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Committee reviews purchase of Stryker power ambulance stretchers; staff corrects memo typo and explains grant split
Summary
The Fire Department requested waiving the bid process to buy three Stryker power ambulance stretchers that are compatible with the department’s power-load system; staff corrected a memo typo and explained grant funding limits that affect how many units qualify under grant rules.
Bangor, Maine — The finance committee reviewed a request to buy three Stryker power ambulance stretchers and to waive the bid process because the ambulance loading systems are compatible only with Stryker equipment.
Staff said the total cost for three stretchers is $191,463 and funding will come from a mix of capital improvement funds and the Maine EMS stabilization grant. Division Chief Jeremy Ogden said a memo contained a typo: the department is requesting five stretchers in total across its fleet, and the memo incorrectly stated the number of units eligible under grant categories.
Ogden explained that recent grant rules from the Blue Ribbon medium-asset acquisition fund limit the portion eligible as capital equipment to $100,000 per grant (capital equipment defined as any single item over $5,000). "So that's why not all 5 are fall under that," Ogden said, clarifying the grant breakdown.
Staff asked the committee to waive bidding rules and approve purchase of Stryker-brand stretchers because the department’s power-load systems are compatible only with that brand. A committee member moved approval; the item will appear on the next agenda for formal action.
Why it matters: The stretchers are integral to ambulance loading systems and patient handling. Compatibility with existing power-load equipment was cited as the rationale for a sole-source waiver. The committee heard a clarification of grant limits and how the capital-equipment cap affects what the grant will cover.
Details: Current stretchers are nearly 10 years old and approaching end of life; total cost for the requested units is $191,463. Staff said the purchase would be funded by capital improvement funds and Maine EMS stabilization grant funding and that a portion of the grant funds are limited by capital-equipment rules.
