Council Meeting:    April 9, 1996            Santa Monica, CA

TO:       Mayor and City Council

FROM:     City Staff

SUBJECT:  Recommendation to Award Bid to Furnish and Deliver
          Wooden Ground Firefighting Ladders

Introduction
This report concerns an award of bid to furnish and deliver
wooden ground firefighting ladders for the Fire Suppression
Division, Fire Department, in the total amount of $28,160.84,
including applicable sales tax. 

Background
These wooden ground ladders will replace aluminum ladders that
have a potential of electrical shock.  Alaco Ladder Company is
the sole source manufacturer of wooden ground ladders used in
firefighting.   No other manufacturer makes this type of ladder. 
Staff received a quotation for these ladders from Alaco Ladder
Company in the total amount of $28,160.84.

Ordinance Number 1743 (CCS), Section 5, paragraph 2.24.080 of the
Santa Monica Municipal Code allows exception to competitive
bidding when items are purchased from a sole source manufacturer.

Staff has evaluated the quotation and finds that it meets City
specifications. 
 
Budget/Financial Impact
Fiscal Year 1995/96 appropriation authority for this purchase is
in the Fire Suppression Division, Fire Department, account number
01-310-313-00000-8805-00000.

Recommendation
It is recommended that the award of bid be made to Alaco Ladder
Company in the total amount of $28,160.84, including applicable
tax.

Prepared By:  Pam Wortham, Purchasing Agent
              Diane Howell, Buyer