Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase Two TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers on a Sole Source Basis for Phase 1 of the Alameda Emergency Response Water Supply System in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $387,335. (Fire C71500)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Alameda Fire Department (AFD) staff recommends a sole source procurement of two TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers from Puck Enterprises (Puck). The total requested amount is $387,335, which includes the base cost of the quote of $351,000 and an additional $36,335 in use tax. This acquisition supports the deployment of the City of Alameda’s (City) existing large-diameter supply hose and marks the first phase in establishing a Citywide Emergency Response Water Supply System. The purchase is fully funded through the approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), under project code C71500, and is drawn from existing appropriations dedicated to emergency preparedness and equipment upgrades. In the event of a domestic water system failure, this initiative will significantly improve firefighting readiness and operational resilience. The recommendation reflects the City Council’s strategic project to enhance emergency response capabilities and preparedness. This procurement qualifies as a sole source procurement due to the specialized nature of the equipment and the exclusive qualifications of the vendor.
BACKGROUND
The City currently relies on a fire hydrant system owned and maintained by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), with infrastructure ranging from newly installed units to components nearly a century old for firefighting. In the event of a domestic water system outage, the City has no alternative method for sustaining large quantities of uninterrupted water for firefighting purposes. Currently, the only option for emergency water supply is the utilization of AFD’s two 3000-gallon water tenders to shuttle water to an incident.
Approximately two years ago, AFD replaced its supply hose inventory, acquiring 8,000 feet of five-inch fire hose. While no longer assigned to frontline service, the hose remains in usable condition and is stored at Fire Station 5 with no practical way to deploy it promptly during an emergency. AFD also commissioned Fire Boat 1-a custom vessel built by Moose Boats-equipped with twin engines capable of pumping water 4000 GPM through five-inch hose, presenting a powerful alternative water source if the department could get water from the fireboat to a fire within the City.
DISCUSSION
To operationalize existing equipment and initiate the buildout of an independent emergency water supply system, staff recommends purchasing two TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers. These trailers are designed for rapid, single-operator deployment and retrieval of large-diameter hose (LDH), featuring remote-control functionality and a 38 HP engine-powered reel system. Currently, manual deployment requires several hours; with the trailers, setup time would be reduced to under 30 minutes-dramatically enhancing emergency response capabilities and reducing personnel fatigue and risk. Puck’s patented Arch Guard and reel design further minimizes hose damage and handling errors.
The trailers support a range of operational scenarios including urban response, wildland firefighting, industrial incidents, and power plant emergencies. Future phases of procurement for the emergency water supply system will include additional hose, trailers, in-line pumps, and water source pumping platforms that will be procured through Puck Enterprises as funds become available. Upon complete buildout, the system will be able to supply an emergency water supply network across the entire City until EBMUD can return the domestic water supply. Puck is the only manufacturer of this equipment and qualifies for sole source procurement of the TTR-15P trailers under the City's purchasing policies. This proposal aligns with the City Council’s FY 2023-26 Strategic Plan priority to “Enhance Community Safety & Services”, specifically, it is a key step toward implementing project CS24b to develop, identify fund for, and implement an emergency water plan. This procurement is critical for the City’s emergency preparedness and operational readiness.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may choose:
• Authorize the City Manager to purchase two TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers.
• Not authorize the purchase and direct staff to explore other options to develop a foundation for the development of a Citywide emergency water supply plan. However, this approach may lead to delays in deploying existing hose if needed during a disaster.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for the acquisition of two TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers was included in the approved FY 2025-26 CIP budget under Project Code C71500 - Emergency Water Supply System. With a quote of $351,000 and a sales and use tax estimate of $36,335, the total estimated cost of the two trailers is $387,335.
Due to the specialized nature of the trailers and the exclusive manufacturing capabilities of Puck, this purchase qualifies as a sole source procurement.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code Section 2-59 (Authorization of Contracts). This action supports the Strategic Priority, “Enhance Community Safety & Services” in the City’s Strategic Plan, specifically project CS24b to develop, identify fund for, and implement an emergency water plan. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to purchase two (2) TTR-15P Hose Reel Turntable Trailers on a sole source basis for Phase 1 of the Alameda Emergency Response Water Supply System in an amount not-to-exceed $387,335.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas Luby, Fire Chief
By,
Dallas Andrews, Fire Captain
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Quote
2. Sole Source Letter
3. Agreement