SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize purchase orders to Municipal Emergency Services (MES) of Pinellas Park, FL, Ten-8 Fire Equipment (Ten-8) of Bradenton, FL, and North American Fire Equipment Co., Inc. (NAFECO) of Decatur, AL for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and equipment, communication system, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) parts, and miscellaneous items in a cumulative not-to-exceed amount of $940,000.00, for term October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, pursuant to Section 2.563 (1)(c), Piggyback, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Authorization is requested to issue purchase orders to MES, Ten-8, and NAFECO for the procurement of essential equipment and supplies for Clearwater Fire and Rescue and the Clearwater Police Department. Purchases will include a new communication system, replacement PPE bunker gear, safety shoes, hose and nozzle replacements, SCBA annual parts and calibrations, Hurst extrication tools and annual service, gas meters, and other necessary items. These acquisitions will be made through available piggyback contracts.
Of the total requested amount:
• $915,000.00 will be allocated to Clearwater Fire & Rescue for PPE bunker gear, SCBA air tank parts, Hurst extrication tools and repairs, uniforms (pants/shorts), annual foam, hose, communication system, advanced cleaning and bunker gear inspections and repairs.
• $25,000.00 will be allocated to the Clearwater Police Department for miscellaneous equipment and supplies as needed.
The Fire Department budgets for PPE and equipment purchases in capital project M2507 - Fire Equipment Replacement. This project provides funding for the following:
• Purchase of original (new staff) and replacement bunker gear, boots, gloves, and helmets. PPE provides essential protection and safety features for firefighters and carries a 10-year shelf life under NFPA Standard 1851. Currently, CFR issues one set of gear at hire and a second set five years later; moving forward, CFR is implementing the issuance of two sets for new hires while continuing replacements for current personnel.
• Replacement and upgrade of vehicle extrication and rescue tools in alignment with NFPA recommendations. These tools are essential for complex rescues involving vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery.
• SCBA upgrade kits and calibrations to maintain compliance with NFPA standards.
Expenses are reimbursed annually by Pinellas County under the Fire Agreement and the ALS First Responder Agreement to cover unincorporated area services.
Approval is requested to piggyback Lake County Contract No. 22-730G, No. 22-730I and No. 22-730K, Fire Equipment, Supplies, and Services, valid through July 31, 2027, with one two-year renewal option available.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for purchases for the Fire Department is available in various operating codes (uniforms, equipment, supplies, etc.) and in project M2507, Fire Equipment Replacement. Funding for purchases for the Police Department is available in various operating codes (uniforms, equipment and supplies).
The operating and capital budgets of the Police and Fire Departments are funded by revenue from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Foster safe and healthy communities through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
