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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Division Chief Phil Bergeron
DATE: October 7, 2025
SUBJECT:
Approving a resolution for the purchase of issued protective gear for members of the Aurora Fire Department for a period of calendar year 2026 with the option for two 1-year extensions using Air One Equipment as the regional sole source provider.
PURPOSE:
The current protective gear ensemble contract currently held by Air One Equipment expires on December 31, 2025. Therefore, a new contract is needed to continue to provide contractually mandated items of protective gear ensemble to the Aurora Fire Department at the beginning of 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Fire Department has used Globe protective gear since 2016 and is very pleased with the comfort and performance it provides.
Air One has been our Globe protective gear supplier since January 1, 2020. Providing excellent customer service and professionalism.
A new contract for protective gear is necessary to replace out-of-date and damaged items, as well as to provide items for new hires in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements.
DISCUSSION:
In 2020 Air One Equipment was awarded the bid with Globe protective gear.
Per City of Aurora Code 2-335(a)(3), when a regional sole source is confirmed, a formal bid process is not required. Globe products covered by this regional sole source are:
Bunker Coat Globe “Tails” or evaluated equal
Bunker Pant Globe (compatible with “Tails” coat) or evaluated equal
Fire Boots Globe 14” structural fire boot, pull on or evaluated equal
MSA Cairns 880 Fire Helmets are part of the protective gear ensemble. This fire helmet is not part of the Globe product line; Air One Equipment is a vendor. The ease of having one source for ordering all the protective gear is requested.
Funds are expected to be appropriated in the Fire Department’s 2026 budget to provide $316,000.00 in account # 101-3033-422.20-20 for the purchase of new and replacement clothing. Funding for protective gear ensembles is provided in this account.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact will require the Purchasing Department to create a new open purchase order for the vendor due to the number of times throughout the 2026 calendar year when orders will be placed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I recommend the approval awarding Air One Equipment, Inc of South Elgin, Illinois, the regional sole authorized distributor for all Globe products, the protective gear ensemble contract for a one-year contract, beginning January 1, 2026, with the option of two 1-year extensions (2027) and (2028). Globe protective gear and MSA Cairns 880 fire helmets provide uniform protection to all Aurora Fire Department members.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a one-year contract with Air One Equipment for the purchase of protective gear for the Fire Department in amount not to exceed $316,000.00, with two optional one-year extensions.
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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 City is required to provide uniforms and protective gear for members of its Fire Department in compliance with the Labor Agreements between the City and Aurora Firefighters Local 99 and the Aurora Fire Officers' Association
WHEREAS the current Protective Gear replacement program contract expires December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS the new contract shall become effective in January 2026 for one year with provisions for two 1-year extensions based upon mutual agreement between the vendor and the City; and
WHEREAS the following vendor has met in the past and currently meets the specifications and requirements of the Fire Department, and therefore is recommended for contract approval:
Protective Gear: Air One Equipment, Inc. from South Elgin, Illinois all four (4) items
WHEREAS, Per City of Aurora Code 2-335(a)(3), when a regional sole source is confirmed, a formal bid process is not required.
WHEREAS funds are expected to be appropriated in the Fire Department's 2026 budget to provide $316,000.00 in account #101-3033-422.20-20 for the purchase of new gear and replacement clothing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Director of Purchasing shall be and hereby is authorized to execute a purchase order with Air One Equipment, Inc. for a one-year contract in a total amount not to exceed $160,000.00 for the purchase of protective gear for members of the Fire Department; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Purchasing shall be and herby is authorized to issue up to two additional purchase orders for successive one-year contracts with Air Once Equipment, Inc. subject to the limitations of the annual City Budget