Report Prepared by: Janet German, Management Analyst, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Procure One (1) New Cardiac Monitor for the Fire Department and Utilize a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2), 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 from Stryker utilizing a cooperative purchasing agreement (Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2) in an amount not to exceed $60,000 and waive the competitive bidding process.
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, Amendments #1 and 2; and,
C. Authorizing the purchase of one (1) new cardiac monitor (LIFEPAK 35) from Stryker 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.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 25/26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Merced Fire Department (MFD) is in the final phases of a critical evolution from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities. This transition is essential to providing a higher tier of emergency medical care, allowing our personnel to perform advanced interventions and cardiac monitoring that were previously unavailable. Cardiac monitors are a critical part of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system and a primary tool for the diagnosis and treatment of the most serious medical conditions.
Proprietary Technology: LIFEPAK 35
To support this transition, the department is acquiring the LIFEPAK 35. This is 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. Maintaining a uniform fleet of Stryker equipment is a matter of public safety and vital for:
• Continuity of Care: Ensuring a seamless transition as we upgrade more units to ALS status.
• Personnel Proficiency: Providing a consistent, proprietary interface so first responders can move between vehicles without retraining on different systems.
Cooperative Purchasing and Waiver of Competitive Bidding
To facilitate this acquisition, the department recommends utilizing Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2). While the city utilizes Sourcewell for other cooperative purchases, this specific request seeks authorization to leverage Sourcewell Contract #041823, Amendments #1 and 2 (Critical Care and EMS Equipment). This established procurement method allows the MFD to forego the traditional formal bid methodology by piggybacking on a nationally competitive bidding solicitation that meets the city’s competitive bidding requirements. The use of this contract complies with Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code, which permits an exemption from formal bidding when utilizing contracts awarded through a competitive process by other public agencies.
Budgetary Status and Implementation: Engine 54
The City Council previously appropriated $60,000 in the current FY 25/26 budget specifically for this purchase. This acquisition is a major milestone in our rollout:
• Progress: This purchase will provide the fourth of the five monitors needed for our department-wide ALS rollout.
• Deployment: This unit will be placed on Engine 54.
• Completion: As soon as funds are appropriated for the fifth and final vehicle, the department will purchase the last monitor, officially completing our transition for cardiac monitors on all units.
By providing the resources necessary to advance our ALS capabilities, we are directly enhancing our ability to save lives and making our community a safer place for all residents.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within FY2025-26 General Fund adopted budget for this purchase.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2
2. Quote - Stryker - LIFEPAK 35