For the second time, South Whidbey Fire/EMS is seeking bids for two new water tenders.
District commissioners plan to add the vehicles to the fleet this year, and sought bids from manufacturers in 2014. Only one responded, and the quote exceeded the agency’s $300,000 budget.
At the urging of district administrators, the board agreed at its regular meeting Tuesday to try again.
“I’m confident we can get a tender for under $310,000, just not from these folks,” said Chief Rusty Palmer, referring to the rejected bid.
District staff tried changing the specifications of the tenders to get it within the company’s bid, but walked away in favor of trying again with other manufacturers who may have shied away the last time.
Deputy Chief Jon Beck, who has led the bid process for the tenders, said he hoped to have a bid proposal deadline of Feb. 10. He also told the fire commissioners that he spoke with three companies that originally had not submitted bids and were now interested.
Water tenders are large vehicles used to shuttle water in support of fire engines.
South Whidbey Fire/EMS took care of some other accounting business at its regular monthly meeting, which was the first of 2015.
Commissioners approved a string of bid awards. Mapping of the district was scrapped and re-awarded after the original low bidder dropped out, handing the $2,253 contract to Whidbey Mapping Services. Pest control for the district will be handled by Oak Harbor-based Absolute Pest Control for $3,667.97. Overhead door maintenance will be done by Mount Vernon-based Special Door Services for $1,916.38.
