Geary County accepts $696,189 Feld Fire bid for air packs under federal AFG grant

The Geary County Commission on March 2 accepted a low bid from Feld Fire totaling $696,189.73 to purchase self‑contained breathing apparatus (air packs) and associated equipment under a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

Emergency Management Director Garry Berges opened the bids during the meeting and recommended accepting the Feld Fire proposal. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the award after Berges said the first round of bids exceeded the grant amount and the item had been re‑bid. Commissioner Keith Ascher moved to accept the Feld Fire bid; Commissioner Trish Giordano seconded and all voted aye.

The accepted bid covers 69 air packs, 22 hard cases, 138 cylinders, 10 small face masks, 66 medium face masks, 10 large face masks and 69 carry bags. Two bids were recorded at the March 2 opening: Feld Fire — $696,189.73; M.E.S. Dwayne Chew — $711,986.98. Berges told the commission the Feld Fire award leaves about $14,000 of the grant award available to purchase additional equipment.

Berges also reviewed the department's recent activity and readiness: 18 fires year‑to‑date (versus 10 at the same point last year), mutual‑aid responses to the Stone Ridge and Bluffs apartment fires with Junction City and Fort Riley, and a recent ISO inspection (conducted Feb. 9) with results pending. He noted the wildland fire season is approaching and that equipment and personnel are preparing for that period.

The commission’s vote completes the procurement step authorized at the meeting; Berges and Grandview Plaza Fire Chief Jeremy Bramwell will follow up on contract details and implementation. The commission record shows no dissenting votes.

The county will proceed with contracting and any required vendor paperwork; Berges said he will report back with any additional recommendations or purchases made with the remaining grant balance.