Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a unanimous position to award a contract to Logistique Unicorp inc. for 160 chemical-protection outfits for the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal’s hazardous-materials response group. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The proposed contract is for $311,510.25, taxes included, and includes delivery to the final destination.
- The public call for tenders received two bids; Logistique Unicorp was the only compliant bidder.
- City council’s position also calls for an evaluation of the company’s performance.
- The expense would be paid entirely by the agglomeration.
What it means for you#
- Fire-service staff: The outfits are intended for the hazardous-materials response group. City staff say they are meant to provide protection and improve comfort and movement during responses. The decision does not say how the 160 outfits will be assigned.
- Residents and taxpayers in the agglomeration: The agglomeration would pay the full contract cost if it approves the award.
- Contract process: The other bid was for $291,984 but was found administratively non-compliant. The decision does not award that bidder a contract.
Money#
The proposed contract is $311,510.25, taxes included; the agglomeration would pay the full amount.
- The price is $16,369.42, or 5.5%, above the city’s estimate of $295,140.83.
- City staff say the estimate came directly from the manufacturer before it appointed an exclusive distributor for Québec.
- The decision says funding is available in the fire service’s PDI, but does not explain that budget line further.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not state the contract’s term or any renewal options.
- They do not explain how the 160 outfits will be allocated among the roughly 110 specialist officers and firefighters.
- The materials give no further detail on the performance evaluation, such as its timing or criteria.
Case for#
- City staff say the outfits are intended to protect fire-service staff from chemical risks and meet the applicable NFPA 1990 standard.
- Logistique Unicorp was the only compliant bidder, following a public call for tenders.
- City staff say the selected equipment offers better breathability, comfort, and freedom of movement than firefighting clothing.
Case against#
- The only compliant bid was 5.5% above the city’s estimate.
- The other bid was lower, but the materials say it failed administrative requirements; there was therefore no second compliant bid to compare with the selected offer.