Lawrence-Douglas County

Fire and Medical

Memo

To:                    Mike Wildgen

City Manager

From:               James A. McSwain

                        Chief  

Date: May 25, 2004

Re:                   City Commission Action

December 24, 2003 department received notice that we were awarded a Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $78,876.   The grant was approved in the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety program area which provides a 70/30% split in funding.  The city’s 30% ($23,662.00) matching funds are allocated through the equipment replacement fund.  Specifically we submitted the grant request to replace our water rescue equipment that consists of two inflatable Zodiac boats and miscellaneous water rescue equipment.  (Recently one of the boats received a significant tear while operating on the Kansas River). The department inflatable rescue boats were purchased approximately 10 years ago. 

Members of our water rescue team have conducted extensive research to determine the appropriate replacement of our existing boats and water rescue operational requirements.  Their research consisted of literary review in trade and professional magazines, internet search, site visits with fire departments that have various types of boats and equipment review at national trade shows (Fire Rescue International).  The conclusion of this research indicates that the RescueOne Connector Boat is our recommendation for the boat that meets our intended water rescue opertions.

The connector boats were selected for the following reasons: 

•     Foam flotation is built-in to the floor providing extra margin of safety virtually eliminating the danger of capsizing.

            •     Removable SEATool Boxes provides removable storage boxes that float.

            •     Reflective markings provide bright safety warnings to approaching watercraft.

            •     Corner posts used to lock boats together, also allowing for quick installation of light post, rescue platform, hoist, etc.

            •     QuickFIT Railing assists with connection of boats, eliminates “snaking”, improves maneuverability, and doubles as full length carrying handles.

            •     Modular seating, when two or more boats are used in dragging operation, each person is 4 feet from the next person...no gaps.

            •     Non-skid flat flooring provides firefighters with an extra element of balance and safety.

            •     Adjustable transom – Transom height is adjustable for both short and long shaft outboard motors.

            •     Inset Motor Cove – The recessed transom positions the motor inside motor cove.  Rear of boat connects flush with rear, side or front of another RescueOne Boat eliminating gaps between boats.

We could not locate any other manufacture that provided these important operational and safety factors.

We are requesting permission from the city commission to authorize the purchase by sole source, three RescueOne Connector Boats and Custom Trailers in the amount of $50,035 utilizing the FEMA Firefighter Assistance Grant funds.

Please let Deputy Chief Bradford or I know if you require any further information.

Attachments               Sole Source Authorization Form

                                    Purchase Requisition Request Form

                                    RescueOne Proposal