SOLE SOURCE AUTHORIZATION FORM

Date:    05/19/2004        Requisitioner:  Bradford          Requisition No.: 

INSTRUCTIONS: Submit form by e-mail or hard copy to the Purchasing Agent in Finance.

Acquisition in the amount of $   50,035                     is requested.

(  )   Emergency - When there exists a threat to public health, welfare, of safety under emergency conditions - Explain emergency.

Is the vendor or has the vendor ever been an employee of the City of Lawrence?

Yes_____  No__X___ If yes, please explain the nature of the employment and period of service.

1. Description of Material or Service:

2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant funds for the purchase of 3 Rescue One Connector Boats and trailers.  Our water rescue equipment requests were approved for purchase by FEMA.

2. Explain why the recommended vendor is the only one qualified to provide the requested services at the exclusion of all others, i.e., what makes this vendor uniquely qualified?

This is the only manufacture that we can find that constructs a boat for connectivity and durability for water rescue (static and fast water) operations.  While other “flat bottom” boats are manufactured the significant amount of buoyant material in these boats far exceed that of a normal float bottom boat.  These boats are manufactured for water rescue operations and firefighter safety in mind.

3. Describe the research that has been completed to ensure that no other competition exists (nature of work to be completed, names of vendors contacted who are unable to perform service, etc, at least three vendors):

We have been working on this project for over a year and have developed specifications for both static and fast (river) water rescues.  In addition we need the boats to be of a connecting type for river low water damn use.  Our research has been through onsite visits to the International Association of Fire Chief Conference – Exhibits, extensive internet searches, national trade publications and visits to local fire departments (South Johnson County Fire District and Olathe Fire Department).   This is the only manufacture that provides the connectivity that we feel is necessary for fire fighter safety.

06/02/03