The Board of Public Health and Safety on April 2 approved a four-year contract with Phoenix Safety Outfitters to supply turnout gear for the fire department, with a not-to-exceed amount of $6,000,000.

Battalion Chief Richard Cook, presenting the item, told the board, "This will be a 4 year, contracted contract in length and will not to exceed $6,000,000 over the term of that 4 year contract." He said the procurement covers the department's coats and pants used for firefighting, and that the department intends to replace roughly 250 sets each year and buy additional sets to outfit recruit classes.

Board members asked whether the purchase duplicated recent procurements and sought clarification on what previously approved contracts covered. A board member noted, "Well, there is another contract that we just did a couple months ago and it's also referred to as turnout gear or fire gear and it causes a conflict sometimes. But yes, that was for helmets, boots, flashlights, those types of things." Cook confirmed the current contract is for the actual turnout coats and pants.

One board member said they were "a little concerned that we don't have, show show and tell today because for these types of presentations, we typically have something tangible. I I apologize. And I'm a little disappointed." Cook acknowledged he had planned a demonstration but was "a little rushed" and did not bring samples.

The agenda package listed the contract's not-to-exceed amount as $6,000,000, but a board member pointed out the contract language itself showed $6.5 million. Cook said staff had reforecasted costs and reduced the request to $6,000,000 when the formal letter was submitted; the board asked staff to amend the contract exhibit to match the $6,000,000 figure. The board moved, seconded and voted to adopt the item; the motion carried.

The board did not set additional conditions in the meeting minutes. Staff said they would provide the demonstration at a future meeting and would ensure the contract paperwork reflected the $6,000,000 cap.

Votes at a glance

• Agenda item 040225A — Contract with Phoenix Safety Outfitters for turnout gear; term: four years; NTE: $6,000,000 (as clarified in meeting). Motion to approve: moved and seconded; result: approved.