200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #620
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5110
Fax: (714) 765-5288
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 29, 2025
FROM: FINANCE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVE SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT MA# 106-498520 WITH WESTERN EXTRICATION SPECIALISTS, INC. FOR THE
PURCHASE, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF HOLMATRO
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 09
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, waive the sealed bid requirement of Council Policy
4.0 and approve Contract MA# 106-498520 with Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. for the purchase, repair and maintenance of firefighting equipment for the Anaheim Fire and Rescue Department (AF&R), in a cumulative amount not to exceed $500,000 (projected cost for initial year is $100,000), inclusive of all applicable taxes and fees, effective for one-year upon execution of all necessary signatures with four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents related to contract.
DISCUSSION:
AF&R utilizes Holmatro hydraulic rescue tools as the department-wide standard for vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations. Commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life,” these tools are deployed on frontline apparatus and are essential to the department’s ability to respond quickly and effectively during life-threatening emergencies.
Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. is the exclusive authorized distributor and certified service provider for Holmatro equipment in the region. The company is the only vendor with access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, specialized diagnostic tools, and factory-certified training necessary to perform authorized maintenance and warranty-supported repairs. No other vendor is permitted or technically qualified to perform these services, and using an unauthorized provider would risk voiding warranties, introducing non-compliant parts, and jeopardizing the operational integrity of life-saving equipment.
Using the same equipment across all units ensures interoperability during multi-unit responses, simplifies training requirements, and supports consistent, safe operations in high-pressure environments. Introducing tools from a different manufacturer would Authorization to Issue Contract MA# 106-498520 with Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. for the Purchase, Repair and Maintenance of Holmatro Rescue Equipment
May 29, 2025
create operational inconsistencies, increase the likelihood of user error, and delay response times during critical incidents.
AF&R personnel receive formal training on Holmatro systems during fire academy instruction and maintain ongoing proficiency through the department’s annual technical rescue training program. Transitioning to an alternative product line would require significant retraining of all firefighting personnel and modifications to current protocols and equipment configurations, impacting emergency readiness and increasing operational costs.
Holmatro tools operate on proprietary hydraulic systems, and components are not interchangeable with parts from other manufacturers. Maintaining compatibility with the department’s existing inventory and vehicle-mounted equipment is essential to ensure continuity of operations. Introducing non-standard tools would fragment the department’s rescue capabilities and increase the complexity and cost of maintenance and repairs.
Given the proprietary design of Holmatro tools and AF&R’s established use of this equipment across its fleet, continued procurement and servicing through Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. is essential. Their unique qualifications and exclusive manufacturer relationship make them the only viable vendor capable of meeting the department’s operational and safety requirements.
Additionally, Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. has extended favorable terms to the City, including a 5% discount on Holmatro products and a commitment to limit annual increases in labor and maintenance costs to no more than the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as published for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area. These provisions provide immediate cost savings and long-term budget stability.
Based on the proprietary nature of the equipment, the department’s long-standing reliance on Holmatro tools, the exclusive qualifications of the vendor, and the value offered through pricing and service terms, it is in the best interest of the City to waive formal bidding requirements and authorize a direct purchase and service agreement with Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. in accordance with sole source procurement guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the Fire and Rescue Department’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget. Funding for subsequent purchases will be subject to Council’s approval of budget appropriations.
Authorization to Issue Contract MA# 106-498520 with Western Extrication Specialists, Inc. for the Purchase, Repair and Maintenance of Holmatro Rescue Equipment
May 29, 2025
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Kari Bouffard Patrick Russell
Purchasing Agent Fire Chief
Attachment:
1. Proposed Contract Number MA# 106-498520