Commission approves $43,989 transport van and $92,124 turnout gear purchases

The Berkeley County Commission approved two procurement awards during its meeting: a transport van for the day-report center and turnout gear for recently hired firefighters.

County administrator Gary Wyne presented the results of a February 12 bid opening for a transport van, reporting three bids and recommending Cadetco LLC (Wheeling) as the lowest responsible bidder at $43,989. "The lowest bid was the most, or did meet all specifications. It's from Cadetco LLC ... in the amount of $43,989, and that is the recommendation to purchase," Wyne said. Commissioners moved and approved the recommendation.

Wyne also reported solicitations for turnout gear to outfit 12 firefighters hired using a SAFER grant. The lowest responsible bid that met specifications came from Atlantic Emergency Solutions at $92,124.36. Commissioners voted to approve that award as well.

The administrator noted that the transport-van purchase is fully GRAMA-funded (as stated at the meeting) and that turnout gear purchases relate to the county's recent SAFER grant and the resulting addition of firefighters.

Why it matters: The transport van supports the day-report center's operations and the turnout-gear purchase equips new staff hired under a federal SAFER grant; both decisions involve county procurement and grant administration.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts with the awarded vendors and proceed with procurement and delivery arrangements.