Award to the low bidder, Fouts Brother, Inc., the contract for the purchase of a 3,000 gallon water tender for County Service Area No. 1-County Fire, for the total purchase price of $237,134 (including sales tax and delivery).

In an effort to supply fire protection to the citizens of Shasta County, County Fire is recommending the purchase of a 3000 Gallon Water Tender with a 500 gallon per minute pump and two wheel drive transmission.  The purchase of this Water Tender will allow a 1988 Kenworth Water Tender to be removed from the property list as a part of the SCFD vehicle replacement cycle.  This vehicle is 28 years old, past the expected 25 years of use, and it presents a greater fiscal liability for repair than total replacement of the vehicle.

This new Water Tender is needed to provide rural fire protection.  Reliable vehicles with water supply capability help maintain the Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings in Shasta County.  ISO ratings help determine home fire insurance rates, and lower ratings can help Shasta County citizens with lower property insurance rates.  Having safe and reliable equipment allows the volunteer companies to do their job with a greater measure of professionalism as well as enhancing their ability to respond.

Letters of Invitation for Request for Quote 17-08 were issued on September 8, 2016 and closed on October 6, 2016.  There were 10 Letters of Invitation, and the Request for Quote was also posted on the Shasta County competitive procurement website; two responses were received, and three vendors responded that they could not submit a response at this time.  Fouts Brothers, Inc. was the only bidder able to meet the specifications outlined in RFQ 17-08, suitability of purpose, quality, service, previous experience and date of delivery.  The quote price includes all inspections, sales tax and delivery.  Manufacturer’s liability coverage is included.

The Board may request additional information about the quotes or this purchase.  The Board may decline to award the quote and approve the purchase at this time.

The County Administrative Office has reviewed this recommendation. The Shasta County Purchasing Department has completed the procurement process in conjunction with County Fire staff. 

The funding for the recommended Water Tender purchase has been appropriated as a part of the County Fire 2016-2017 Final Adjusted Budget.  The funding comes from current year Measure B funds designated for fire equipment purchase.  There is no additional General Fund impact.