SPC News
SPC Seeks Volunteers to Develop Fire and Public Works Vehicle Programs
The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) is seeking volunteers for the Fire Core Cost Containment Committee and Public Works Committee to develop specifications for the Ambulance and Fire Apparatus programs and the Public Works Specialty Vehicle program (Sewer Cleaning Trucks and Street Sweepers). It is the SPC’s goal to have representation from multiple agencies and diverse backgrounds in order to create specifications that match the purchasing needs of most jurisdictions.
The Conference thanks Morton Grove District Chief Dennis Kennedy for agreeing to lead the Fire Core Cost Containment Committee and Hoffman Estates Fire Fighter/Paramedic Justin Schuenke for being the first committee volunteer!
Due to the complexity of these vehicles, as well as the diverse operational needs of member agencies, the committee needs to be comprised of subject matter experts in multiple facets.
The experience and knowledge sought for the committees includes:
- Experience in governmental purchasing processes
- Operational knowledge of fire, EMS and public works apparatus
- Mechanical repair and maintenance expertise and experience
- Fire and EMS incident experience
Ideal committee members include:
- Fire and EMS personnel
- Public Works personnel, especially vehicle technicians
- Persons that oversee these purchases
Experience in developing and analyzing bid specifications is a plus, but joining the committee is a great way for volunteers to gain knowledge and experience of the apparatus and competitive bidding process.
Most meetings will take place via Zoom, but in-person meetings will be necessary for mandatory vendor meetings and the final bid scoring process. Typically, the process takes 3-12 months, depending on the complexity of the program.
If you wish to volunteer or recommend individuals to serve on these committees, please contact NWMC Purchasing Director
Ellen Dayan, edayan@nwmc-cog.org or 847-296-9200 ext. 132.
Still Time to Register Vehicles for the NWMC Spring Auction
Thank you to Deerfield, Evanston, Lincolnshire, Skokie, Homewood and Wheaton for registering vehicles to be sold at the April 19 NWMC Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction. The event will begin at noon at America’s Auto Auction in Crestwood. Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal at the NWMC auction right up to the morning of the auction day. Sell them now to get a fresh start and please keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds help support the operations of the organization. For questions or additional information, please contact staff or
Berry Ellis, 312-371-5993 or berry.ellis@americasautoauction.com.
Granite to Host Fortinet SD-WAN Solution Webinar
On Friday, April 22, Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Telecommunications Vendor Granite Government Solutions (Contract #205) will host a webinar on Fortinet SD-WAN solutions. This free webinar will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be led by Granite Senior Sales Executive Frank Ventrella.
- Fortinet replaces four management console products plus analytics into one secure SD-WAN designed for the Cloud first, security-sensitive, remoteworker and global enterprises. The IT outcomes are superior quality of experience, simpler and faster secure networks and operational efficiencies. If someone else in your agency would like to attend, please have them contact NWMC Purchasing Director Ellen Dayan, edayan@nwmc-cog.org. For more information on the webinar or to review the complete lineup of services offered by Granite, please contact Frank Ventrella, 630-649-0823 or fventrella@granitenet.com.
View the current SPC Catalog
here.
