ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: March 17, 2000
Author/Local: S. Siu/7258
RTS No. 01363

CC File No. 1805

Council: April 4, 2000

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services General Manager/Fire Chief - Fire & Rescue Services Manager - Materials Management
SUBJECT:	Award of Tender No. PS00006 The Supply of 100 ft. Aerial Ladder Platform and Pumper Fire Truck

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council accept the low bid which represents best value from Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. for a model S100R3TPL 2000, 100 foot aerial ladder platform and pumper fire truck, at a total purchase price of $992,500 plus the 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received), the Provincial Sales Tax and the Provincial Environmental Levy, subject to a contract satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.

COUNCIL POLICY

The policy of Council is to award contracts for the purchase of equipment, supplies and services that will give the highest value based on quality, service and price.

Contracts with a value over $300,000 are referred to Council.

DISCUSSION

Tenders for the above were opened on March 08, 2000 and referred to the General Manager of Engineering Services, General Manager/Fire Chief - Fire & Rescue Services and the Manager - Materials Management for report. The 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received), the Provincial Sales Tax and the Provincial Environmental Levy are in addition to all pricing shown in this report. Funds are provided from the Truck Plant Account.

This tender called for prices for one only 100 foot Aerial Ladder Platform and Pumper FireTruck that is required to replace the existing fire truck that has exceeded its economic service life. In addition to the unit as specified by the City, tenderers were also requested to provide, for price and information purposes, a standard manufacturer unit with a specification that is closely equivalent to the City's requirement. No bids were received for the alternative unit.

Bid bond and consent of surety are also requested to accompany tender submission.

Two firms submitted tenders. The unit prices including all options are $992,500 and $1,041,720. Both bids contained one or more deviations which prevented them from precisely meeting all the City's specifications.

The low bid meets all the City's specifications and requirements except a 246 inch wheelbase is offered in lieu of the 242 inch specified, however, the 246 inch wheelbase is acceptable.

The high bid, in addition to not meeting the following specifications, also provided inconsistent legal name between the tender document, the bid bond and the consent of surety:

- a 254 inch wheelbase is offered in lieu of the specified 242 inch;
- the outrigger position does not meet specification for load carrying capacity;
- the front axle loading is greater than the specified maximum of 21,500 lb.;
- the aerial ladder assembly is not listed and certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada as specified; and
- a 54,000 lb. rear axle is offered in lieu of the specified 58,000 lb.

We are, therefore, recommending acceptance of the low bid which represents best value for the City, from Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. for the supply of one S100R3TPL 2000, 100 foot aerial ladder platform and pumper fire truck at a total cost of $992,500.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver