DATE: April 01, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Purchase of Curtis Blue Line Ballistic Vests and Helmets from LN Curtis for the Hayward Fire Department in a Total Amount Not-To-Exceed $143,625.79.
RECOMMENDATION
That City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to approve the purchase of Curtis Blue Line ballistic vests and helmets from LN Curtis for the Hayward Fire Department (HFD) in an amount not to exceed $143,625.79.
SUMMARY
The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) 06929 is designated for the purchase of Ballistic Helmets and Vests for responses associated with high-risk environments, as well as Tactical Emergency Medicine (TEMS) operations within the Hayward Fire Department. HFD would like to complete this purchase with LN Curtis, through the “Curtis Blue Line” which specializes in tactical gear. The Curtis Blue Line was selected after soliciting 3 quotes among competitive vendors, as LN Curtis has been a longtime partner of HFD and has offered the most competitive pricing. The existing CIP budget allowance will provide the opportunity to complete this purchase with a singular order, rather than needing additional budget allocation. The planned purchase cost of $143,625.79 is covered by the existing CIP budget allocation of $150,000 and is a planned purchase as part of the approved FY 24-25 CIP project list.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The request for ballistic gear falls within the anticipated personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of the Hayward Fire Department, and the existing ballistic gear is expired and has deteriorated beyond safe usage. The proposed purchase will ensure there are enough kits to outfit all existing active seats within the operational rigs in the fleet of the Hayward Fire Department. The department intends to purchase vests, helmets, and storage bags to ensure that the equipment remains both secure and readily available. HFD has determined that the proposed purchase will be sufficient to provide the department with appropriate safety gear for the lifespan of the equipment, which has an estimated usable timeline of five years.
The Hayward Fire Department is aware of the increased concern regarding hostile and dangerous responses in emergency situations, and to ensure the ongoing safety of personnel, the purchase of ballistic safety equipment has become a necessary addition to the PPE provided. In conjunction with the focus on increased preparedness for active shooter events in training and response, the department has determined that all on-duty personnel should have access to ballistic PPE to allow for the continued prompt response times that are critical in emergency situations. As first responders, firefighters are often among the first responders to active shooter scenes, and ballistic protection can be crucial for their survival and ability to perform their duties. Additionally, body armor can provide an additional layer of protection against debris, shrapnel, and falling objects, which are common hazards in firefighting operations.
The Department solicited three quotes to ensure that the purchase of the required ballistic safety equipment would be a competitive price, as well as ensure that the necessary quantity would be afforded through the existing CIP budget allowance. The three businesses that provided competitive quotes were The Safariland Group, DirectGov Source, Inc, and LN Curtis “Curtis Blue Line”. The Curtis Blue Line quote was selected amongst the three providers for multiple reasons, namely being the only quote that would allow the department to acquire the required number of units within our existing budget. The additional quotes received well exceeded the current allocation in the FY25 CIP budget. In partnering with LN Curtis via the Curtis Blue Line, the department continues a longstanding vendor partnership with a company that has proven to provide fair pricing, prompt response times, and reliable product availability. It is the request of the department to complete this purchase with LN Curtis via the Curtis Blue Line product line.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is sufficient funding in the adopted FY 24-25 CIP budget to cover the cost of the Ballistic Helmets and Vests from the Curtis Blue Line. This project is an approved Capital Improvement Project for the necessary replacement of ballistic gear, a necessary safety element for emergency medical personnel during hostile and high-risk onsite emergency responses.
PUBLIC CONTACT
No public contact is needed for this item.
NEXT STEPS
If Council approves the resolution, staff will: 1) work with the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with LN Curtis/Curtis Blue Line for the purchase of ballistic helmets and vests; and 2) complete the purchase of ballistic gear. Once received, staff will distribute all required equipment to fire personnel and process the removal of the expired equipment.
Prepared by: Lauren Dekas, Management Analyst
Recommended by: Eric Vollmer, Interim Fire Chief
Approved by:
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Dr. Ana M. Alvarez, City Manager