Title
Resolution Determining TSI Incorporated to be the Only Source Practicably Available From Which to Procure Testing and Calibration Services for SCBA Equipment and Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Purchase Contract with TSI Incorporated as “Sole Source”
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue (HDFR) has chosen MSA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) as the breathing air equipment to replace its current aging SCBA. In researching the replacement the SCBA equipment, HDFR also looked at different Fit Testing machines to be compatible with the new SCBA equipment. TSI Model 8038 PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester is the SCBA testing machine of choice for HDFR. TSI is the sole source manufacturer and calibration service of the referenced Model. TSI has no distributors for this product.
Discussion:
TSI's calibration system meets ISO 9001:2008 (which introduces a quality management system that creates a more efficient, effective operation, including cost containment and savings and increases customer satisfaction and retention) and complies with ISO 10012:2003 (provides guidance for the management of measurement processes and metrological confirmation of measuring equipment used to support and demonstrate compliance with metrological requirements); TSI performs calibrations and certifies that the instrument conforms to the original manufacturer's specifications and have been calibrated using standards whose accuracies are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This testing device insures that all parts of the SCBA gear is accurately tested to provide safety to our firefighters while fighting fires throughout the City of Hampton.
Impact:
The desired outcome of purchasing from TSI Incorporated is to provide an excellent SCBA fit testing device and periodic calibration services for the device. In accepting this vendor as a sole source in order to procure the desired SCBA fit tester, the safety of our firefighters is highly elevated while fighting fires to protect lives and property belonging to the citizens of the City of Hampton and its visitors.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve resolution
Body
WHEREAS, Hampton City Council recognizes the public interest in providing through its Division of Fire & Rescue the most efficient means reasonably available and affordable to test its SCBA equipment;
WHEREAS, TSI Incorporated is the exclusive manufacturer and provider of the Model 8038 PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester which the city desires to perform regularly scheduled tests of its SCBA equipment; and
WHEREAS, the price at which TSI Incorporated has offered the Model 8038 PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester and calibration services has been determined to be fair and reasonable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia as follows:
1. That the contract for procuring goods and services described above may be negotiated and awarded to TSI Incorporated as a “sole source” without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E;
2. That the City Manager or his authorized designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a purchase contract with TSI Incorporated; and
3. That the notice awarding the contract to TSI Incorporated shall be posted in a public place pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E.