July 14, 1999
To:Policy and Finance Committee
From:City Clerk
Subject:Request for Quotations for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Recommendation:
The Community Services Committee on July 14, 1999, recommended to the Policy and Finance Committee the adoption of
the joint report dated June24,1999, from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer respecting the Request for Quotations for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
City Clerk
R. Dyers/tl
Item No. 5
(Joint Report dated June 24, 1999, addressed to the
Community Services Committee from the
Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer)
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to advise the results of the Request for Quotations issued for the supply and delivery of Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) accessories, cylinder assemblies, records management system and dynamic test
equipment to Toronto Fire Services, Equipment Services, 895 Eastern Avenue, and to request authority to award a contract
to the recommended bidder.
Source of Funds:
Funds in the amount of $2,000,000.00 are available in the 1999 Capital Transition Account. A minor increase ($22,474.59)
in budgetary approval will be required.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the bid submitted by MSA Canada Inc. for the supply and delivery of Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus, accessories, cylinder assemblies, records management system and dynamic test equipment be accepted at the
total bid price of $2,865,683.59 including taxes less the trade-in amount offered for existing equipment of $843,209.00 for
a total expenditure of $2,022,474.59 including all taxes and charges, being the lowest bid received.
Council Reference/Background/History:
In August 1998, the Fire Chief established a task force to develop evaluation criteria and to conduct tests of the various
SCBA product lines on the market to identify SCBA products suitable for acquisition by the Fire Services.
The objectives of the task force were:
(a)to notify and invite manufacturers and/or agents to participate in extensive product testing;
(b)to test and evaluate each product presented; and
(c)to recommend the purchase of those models of self-contained breathing apparatus meeting the established testing and
evaluation criteria.
The SCBA task force members included a cross section of staff including members of management, operations,
professional development/training, mechanical, technical service, and health and safety representatives.
Following the completion of the testing and evaluation phases of the selection process, the task force members found that
both the Scott 50 model and the MSA Custom 4500 MMR model met the needs and safety requirements of Toronto Fire
Services.
Purchasing and Materials Management Division (PMMD) issued Request for Quotation documents to Scott Aviation
division of Scott Technologies Company and MSA Canada Inc. requesting pricing on the product approved in the
evaluation process along with trade-in pricing for existing equipment presently in use by the Toronto Fire Services.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
MSA Canada Inc. and Scott Aviation both submitted bids as summarized below:
With Trade-In Without Trade-In
MSAScottMSAScott
Base Price$2,601,882.56 $3,276,455.78Base Price$2,601,882.56 $3,276,455.78
Less Trade-In$ 843,209.00 $ 0.00Taxes $ 390,282.38 $ 491,468.37
Net Price$1,758,673.56 $3,276,455.78Total Price $2,992,164.94 $3,767,924.15
Taxes$ 263,801.03 $ 491,468.37
Total Price$2,022,474.59 $3,767,924.15
In order to determine that the trade-in offered by MSA Canada Inc. was of fair market value, a separate Sales Quotation
was issued by PMMD to firms that had expressed interest in purchasing the used equipment. The sales quotation resulted
with the highest offer to the City being $129,100.00 which is substantially lower than the $843,209.00 trade-in offered by
MSA Canada Inc. Scott Aviation division of Scott Technologies Company declined to offer a trade-in on the used
equipment.
The bid submitted by the recommended bidder has been reviewed by the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services
and was found to be in conformance with the Quotation requirements.
The Manager, Fair Wage and Labour Trades Office has reported favourably on the firm recommended.
Conclusion:
This report requests authority to award the contract for the supply and delivery of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus,
including the trade-in of existing equipment presently in use, as required by Toronto Fire Services to MSA Canada Inc.,
being the lowest bid received.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Deputy Chief William Stewart
Toronto Fire Services
Tel: 397-4304
L.A. Pagano, P. Eng.
Director
Purchasing and Materials Management
Tel: 392-7312
