierce was the successful low bidder on in 2008. It should
also be noted that those bid comparisons were on Pierce's 2008 prices which an overall
three percent increase has since been enacted by Pierce. In our research on pricing we
also found that the municipalities of Neenah, Appleton, Grand Chute and the Town of
Menasha have waived bidding and purchased directly with Pierce for similar reasons.
The amount budgeted in the CIP is $450,000.00 and the purchase price for this fire
engine is $426,210.00, $23.790.00 under the budgeted amount. We recommend based on
the information provided and recommendation of our internal committee on the needs for
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standardization and compatibility that you waive the bid process and approve the
purchase of the Quantum fire engine from Pierce for $426,210.00.
As this Quantum truck is available from only one source of supply and standardization
and compatibility are overriding considerations, we recommend waiving the bid process
pursuant to Section 12 -10 (D)(1) of the Municipal Code.
In addition to the standardization issues Pierce has proven that this is a competitive price
for this vehicle. An added value of this purchase is that with all of these advantages we
are also supporting a major local employer in these difficult economic times. Please
direct any questions regarding this matter to either Fire Chief Tim Franz or myself.
cc John Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services
Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney