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Richard Marinucci |
For someone who has been in the fire service a long time, I am amazed that there are vehicles that cost more than $1 million.
Yet, trucks, aerials, platforms, sticks, or whatever you call them have a purpose, and departments need to understand their necessity, versatility, and functionality. With a price tag so high, departments need to get their money’s worth and maximize usage. Of course, added usage comes with a price, as it reduces the vehicle’s life expectancy. Good strategy and planning will make this vital piece more useful.
There are many reasons vehicles cost so much. I understand some of them and still can’t figure out others. Regardless, I do know that vehicles are more complex, have more governmental regulations, and are doing more functions. It is these factors and more that make it difficult for many departments to have the expertise to go through a comprehensive purchasing process including specifications, accepting formal bid proposals (or RFPs - requests for proposals), and ultimately accepting the apparatus.
In most cases, departments do not regularly and routinely order fleets of vehicles. They purchase one or two over a period of years with the expectation that they are likely to do this once or twice in a career. With personnel turnover, it is also unlikely that the same people, apparatus committee, vehicle technician, and purchasing agent will be involved in the process. Even if they are, the apparatus and the standards will have changed, meaning there is still much to be learned. Few organizations have significant experience in this arena. This could lead to mistakes - mistakes that can be very costly.
Departments should seriously consider hiring an apparatus consultant if they do not have a well-established fleet management system with knowledgeable and experienced personnel who regularly and routinely purchase apparatus and who continually study and learn within their areas of responsibilities. Those that do not have the appropriate experience should look to someone who regularly does this work. The cost is not generally exorbitant, and the quality consultants will easily save you more than the fee that they charge by keeping you from making those costly mistakes. If you were to build a $1 million addition onto one of your fire stations, you would certainly hire an architect and possibly a project manager. You would need the advice of someone who has the necessary knowledge. The purchase price for apparatus should get you to at least do the same - get expert help.
If you go this route, you still have to do your homework. You need to investigate your options and ask for proposals from qualified individuals or firms. There are good folks out there, so you have choices. You can look at references and get advice from others in the industry. Outline your needs and expectations. Most consultants will customize their approach to meet your needs. But, remember, they are the experts, so you may need to compromise. Be sure to check on your organization’s policies regarding professional services in advance.
If you decide to go the consultant route, you are not absolved of doing some work. If you have used an apparatus committee in the past, there is no reason to stop. The committee still must establish the organization’s needs and essential requirements. Quality consultants will need a starting point and want to get you the piece of equipment that meets your wants and needs. They will ask questions and do their best to get you the “best bang for the buck.” They are no