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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Purchase of personal protective equipment – turnout gear for the Glendale Fire Department.
1. Resolution authorizing a change in vendor for standardized Fire-Dex products, dispensing with competitive bidding, and authorizing the procurement of Fire-Dex products and related services from Great West Fire & Safety, Inc.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Calendar
Approved for April 14, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Glendale Fire Department has been a participating agency in the Southern California Area PPE Consortium Group (SCAPPEC) for the purchasing of turnout gear. SCAPPEC agencies include The Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Long Beach Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, and the Glendale Fire Department. SCAPPEC agencies and Glendale Fire Department staff all conducted extensive independent testing and found Fire-Dex turnouts to be the most suitable and most all-inclusive option for firefighter turnout gear. The goal of SCAPPEC has always been to leverage purchasing power and reduce fiscal impacts when purchasing vital safety equipment, while simultaneously meeting the needs of each agency’s requirements.
The City of Glendale previously procured turnout gear and related equipment through a sole-source agreement with Municipal Emergency Services (MES). Effective March 4, 2026, MES is no longer an authorized dealer of Fire-Dex products and has formally relinquished its contractual relationship with Fire-Dex. As a result, MES is no longer able to provide Fire-Dex turnouts to the City, necessitating the identification of an alternative authorized vendor to ensure continuity of operations and safety. 10a2
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RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve a Resolution to adopt equipment standardization and dispensing with competitive bidding for the purchase of specialized Fire-Dex personal protective equipment turnout gear and related services from Great West Fire & Safety, Inc.
ANALYSIS
Turnout gear must meet the specifications in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. The consequences of equipment failure are serious and may result in employee injury and/or fatality.
The turnout ensemble is composed of two principal elements, a pant and jacket. Following the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1851 Standard ensures the Fire Department adheres to comprehensive criteria for protective ensembles to reduce health and safety risks associated with improper maintenance, contamination, or damage. Each member is outfitted with two sets of turnout gear, with a life cycle of 10 years per set.
GFD has been using Fire-Dex turnout gear as our standard for the past three years and recommend that we continue utilizing this standardization.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. The purchase of turnout gear has been requested as part of the proposed budget for FY 2026-27. Staff will continue to account for these expenses annually as a part of the budget process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
N/A
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Do not adopt the equipment standardization and dispensing with competitive bidding for the purchases of specialized personal protective equipment and turnout gear by designating Great West Fire & Safety, Inc. as the sole-source vendor for Fire-Dex turnout gear and related services. This alternative would delay the procurement of critical firefighter safety equipment and may impact operational readiness. 10a3
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ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Jeffrey Brooks, Fire Chief
Prepared by:
Narek Babayan, Fire Captain
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS