Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
SPECIFICATION NO. FD26-0064F
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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City of Tacoma
Tacoma Fire Department
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FD26-0064F
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Submittal Deadline: 11:00 a.m., Pacific Time, Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Submittals must be received by the City's Procurement and Payables Division by 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
For electronic submittals, the City of Tacoma will designate the time of receipt recorded by our email server, as
the official time of receipt. This clock will be used as the official time of receipt of all parts of electronic bid
submittals. Include the specification number in the subject line of your email. Your submittal must be sent as
an attachment, links to your electronic submittal will not be accepted.
For in person submittals, the City of Tacoma will designate the time of receipt recorded by the timestamp
located at the lobby security desk, as the official time of receipt. Include the specification number on the
outside of the sealed envelope. Late submittals will be returned unopened and rejected as non-responsive.
Submittal Delivery: Sealed submittals will be received as follows:
By Email: In Person:
sendbid@tacoma.gov Tacoma Public Utilities Administration Building North,
Maximum email size including attachments: 35 MB. Main Floor, Lobby Security Desk
Multiple emails may be sent for each submittal. 3628 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
Note: Email may pass through multiple servers before arriving Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
at its destination. Please allow sufficient time for email delivery
of submittals. Timely electronic delivery is at the risk of the
supplier.
Bid Opening: Submittals must be received by the City's Procurement and Payables Division prior to 11:00
a.m. Pacific Time. Sealed submittals in response to a RFB will be opened Tuesday's at 11:15 a.m. by a
purchasing representative and read aloud during a public bid opening held at the Tacoma Public Utilities
Administrative Building North, 3628 S. 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409, conference room M-1, located on the
main floor. They will also be held virtually Tuesday's at 11:15 a.m. Attend a Zoom meeting via this link or call 1
(253) 215 8782, using meeting ID # 884 0268 0573, passcode # 070737.
Submittals in response to an RFP, RFQ or RFI will be recorded as received, but not read at bid opening. As
soon as possible, after 1:00 PM, on the day of submittal deadline, preliminary results will be posted to
www.TacomaPurchasing.org.
If you believe your submittal was sent timely and was not read at bid opening, please contact
sendbid@tacoma.gov immediately.
Solicitation Documents: An electronic copy of the complete solicitation documents may be viewed and
obtained by accessing the City of Tacoma Purchasing website at www.TacomaPurchasing.org.
* Register for the Bid Holders List to receive notices of addenda, questions and answers and related updates.
* Click here to see a list of vendors registered for this solicitation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting: A pre-proposal meeting will not be held.
Project Scope: Request for Information to evaluate Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Products.
Estimate: N/A
Paid Sick Leave: The City of Tacoma requires all employers to provide paid sick leave in accordance with
State of Washington law.
Form No. SPEC-040C Revised: 06/03/2024

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Information: The City of Tacoma, in accordance with Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to
nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. Specification materials can be
made available in an alternate format by emailing the contact listed below in the Additional Information section.
Title VI Information:
"The City of Tacoma" in accordance with provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (78 Stat. 252, 42
U.S.C. sections 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively
ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises
will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated
against on the grounds of race, color, national origin in consideration of award.
Additional Information: Requests for information regarding the specifications may be obtained by contacting
Ryan Foster by email to rfoster1@tacoma.gov.
Protest Policy: City of Tacoma protest policy, located at www.tacomapurchasing.org, specifies procedures for
protests submitted prior to and after submittal deadline.
Meeting sites are accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities can be arranged with 48 hours advance notice by calling 253-502-8468.
Form No. SPEC-040C Revised: 06/03/2024

Table of Contents
SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST ......................................................................................................... 4
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 5
2. PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................... 5
3. CALENDAR OF EVENTS ................................................................................................... 5
4. INQUIRIES ......................................................................................................................... 5
5. DISCLAIMER ...................................................................................................................... 6
6. QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... 6
7. CONTENT TO BE SUBMITTED ......................................................................................... 7
8. INSURANCE ....................................................................................................................... 8
9. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PROCUREMENT .................................................... 9
10. EQUITY IN CONTRACTING ........................................................................................... 9
11. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS ........................................................................ 9
12. ADDENDUMS ................................................................................................................. 9
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST
This checklist identifies items to be included with your submittal. Any submittal received without
these required items may be deemed non-responsive and not be considered for award.
Submittals must be received by the City of Tacoma Purchasing Division by the date and time
specified in the Request for Information page.
The following items make up your submittal package:
Letter of Interest
Literature to include technical specifications, safety data information,
warranty, brochures, and/or standard price lists.
Technical specification sheets
Any other additional information relevant to this Solicitation
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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1. INTRODUCTION
The City of Tacoma (City) is soliciting information for the Tacoma Fire Department. Tacoma Fire
Department is the second largest fire and emergency response services provider in the State of
Washington, serving the City of Tacoma, City of Fife, and City of Fircrest. TFD is an all-hazards
city fire department and the primary first responders for fire suppression, medical emergencies,
technical rescue (including high angle rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, and
structural collapse), HAZMAT emergencies, CBRNE events, marine response, and shipboard
firefighting.
Tacoma Fire Departments Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) testing and evaluation
process is to conduct a comprehensive functional testing and technical evaluation to determine
the strengths and weaknesses of each SCBA based on current NFPA Standards, technical
specifications, and identified key performance criteria specific to TFD's needs. Only SCBA's that
comply with current legal requirements and contemporary industry standards will be considered.
TFD Safety Division in conjunction with the PPE Committee will be organizing and supervising
the body of testing and review process.
2. PURPOSE
The City of Tacoma (City) is issuing this Request for Information to evaluate current Self
Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) for the Tacoma Fire Department.
3. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This is a tentative schedule only and may be altered at the sole discretion of the City.
The anticipated schedule of events concerning this Solicitation is as follows:
Question Deadline: 3/24/2026
Questions and Answers Posted: 3/31/2026
Submittal Due Date: 4/7/2026
4. INQUIRIES
4.1 Questions should be submitted to Ryan Foster via email to rfoster1@tacoma.gov.
Subject line to read:
FD26-0064F - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus - VENDOR NAME
4.2 Questions are due by 3 pm on the date included in the Calendar of Events section.
4.3 Questions marked confidential will not be answered or included.
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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4.4 The City reserves the discretion to group similar questions to provide a single answer or
not to respond when the requested information is confidential.
4.5 The answers are not typically considered an addendum.
4.6 The City will not be responsible for unsuccessful submittal of questions.
4.7 Written answers to questions will be posted alongside the specifications at
www.tacomapurchasing.org
5. DISCLAIMER
The City is not liable for any costs incurred by the Respondent for the preparation of materials
or a submittal submitted in response to this RFI, for conducting any presentations to the City, or
any other activities related to responding to this RFI, or related to the contract negotiation
process.
Please note that this Request for Information is not a Request for Bids (RFB) or a Request for
Proposals (RFP), and there is no guarantee that either a RFB or RFP will be issued. A
Respondent's decision to respond, or not to respond, to this Solicitation will NOT be a factor in
evaluating any later RFB or RFP.
While the intent of this Solicitation is to help identify vendors who meet various requirements for
a competitive solicitation, there is no guarantee that any specific information presented by any
Respondent will ultimately be included in any future solicitation issued by the City.
Each Respondent shall bear all expenses incurred by the preparation and presentation of its
Solicitation response. The City will therefore reject any claim made against them in this matter,
regardless of the results of the subsequent processes, if any.
6. QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Technical Requirements:
* Must provide evidence that the SCBA are certified as compliant with NFPA 1970
(including 1981 & 1982), 2025 edition.
* Must provide evidence that the SCBA are compliant with NFPA 1850 (including 1852),
2026 edition.
* Must provide evidence that special-ops/Hazmat (non PASS equipped) SCBA are
compliant with NFPA 1986, 2023 edition.
* Must comply with WAC 296-305-4001
* Must be positive pressure.
* Must be NIOSH certified.
* Must be interoperable with current radio system (APX next)
* Must be compatible with surrounding departments for, but not limited to, emergency air
sharing capabilities.
* Spectacle kits available.
* Trans fill lines (UEBSS system including UAC & 3' hose with pouch for each SCBA).
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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6.2 Review Priorities
* Compliance with 2025 Edition of NFPA 1970
* Compliance with 2026 edition NFPA 1850 (including 1851 and 1852)
* Performance / Functionality / Operation (including evaluation in firefighter survival
props to include reduced profile passing and trans fill procedures)
* Interoperability with current PPE (especially interface with hood and helmet)
* Ease of PER and Decontamination including mechanical SCBA washing compatibility
with Solo washers and detergent
* Comfort and Ergonomics including ease of donning/doffing
* Size and Weight
* Communication (clarity of speech with and without voice amplifier)
* Facepiece Design (visibility and fit characteristics)
* Integrated Accessories
* Ease of Maintenance (including interoperability with databases and fit testing
equipment)
* Customer Service and Support
* Warranty / parts replacement / Technician certification cost
* Specialty Considerations (Supplied Air, Escape Bottles, Decon, HAZMAT)
7. CONTENT TO BE SUBMITTED
7.1 Products and Services Provided
A. Include a description of the equipment, including:
* All product specifications
* Product manuals including guidelines for usage
* Company information, including time the company has been in business
* Description of warranty for all equipment included in proposal
* Description of how products can be maintained and serviced if needed
* Describe avenue and any costs for 13 Fire Department personnel to be trained in the
maintenance and repair of all equipment purchased.
