Council approves $381,107.36 purchase of 35 Scott X3 Pro SCBAs after FEMA grant covers most cost

The Andover City Council voted 5-0 to approve a purchase not to exceed $381,107.36 for 35 Scott X3 Pro self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and associated equipment, after the fire department secured FEMA grant funding to cover most of the cost.

Fire Chief Chad Russell told the council the department’s current units were purchased in 2012 and that National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidance requires retirement of some components at 15 years. "I need to spend $381,000 just a little bit more," Russell said in explaining the purchase price and added that the department secured a FEMA matching grant to reduce the city’s share. Chief Russell said the department obtained $315,630.47 from FEMA as a matching grant, leaving a city match of $65,476.89.

Russell said firefighters, led by Lieutenant John Gabriel and a hands-on committee, evaluated multiple SCBA models and issued a unanimous recommendation for the Scott X3 Pro citing regional compatibility, safety features and local service. "One of the things I want to talk about is this is one of the only air packs on the market that if it has a failure, it fails open," Russell said, noting the safety advantage over some designs that can fail closed.

Staff discussed procurement options, including buying through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative purchasing contract (HGAC) and direct special pricing from the manufacturer; Russell said Scott’s special pricing was better in this instance. Council members asked about compressor compatibility; Russell said the current compressor (the blue filling unit at Station 1) will remain usable for the new packs. He estimated delivery in about three months but said he expects it could be quicker.

Council approved the purchase 5-0. Chief Russell said he would return with a recommendation on how to handle the retired units consistent with grant rules and city policy.