Recommend approval to procure self-contained breathing apparatus equipment from Avon Protection Systems in the amount of $79,598.00. This equipment will be used by Savannah Fire & Emergency Services (SFES) personnel while they are exposed to immediately dangerous circumstances.

In 2014, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard on open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) went into effect requiring all SCBA equipment to meet the standard in testing for increased face-piece lens integrity; new voice communication intelligibility requirements; and changes to the end of service time indicator. To meet this National Standard, SFES implemented a five-year plan to replace SCBA harnesses, face masks, and 45-minute air cylinders. This is SFES’s third year of the plan, and will complete the purchasing of the SCBA harnesses.

This procurement includes 13 SCBA harnesses, 41 SCBA face masks, and 27 45-minute bottles.

This is a sole source procurement because SCBA manufacturer brands are not interchangeable. Avon Protection Systems’ equipment is in use throughout the Bureau and used in conjunction with items available only from this manufacturer. SFES personnel are also trained and certified as Avon repair technicians.

Approval