The Fleet Replacement Program has an ambulance scheduled for replacement in each of the next two years. The FY22 Capital budget includes $334,866 for the replacement of one of the ambulances. The Fire Department utilizes six ambulances, with four in front-line service, and two in reserves. A committee comprised of Fire and Public Works staff have worked to complete the design and specifications of the new ambulance and has chosen Braun ambulance. The Braun module is most suitable for remounting on a new chassis in the future and ambulance remounts save 20-50% over buying new. Remounting provides additional future flexibility and possible cost savings. The power load cots and load systems can be reused in the future as well. 

Current build times for these ambulances now exceed 12 months. Staff continues to witness price increases in the range of 7-20% per year on certain specialty vehicles. The long anticipated build times and inflation pressures continue to negatively impact Capital equipment purchases. In order to help offset these factors, staff is seeking permission to order both ambulances this year. The invoices will not be processed until next year upon receipt, and therefore would not negatively impact either budget. The vendor has offered a multi-unit discount of $2,500 if both ambulances are purchased together on top of all other savings.

By the time the new units are placed into operation, the current ambulances will be more than 10 years old. Fleet staff will evaluate the ambulances, re-establish the reserves, and surplus the oldest units in accordance with established guidelines.

The proposed ambulances would be purchased through the CO-OP Helping Governments Across the Country Buy (HGACBuy), a nationwide government procurement service. HGACBuy offers a joint purchasing program and bidding services to local governments, and has an ambulance contract with Braun Ambulance. North Central Emergency Vehicles is the local dealer for Braun Ambulance. 

Staff is requesting approval to purchase two 2022 Ford F-550 Braun Chief XL Type I Ambulances from North Central Emergency Vehicles in Plainfield, IL at a total cost of  $665,037.46 or $332,518.73 per vehicle. It is understood that approving this item will obligate the Village to purchase one ambulance next year (FY23) and that both ambulances will be paid for in 2023.

Funding for these purchases is available in Account No. 621-9003-572.50-05 (VH9504).

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board award the purchase of two 2022 Ford F-550 Braun Chief XL Type I Ambulances from North Central Emergency Vehicles in Plainfield, Illinois, at a cost of $332,518.73 per ambulance, for a total cost not-to-exceed $665,037.46 and authorize staff to execute the necessary documents.