DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Hazmat Chemical Detection Equipment
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a contract with FarrWest Environmental Supply, Inc., to provide the San Antonio Fire Department Hazmat Team with two handheld Hazmat Chemical Identification Units for a total cost of $161,500.00. This purchase will be funded through the General Fund.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Submitted for City Council consideration and action is the offer submitted by FarrWest Environmental Supply, Inc., to provide the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) Hazmat Team with two handheld Chemical Identification Units for a total cost of $161,500.00.
The Chemical Identification Units are designed for immediate assessment of a threat in a chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive (CBRNE) environment. Each kit includes one (1) lap-top computer with USB RF Modem and command software. This purchase also includes three, one day on-site training classes for the SAFD HazMat Teams and five years of equipment maintenance and technical support.
These handheld units collect data and report in real time with the host controller which includes detailed readings to test chemical, explosives, pesticides, toxicity, drugs, suspicious powders and other hazardous chemical agents. This multi-function system can interface with existing SAFD Hazmat Team equipment currently in use. The SAFD Hazmat Team responds to critical incidents where the threat of CBRNE materials may be utilized for the purpose of injuring citizens/property or disrupting the City’s continuity of operations. The ability to safely respond in a CBRNE environment is crucial for appropriate personal protection for members of the SAFD Hazmat Team as well as the protection of citizens.
This procurement was procured utilizing a Public Health or Safety Exemption.
ISSUE:
This contract will provide the SAFD Hazmat Team with a contractor to provide two handheld Chemical Identification Units for immediate assessment during chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive (CBRNE) related calls. These units will also allow monitoring of large venues, auditorium and stadium type events to protect the safety of citizens, resources and infrastructure.
The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program did not apply to this contract due to the lack of small, minority, and women businesses available to provide the specific brand required for this purchase.
The contract is an exception to the Local Preference Program Ordinance.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program Ordinance does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the SAFD Hazmat Team will be operating with equipment that is out of date and no longer under warranty. Thus, the Hazmat Team will be non-compliant with current standards.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The purchase of these two handheld Chemical Identification Units is for a total cost of $161,500.00. Funding will be provided from the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a contract with FarrWest Environmental Supply, Inc., to provide the SAFD Hazmat Team with two handheld Chemical Identification Units for a total cost of $161,500.00.
This contract is procured by means of a Public Health or Safety Exemption and a Contract Disclosure Form is not required.