HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - awarding contract to Reliant Fire Apparatus, INC., for replacement of Fire Engine 1 RESOLUTION NO. 22-523
RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO RELIANT FIRE APPARATUS, INC.,
FOR REPLACEMENT OF FIRE ENGINE #1
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, fire apparatus are essential for structural firefighting. The Fire Apparatus
Replacement Program ensures replacement of fire apparatus at the end of their operational life.
The City maintains its current fleet very well, which facilitates keeping front line fire apparatus
for a maximum of 15 years, after which our goal is to retain it as a reserve apparatus for an
additional 10-15 years; and,
WHEREAS, the City maintains two frontline engines, Engine 1 and Engine 2. Engine 1
was purchased new in 2005. Currently housed at Station #1, Engine 1 is due for replacement, as
identified in the City's Capital Improvement Plan. This vehicle will not eligible for refurbishment
as the manufacturer of Engine 1 went out of business in 2014, making replacement parts nearly
impossible to find. Additionally,the vehicle is also not aging well and experiencing corrosion and
metal fatigue; and,
WHEREAS, five Fire Department staff from multiple ranks, with input from Fleet
Services,made up the Engine Replacement Team.The team met over several months with multiple
fire departments from across Iowa. In-person interviews and site visits were conducted with fire
departments to evaluate different apparatus vendors and design configurations. Staff from outside
departments were interviewed regarding what they valued about their most recent fire engine
design and purchase and what they would do differently on their next fire engine purchase. Data
from the interviews were combined with specifications from our most recent aerial apparatus
purchase to create a fire engine replacement specification; and,
WHEREAS, on July 19ffi, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to prospective fire
engine vendors, and responses were received from three vendors. Staff evaluated each vendor
based on several factors including safety, operational costs, service, design, ease of operation,
vendor's technical ability, stability, experience, and references. Build time was also considered by
the team; however, build time had limited impact on the decision-making process as the City
maintains a reserve fleet of two fire engines, which could move into front line status for a limited
period if needed. Additionally, the refurbishment of the City's Truck 3 is expected to be complete
in early 2023, which would make Truck 3 available for service as well; and,
WHEREAS, costs of the units were not included in the initial evaluation and were only
scored by staff after scoring on the response quality factors was complete. Reliant Fire Apparatus
INC. scored substantially higher than the other vendors during the evaluation process before costs
were considered. Reliant Fire Apparatus INC. was the only vendor to originally include fully
functioning airbags, with rollover protection in their initial proposal. Reliant Fire Apparatus INC.
also outscored the other venders due to their experience, technical ability, vendor stability and
references; and,
WHEREAS, Reliant Fire Apparatus INC. is responsible for designing and building the
most recent fire department apparatus (Tower 1 and Engine 2) and has invested time familiarizing
themselves with Ames' operations and how Ames Fire deploys equipment off the apparatus to
better meet department needs. This familiarization has allowed the Fire Department to move
towards standardization across all its apparatus for improved efficiency, consistency, and safety;
and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that a contract to Reliant Fire Apparatus, INC. for the purchase of a new fire engine at a cost of
$763,017 is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 27th day of September, 2022.
Renee Nall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Betcher
Seconded by: Beatty-Hansen
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 271h day of September, 2022.