Approval is requested for the use of a contract initiated by the City of Eureka, Missouri, with American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming, for the purchase of two fire trucks for the Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division.

Historically, the City has purchased individual fire apparatus through a competitive bidding process. Since fire engines and trucks are customized products, the development of generic bid specifications has required many months of intense effort and a great deal of time. This process has also resulted in a fire fleet from a variety of manufacturers.

In 1997, two fire engines needed to be replaced; and staff had an opportunity to develop specifications for two identical units. On February 3, 1998, Council awarded a contract for the two fire engines to Redding Freightliner, a Freightliner/American LaFrance franchise.

The Department of Public Safety has now operated these fire engines for two years, and both Fire and Fleet staff have been well satisfied with the quality and performance of the apparatus. In addition, having two units from the same manufacturer has made it possible to reduce staff training time and spare parts inventory; and warranty administration is easier.

This year, two existing fire trucks are on the replacement schedule. To expand the benefits achieved by the 1998 fire engine purchase, staff recommends the purchase of fire trucks manufactured by American LaFrance.

Staff has determined that the least costly and most efficient way to procure the two new fire trucks is to "piggyback" on a contract initiated by the City of Eureka, Missouri, with American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming. With only minor changes, the specifications developed by the City of Eureka meet the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety’s needs.

Section 2.08.220 (b) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code allows the use of another public entity’s contract provided that the contract was awarded within twelve months of the City’s award, is for identical or nearly identical goods, and resulted from a competitive bid. In this case, all of these conditions are met.

Total cost to the City for two fire trucks will be $1,153,560. Funds are available in Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division Account #020700-5135.

It is recommended that Council authorize the use of a contract initiated by the City of Eureka, Missouri, with American LaFrance Sales of Casper, Wyoming, for the purchase of two fire trucks in the amount of $1,153,560 for the Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division.