2-Sole Source Letter SCBA Accessories.pdf

This is a sole source authorization letter from MSA Safety to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue confirming that Ten 8 Fire & Safety LLC is the sole authorized distributor of MSA SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and SCBA accessories for the municipal fire service market in Hillsborough County, Florida, and the only CARE-certified MSA SCBA repair center in the region. Hillsborough County intends to award a sole source procurement to Ten 8 Fire & Safety LLC for the purchase of MSA SCBA accessories with an estimated cost of $61,574.00 through April 15th, 2027. The procurement is authorized under Section 3-205(2)(a) of the County's Procurement Policy based on the proprietary nature of MSA SCBA components, which lack interchangeability across brands. The County reserves the right to extend the contract term, adjust the scope of services in response to changing conditions, and increase the award accordingly.

This procurement is not a competitive bidding process; however, contractors able to provide the identified proprietary SCBA parts and accessories may submit clear and convincing information to challenge the intended award by the specified close date through the EUNA Procurement system. The County will evaluate any properly submitted challenges to determine whether bona fide competition exists and whether to convert this to a competitive solicitation. MSA's distributor qualification requirements are based on the necessity for partners with specialized knowledge, training, and experience to properly service and support fire service customers, ensuring the highest level of end-user customer experience.