Report Prepared by: Janet German, Management Analyst, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Procure One (1) Cardiac Monitor and Related Accessories for the Fire Department and Utilize a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY), in an Amount not to Exceed $60,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Fire Department’s request to procure one (1) new LIFEPAK 35 (LP35) Cardiac Monitor and related accessories from Stryker for placement on Truck 51 utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #041823-STY in an amount not to exceed $60,000 and waive the competitive bidding process pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving to waive the competitive bidding requirements as stated in Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code due to cooperative purchasing; and,
B. Approving the use of Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY; and,
C. Authorizing the purchase of one (1) new cardiac monitor (LIFEPAK 35) and related accessories from Stryker for placement on Truck 51 in an amount not to exceed $60,000; and,
D. Authorizing issuance of the Purchase Order and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions as specified by the City Council; or,
3. Deny the request; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by the Council.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 and Section 3.04.210 - Exemptions from competitive bidding;
“Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, competitive bidding requirements for purchases in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), the "bidding threshold," may be waived with the approval of the city council. Waivers may be authorized for, but are not limited to, cooperative purchasing in conjunction with other governmental entities, professional services, annual service or supply agreements, or purchases necessary for standardization on particular types of equipment. The bidding threshold shall be adjusted for inflation utilizing the same index and methodology as the bidding threshold in Section 3.04.080 of this code.”
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
FY 26/27 Adopted Budget, City Council Goals and Priorities, Strengthen Emergency Responses “…. Implement ALS citywide by July 1, 2026; pursue funding for facilities and equipment.”
DISCUSSION
Background
The Merced Fire Department (MFD) provides emergency medical services as part of its overall emergency response capabilities. Cardiac monitors are critical medical devices used by the MFD personnel to assess, monitor, and treat patients experiencing cardiac and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Truck 51 is utilized by the MFD to provide emergency response and medical services within the city. To ensure that Truck 51 is appropriately equipped to respond to medical emergencies, the MFD is requesting the purchase of one (1) new LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitor and related accessories.
The LIFEPAK 35 is a cardiac monitor and defibrillator designed for use by emergency medical personnel. The equipment provides capabilities necessary for patient assessment, cardiac monitoring, defibrillation, and other advanced life support functions.
Proprietary Technology: LIFEPAK 35
On the grounds of standardization, the department is continuing to purchase LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors and related accessories. These devices are a clinically advanced, life-saving device with proprietary tools and technology built on an intuitive platform. Its clinical decision support tools provide customizable experiences that help speed decisions with accuracy during lifesaving events. Because the LIFEPAK 35 is built to work with real-time communications and insights unique to its design, Stryker is the sole provider of this proprietary technology.
Standardization
MFD currently utilizes Stryker electrocardiogram devices on both its BLS and existing ALS units for cardiac rhythm interpretation and the LIFEPAK 35 will seamlessly interface within that clinical ecosystem. Maintaining standardized equipment throughout the MFD provides operational benefits because personnel may work on different apparatus and at different fire stations. Familiarity with a common cardiac monitor platform allows personnel to operate the equipment consistently regardless of their assigned apparatus.
Standardization also provides efficiencies related to personnel training, equipment maintenance, replacement parts, batteries, accessories, and other supporting equipment. Utilizing equipment that is also consistent with the MFD’s existing cardiac monitoring platform reduces the need for personnel to learn and maintain familiarity with multiple cardiac monitor systems.
Because Truck 51 does not currently have a dedicated LIFEPAK 35, this purchase will add cardiac monitoring capability to the apparatus rather than replace an existing monitor.
Cooperative Purchasing and Waiver of Competitive Bidding
The MFD proposes purchasing a LIFEPAK 35 from Stryker utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #041823-STY.
Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing organization that competitively solicits contracts on behalf of participating governmental agencies. Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY provides participating agencies access to Stryker emergency medical equipment, including LIFEPAK cardiac monitors and defibrillators.
The proposed purchase through the Sourcewell agreement allows the city to utilize an existing competitively solicited cooperative purchasing contract rather than conducting a separate solicitation for the cardiac monitor.
The city has previously utilized Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement for the purchase of LIFEPAK equipment. Utilizing the cooperative purchasing agreement for this purchase will provide an efficient procurement method while maintaining consistency with the MFD’s existing cardiac monitoring equipment.
Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 provides for circumstances under which the city’s competitive bid requirements may be waived, including purchases made through cooperative purchasing agreements.
Staff recommends waiving the city’s competitive bidding requirements and authorizing the purchase through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #041823-STY with Stryker.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within MFD’s adopted FY 26/27 budget, in Fund 2003-Measure Y.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY
2. Quote - Stryker - LIFEPAK 35