cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Battalion Chief Rhodes
DATE: November 2, 2021
SUBJECT:
To approve a resolution for purchasing issued clothing and uniforms from JCM Uniforms Inc. for members of the Aurora Fire Department.
PURPOSE:
The current clothing and uniform contracts are held by JCM Uniforms, Inc. and Ray O’Herron Co, Inc, and both expire on December 31, 2021. A new contract is needed to continue to provide contractually mandated items to the fire department members at the beginning of 2022.
BACKGROUND:
Prior to the expiration dates of the current contract, the fire department solicits bids for department clothing and uniforms to replace worn and damaged items for current firefighters and provide clothing and uniforms to new hires in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements. When we solicited bids in 2018 for the year 2019, there were four (4) Groups; however, for this year’s bid solicitation process, items were arranged to form three (3) Groups. Currently, Ray O’Herron supplies polo shirts and sweatshirts, and JCM supplies all of Group 1 and 2 items and the All-Season Duty Jacket.
Both Ray O’Herron Co. Inc. and JCM Uniforms Inc. were first-time bidders during the last clothing and uniform bid solicitation process. To properly evaluate their overall performance, timely delivery of products, and customer care, both businesses were awarded contracts for the items previously specified. As a result, JCM Uniforms Inc. overall provided better service.
DISCUSSION:
As a result of soliciting bids, three (3) submissions were received for department clothing and uniforms for the following three (3) Groups.
Bidders:
JCM Uniforms Inc., Joliet, IL
Ray O’Herron Co. Inc., Danville IL
Municipal Emergency Services (MES), Inc., Deer Creek IL
The contract shall be for one year with provisions for two (2) one-year extensions based upon mutual agreements.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Will require the Purchasing Department to create open purchase orders for the vendors due to the number of times that orders will be placed throughout the 2022 fiscal year.
This bid was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance. The Ordinance will not apply due to no local bidders submitting.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request to have the Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee approve the bid from JCM Uniforms Inc. for clothing and uniforms for the year 2022 as they provided excellent service and are the overall lowest bidder.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to Approve the Contract from JCM Uniforms Inc. for the Purchase of Clothing and Uniforms for the Fire Department 2022.
body
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 City of Aurora is required to provide uniform and protective clothing for the Aurora Fire Department in compliance with Labor Agreements between the City and Aurora Firefighters Local 99 and the Aurora Fire Officers’ Association; and
WHEREAS, the current Clothing and Uniform contracts expire December 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the invitation to bid was advertised publicly and read aloud on Wednesday, October 27, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the following vendor was the lowest, most responsible bidder and therefore being recommended for contact(s) approval:
Clothing and Uniforms: JCM Uniforms Inc., Joliet, IL all Three Groups
WHEREAS, the new contract shall become effective in January 2022 for one year with provisions for two (2) one-year extensions based upon mutual agreement between the vendor and the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, funds are expected to be appropriated in the Fire Department’s 2022 budget to provide $229,000 in account #101-3033-422.20-20 for the purchase of new and replacement clothing and uniforms.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that contracts as specified for clothing and uniforms for the Aurora Fire Department with JCM Uniforms Inc. be approved.