Contract to replace firefighters' bunker gear awarded by Council

North Bay City council has unanimously awarded a $235,000 contract to A.J. Stone Company Ltd. for the replacement of North Bay Fire and Emergency Services bunker gear, the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters. 

Bunker gear commonly refers to the coat, trousers and coverall elements of the protective ensemble.

The contract is for a five-year term with an option by the City of North Bay to extend to a sixth and was approved during Tuesday's regular meeting. According to the report to council, the contract is based on a unit rate for the bunker gear but there is no set quantity for purchases. Of the five bids received, A.J. Stone Company scored the highest. 

The staff report states funds for an initial order worth $151,000 are set aside in the City's budget, while additional funds for future gear replacement will be requested through the budget process. The $235,000 total value of the contract is based on estimates for future bunker gear needs by NBFES. Some NBFES bunker gear will reach the end of its useful life of 10 years in accordance with standards set out by the National Fire Protection Association and regulated by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.