Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position on a proposed 36-month purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) through framework agreements. It directs that agreements be concluded with Canadian Bearings ltée and Acklands-Grainger inc.; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The agreements cover safety glasses and accessories, helmets and accessories, face shields, hearing protection, masks, filters, cartridges and disposable coveralls.
- The suppliers would provide equipment on request, up to the amounts set for each lot: Canadian Bearings, $242,853.36 for lot 2 and $329,596.06 for lot 3; Acklands-Grainger, $266,634.34 for lot 4. All amounts include taxes.
- The resolution also authorizes $125,862.56, taxes included, for possible changes in quantities. The agreements are for 36 months; no renewal option is stated.
- The public call for tenders was 25-21164. The decision summary says nine of 19 firms that obtained tender documents submitted bids, and identifies each selected firm as the lowest compliant bidder for its lot. The official title says “5 bids,” so the materials differ on the count.
- The resolution directs the City to evaluate both suppliers’ performance. Lot 1, for work gloves, is not included; city staff say it was cancelled because no bid was compliant.
What it means for you#
- City employees and work units: City units could order the listed equipment as needed. The amounts in the tender were estimates, and the City is not committed to buying any particular quantity.
- City boroughs and services: The resolution assigns spending to borough and corporate-service budgets as needs arise. Each purchase order still needs credit approval.
- Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, services or fees. It concerns City purchasing.
Money#
The estimated maximum for the agreements and quantity-variation amount is $964,946.32, taxes included, according to the resolution.
- Purchases would be paid from borough and corporate-service budgets as orders are placed; the agreements do not themselves charge the full amount to a budget.
- Prices are to be adjusted annually based on the 12-month change in Montréal’s consumer price index.
- The decision summary gives a total of $964,946.29, three cents less than the resolution’s total.
What is unclear#
- The file title’s “5 bids” conflicts with the decision summary’s account that nine firms submitted bids.
- The resolution’s lot amounts add to $839,083.76 before the quantity allowance; the decision summary gives a base total of $839,083.73.
- The materials do not say how much the City will ultimately order or spend.
Case for#
- City staff say framework agreements should make supplies easier and more consistent to obtain for City units.
- City staff’s estimates put the selected bids below their estimates for all three lots. The agreements also allow purchases to follow actual needs rather than requiring a fixed quantity.
Case against#
- Lot 2 had only one compliant bid, according to the decision summary, leaving no compliant alternative for that lot.
- The City is not committed to a quantity, and annual price adjustments mean actual spending may differ from the estimate.
- The bid-count and three-cent total discrepancies make the file’s figures less clear.