Approve the piggyback of Lake County Contract 12-0806B with Bennett Fire Products Company, Inc. with the same terms, conditions, specifications and pricing to purchase 40 sets of turn out gear at an estimated cost of $83,954.  Lake County complied with the Public Bid requirements equal to or exceeding the City of Boynton Beach requirements.

Bid Term:  6/12/12 to 6/30/17

Firefighter Turn Out gear (Bunker Gear) is part of the structural firefighting gear required to perform the duties of firefighter. This gear is required to meet NFPA guidelines and each member is required to have their own gear fit to their specific measurements and be of less than 10 (ten) years old from date of manufacture.

The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department has reached a point where this structural firefighting gear needs to be replaced in accordance with NFPA Standards. This 40 sets will be the first step in the department wide replacement. A Turn Out Gear evaluation committee has reviewed and wear tested multiple sets of gear and has selected this manufacturer and specification as the gear that best suits the needs of the department. The additional sets needed to outfit the rest of the department have been included in the proposed 2016/2017 budget.

In order to function and perform firefighting duties, members must have Bunker Gear to provide them protection from heat, direct flame and potential contact injuries. This essential part of the safety gear ensemble is required to meet NFPA guidelines and specifications. Without this safety gear, firefighters would not be able to perform their duties.

Industry improvements in Turn Out Gear, has improved the overall safety and protection to personnel by making the gear lighter, more heat resistant and improved the removal of heat from the firefighters body during the wearing of the gear. Additionally, the improvement of the outer shell of the gear, provides additional protection from tears and potential impact injuries. This added safety will may help reduce potential injuries such as heat exposure and cuts and lacerations, thus reducing potential workman’s comp claims and loss of time by the employee. It has been over 10 (ten) years since the last full evaluation on Turn Out Gear was assessed and new specification implemented to incorporate these industry improvements.

Funds were approved in Acct. 001-2210-522-52-23 in FY 15/16 budget.

The City of Boynton Beach could issue its own bid for the purchase of turn out gear.