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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Mark Lockwood, Assistant Chief
DATE: 1/8/2016
SUBJECT:
Finance Committee resolution to accept the bid from AIR ONE Equipment Inc. (Hurst) for the purchase of four (4) sets of hydraulic rescue tools.
PURPOSE:
To purchase four (4) sets of battery powered hydraulic rescue tools to replace existing hydraulic rescue tools currently in use on the three (3) Aurora Fire Department front-line ladder trucks and (1) Reserve ladder truck. The individual tool sets will consist of one (1) hydraulic spreader, one (1) hydraulic cutter, one (1) hydraulic telescoping rescue ram, two (2) batteries per tool, battery chargers and a 110 volt electrical adapter to be used in replacement to battery power. This purchase will aid in producing more effective operations on the emergency rescue scene.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Fire Department desires to replace four (4) sets of front-line hydraulic rescue tools with battery-powered hydraulic rescue tools. These tools will compliment, and through attrition replace, the existing hydraulic rescue tools that are currently in service on the three (3) front-line ladder trucks and reserve truck. Many of the components of the existing rescue tools on the individual ladder trucks are approximately fifteen (15) years old and are made up of rescue tools that are connected to two (2), one hundred (100) foot hydraulic hoses on vehicle mounted electric reels. These hoses are then connected to a gasoline-powered hydraulic power unit. With multiple mechanical connections in the existing systems, this leaves room for fluid leaks and in turn, can cause failure of the entire system. In the past, this was the best available system for the rapid removal of a victim or victims from the effects of a vehicle accident or other type of entrapment.
DISCUSSION:
Advances in technology and manufacturing have allowed rescue equipment manufacturers to condense the above system components into more portable, self-contained, battery powered units.
Three different manufacturers of battery powered hydraulic tools responded to the invitation to bid and provided the AFD with demonstrator tools. These different brands of tools were field tested, at a local salvage yard, by the members of the three (3) individual shifts of the three (3) ladder truck units. A multi-faceted questionnaire regarding the positive and negative aspects of each brand was given to and completed by each member after testing for their individual input. With this information gathered, one brand (Hurst) was overwhelmingly chosen as the most operator-friendly and functional tool.
The Genesis brand was a distant second (a brand comparison chart is attached). Although the vendor bid for the “Hurst” brand tools were 3.8% above the lowest bid (Genesis), AFD requests to award the bid to Air One Equipment whose offer best responds in quality, fitness and capacity to the requirements of the proposed work and usage and therefore is in the best interest of the City. The AFD has experienced excellent results in the past with this manufacturer along with the vendor regarding any repair and service issues. The manufacturer also provides training, at no cost, to the City of Aurora Equipment Services personnel for periodic maintenance of the product.
Funds for the purchase are available in the SHAPE account #255-3033-422.61-40.
The invitation to bid was for three (3) full sets of hydraulic rescue tools, however bids came in lower than expected so it is desired to purchase four (4) complete sets which allows us to outfit the reserve truck.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Finance Committee authorizes the Aurora Fire Department to purchase four (4) complete sets of “Hurst” battery powered hydraulic rescue tools from Air One Equipment, Inc. of South Elgin, Illinois for $71,742.00.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the purchase of four(4) complete sets of hydraulic rescue tools from Air One of South Elgin, Illinois in the amount of $71,742.00 for the Aurora Fire Department.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Fire Department desires to purchase four (4) sets of hydraulic rescue tools; and
WHEREAS, AFD requests to award the bid to Air One Equipment, South Elgin, Illinois, whose offer best responds in quality, fitness and capacity to the requirements of the proposed work and usage and therefore is in the best interest of the City in the amount of $71,742.00; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in SHAPE account #255-3033-422.61-40.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: approves the purchase of four (4) sets of Hurst hydraulic rescue tools in the amount of $71,742.00 from Air One of South Elgin, Illinois for the Aurora Fire Department and does herby further authorize the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary orders to implement purchase of the same