B. Include a staff person from your organization that is able to provide a demonstration:
* Explain how the equipment is best used
* Explain how the equipment is best maintained and repaired
C. Provide any foreseen amendments to the purchasing agreement.
D. Provide the time in which the City could expect delivery.
E. Need #12 SCBA's, bottles, and masks by April 2026 for a 2 day no-charge evaluation
(demo packs). The vendor will also be available for a demonstration of the equipment to
Fire Department personnel for fit testing and operation.
F. Vendor may provide additional equipment besides the SCBA, bottles, and masks for a no-
charge evaluation if they desire to do so.
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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G. Evaluation gear will be returned to the Solicitors after the evaluation.
H. Provide a detailed description of the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus implemented at
other cities. Specifically identify which cities. If available, provide contact information for
staff who may discuss the elements of this Solicitation.
I. Provide a detailed description of manufacturer's experience accommodating technical
questions and assistance with maintenance.
J. Provide information about development services if customizations to the product are
necessary.
K. Provide information about assistance in implementation of the product.
L. Provide a detailed description of manufacturer's long-term involvement on maintenance,
maintenance costs, software updates, and whether the tool is cloud-based, or would be a
hosted on premise solution. If the proposed solution is cloud-based, include a specific
example of implementation at another city.
M. Indicate whether your firm is able to provide the City an on-site demonstration. The City
may request an on-site demonstration as part of this review of material received through
this Solicitation. The purpose of the demonstration is to discuss capabilities with the intent
of assisting the City for future purchases.
7.2 Pricing Information
Please provide as much general information as possible about your firm's pricing and
fee structure. The City is interested in assessing this cost. Please provide the following
pricing information as applicable.
* 201 SCBAs with integrated PASS
* 4 SCBAs without integrated PASS (special ops)
* If SCBA uses proprietary batteries include one Li-ION (rechargeable) battery per
SCBA plus one back-up battery per SCBA.
* 11-RIT systems
* 545 - 45 minute bottles
* 55 - 60 minute bottles
* 8 - Escape packs for Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA) with minimum 10
minute bottles
* 1-Bench flow test machine with integrated database
* 450 Facepieces - one for each TFD Fire employee
* 80 Spare facepieces
* Spare SCBA parts including soft goods
* 10 adaptors for P100 to facepiece
* 10 PAPR systems for use with facepiece
8. INSURANCE
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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During the course and performance of the testing and demo phase, Supplier will provide
proof and maintain the insurance coverage in the amounts and in the manner specified
in the City of Tacoma Insurance Requirements document applicable to the services,
products, and deliverables provided under the Solicitation. The City of Tacoma
Insurance Requirements document, if issued, is fully incorporated into the Solicitation by
reference.
9. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PROCUREMENT
In accordance with the City's Sustainable Procurement Policy and Climate Action Plan, it is the
policy of the City of Tacoma to encourage the use of products or services that help to minimize
the environmental and human health impacts of City Operations. Respondents are encouraged
to incorporate environmentally preferable products or services that have a lesser or reduced
effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or
services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition,
products, manufacturing, packaging, distribution reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of
the product or service.
The City of Tacoma encourages the use of sustainability practices and desires any awarded
contractor(s) to assist in efforts to address such factors when feasible for:
* Durability, reusability, or refillable
* Pollutant releases, especially persistent bio accumulative toxins (PBTs), low volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), and air quality and stormwater impacts
* Toxicity of products used
* Greenhouse gas emissions, including transportation of products and services, and
embodied carbon
* Recycled content
* Energy and water resource efficiency
10. EQUITY IN CONTRACTING
The City of Tacoma is committed to encouraging firms certified through the Washington State
Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprise to participate in City contracting
opportunities. See the TMC 1.07 Equity in Contracting Policy at the City's
Equity in Contracting Program website.
11. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
City of Tacoma Standard Terms and Conditions apply.
12. ADDENDUMS
In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFI, an addendum will be posted
alongside specifications at www.tacomapurchasing.org.
Request for Information Specification No. FD26-0064F
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