City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2026 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARD(S): ALL SUBJECT: SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALL STAR FIRE EQUIPMENT CO. OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA FOR RIVERSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE FIRE TURNOUT GEAR FOR THE TERM OF ONE YEAR, IN THE AMOUNT OF $447,658.17 ISSUE
Consider approving the Services Agreement with All Star Fire Equipment Co. of Arcadia, California, for Riverside Fire Department Structure Fire Turnout Gear for the term of one year, in the amount of $447,658.17.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve the Services Agreement with All Star Fire Equipment Co. of Arcadia, California, for Riverside Fire Department Structure Fire Turnout Gear for the term of one year, in the amount of $447,658.17; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement with All Star Fire Equipment Co., including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND
The Riverside Fire Department provides structural firefighting services that require personnel to use protective turnout ensembles meeting the current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 standard. The Department has standardized its structural firefighting turnout gear around LION Janesville V-Force garments. Maintaining consistent garment design, closure system, pocket configuration, drag rescue device, suspenders, fit, and material construction supports operational familiarity, proper fit, training consistency, and compatibility with the Department's existing personal protective equipment program. The LION Janesville V-Force platform incorporates an ergonomic design that supports durability, mobility, and firefighter comfort.
The Department has an ongoing need to replace turnout gear that has reached the end of its service life or has become worn, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable for continued operational use. The proposed purchase will replace expired and worn turnout gear while also improving current inventory levels to ensure sufficient serviceable equipment is available for operational personnel, replacement needs, and reserve inventory. Maintaining adequate inventory is necessary to ensure properly fitted turnout gear remains available when equipment is removed from service due to damage, contamination, inspection, cleaning, or repair.
All Star Fire Equipment Co. is the locally approved distributor for LION turnout gear and has supplied the Department with this equipment under prior sole-source approvals. The Department compared All Star’s direct pricing with pricing available through Sourcewell LION Contract No. 0104240-LIO and determined that purchasing directly from All Star provides more favorable pricing.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Agreement provides for the purchase of 107 LION V-Force turnout coats and 107 pairs of LION V-Force turnout pants manufactured with 7.0-ounce natural PBI Max outer-shell material and configured to Riverside Fire Department specifications. The purchase includes firefighter sizing, required customization, including name panels, reflective trim, and identification, delivery, warranty support, and replacement of defective items. All turnout gear will be new, compatible with the Department’s existing personal protective equipment program, and ready for service upon delivery.
The quoted subtotal is $411,639.70, plus $36,018.47 in sales tax, for a total amount not to exceed $447,658.17. Shipping is included at no additional cost, payment terms are net 30 days, and the estimated delivery period is 60 to 75 days.
The Agreement will remain in effect for one year from its effective date. All Star Fire Equipment Co. will furnish the specified goods and related services in accordance with the scope of services and compensation schedule incorporated into the Agreement. The purchase maintains consistency with the Department’s current LION turnout gear, supports the timely replacement and issuance of structural firefighting protective clothing, and avoids costs associated with evaluating, fitting, training on, and supporting a different turnout gear system.
Purchasing Overview
This action is pursuant to Purchasing Resolution 24421, Section 702, which states, “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances …(c) When the Procurement can only be obtained from a sole source and the Manager is satisfied that the best price, terms and conditions for have been negotiated.” All Star Fire Equipment Co. is the locally approved distributor for the specified LION turnout gear. The Department compared All Star Fire Equipment Co.’s direct pricing with pricing available through Sourcewell LION Contract No. 0104240-LIO and determined that All Star’s direct pricing provides the City with more favorable pricing for the specified garments.
The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommended action is compliant with Purchasing Resolution 24421.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact of the action in this report is $447,658.17 for a one-year term. Sufficient funds for Fiscal Year 2026/27 in the amount of $447,658.17 are budgeted and available in the General Fund, Fire Operations, Clothing/Linen/Safety Supplies Account No. 3510000–426200.
Prepared by: Michael Allen, Deputy Fire Chief
Approved by: Steve McKinster, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Edward Enriquez, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachment:
Services Agreement with All Star Fire Equipment Co.
Sole Source Justification
All Star Fire Equipment Turnout Gear | Page 2