Launch Recite Me assistive technology
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH CENTER
File #: 19-3339    Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item Status: Passed
File created: 12/3/2019 In control: Emergency Operations
On agenda: 12/16/2019 Final action: 12/16/2019
Title: Vote on a Request to approve competitive bid exemption for standardization and current "sole source," for Chatham County Emergency Management narcotics secure storage safe, Narc Box manufactured by Thomas EMS, Inc.
Attachments: 1. NCGS 143-129-e-6

Title

Vote on a Request to approve competitive bid exemption for standardization and current “sole source,” for Chatham County Emergency Management narcotics secure storage safe, Narc Box manufactured by Thomas EMS, Inc.

Abstract

Action Requested:  Vote on a Request to approve competitive bid exemption for standardization and current “sole source,” for Chatham County Emergency Management narcotics secure storage safe, Narc Box manufactured by Thomas EMS, Inc.

Introduction & Background:  The North Carolina General Statute 143-129(e)(6) authorizes Local Governments to purchase without bidding when standardization is the over-riding consideration and price competition for a product is not available.  The Narc Box narcotics storage safe is manufactured and sold by Thomas EMS, Inc.  These specific narcotics storage safes are used fleet-wide by FirstHealth Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Chatham County.

Discussion & Analysis:  Chatham County Emergency Management has requested FirstHealth EMS make mid-budget year changes to crew hours and station assignments of EMS resources to improve availability and crew safety.  These changes require additional narcotics secure storage boxes to maintain accountability for controlled substances.  The Narc Box model narcotics storage box is used by FirstHealth fleet-wide, and Thomas EMS, Inc. is the sole provider of the unit.  A single storage box was already purchased in early December 2019, a second storage box is needed to complete the project.

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:

Budgetary Impact:  The cost of the narcotics storage box, with shipping, is $1,394.29.  Funds are available in Chatham County Emergency Management’s budget.

Recommendation:  Motion to Approve competitive bid exemption for standardization and current “sole source,” for the Chatham County Emergency Management narcotics storage safe, Narc Box by Thomas EMS, Inc.