Recommend approval to procure two Fire Pumper Trucks from Sutphen Corporation in the amount of $1,380,854.70.  The fire pumper trucks will be used by Savannah Fire Rescue to replace two units (6507 and 7509), that are scheduled for replacement in the established replacement plan.  

The funding for these units is identified within the Vehicle Replacement Fund proposed for the FY2020 budget.  As per the bid, no payments will be required by the City of Savannah until delivery of the Pumper trucks in the Spring of 2020.  Fire apparatuses take approximately 365 days to build, so it is critical to order the unit in advance to ensure delivery in the replacement year set by Fleet Services.

Impacts of this action for approval follows the City of Savannah Fire Apparatus Replacement Plan and the scheduled level of readiness for FY 2020 supporting the City’s Strategic Plan with top priority of providing public safety.  Savannah Fire Rescue will be able to provide established Standards of Cover for continued uninterrupted service delivery across the City.  Our service delivery has been measured by the Insurance Service office, and Center for Public Safety Excellence validating our service delivery based on industry standards and best practices.

Unintended consequences of not approving the purchase of these pumper trucks, at this time, will mean delayed downtime for aging fire pumper trucks.  The average age of the fire pumper truck fleet is currently over 10 years of age.

This procurement is in line with the approved three year bid from 2016, which was awarded to Sutphen Corporation, Inc.  The bid included the tiered pricing for three years, for all purchases through 2019.  The third year included an increase of 7.5%.

Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. was the apparent low bidder, however, this vendor could not be further considered because it did not meet cab mounting and suspension specifications.

Bids were originally received on October 25, 2016.  Council approved the original purchase of two (2) units on November 22, 2016.

Approval