The City reserves the right to evaluate all bids, to reject any or all bids and rebid at a later date. The City may waive any irregularities in the bid or negotiate variances from specifications, and make awards that are in the best interests of the City. The City will have final decision in all matters regarding acceptance of bids and issuance of awards. The City encourages minority and female owned businesses to submit bids on all City purchases. All bids shall be exclusive of Federal, State, and City taxes. It is the intent of the specifications included with this bid document to generally describe the item(s) desired in sufficient detail as to secure bids on comparable items. All parts not specifically mentioned which are necessary in order for the item(s) to perform as intended shall be included. The strength, quality of workmanship, and material shall be in accordance with the best trade practices. Specification variances, manufacturer's literature and additional information should be attached to the bid form. All blanks on the attached bid specifications shall be filled in completely and accurately. Any bid not meeting this requirement may be considered non-responsive. Any protest or grievance must be issued in writing and delivered to the office of the Director of Finance within ten (10) days following the bid opening. Any protest filed after this time period has elapsed will not be considered. The City encourages selection of products manufactured, assembled and/or produced in the United States, as long as the quality and price are comparable with other items bid. Questions concerning the specifications and bidding procedures should be directed to Fire Chief Gerald Ezell, Joplin Fire Department at 303 E. 3rd St, Joplin, MO, 64801 or by phoning 417-624-0820x301. The Joplin Fire Department is seeking sealed bids for confined space rescue equipment intended to outfit a new apparatus. The confined space rescue equipment supplied shall meet the minimum specifications attached, and must be current production, new and unused. Bidder shall verify compliance with the attached specifications by so denoting next to each item. Complete printed literature of the proposed thermal imaging camera shall be included with each bid. This specification covers five (5) specific items, or item kits, in the lot. Specifications include associated hardware and shipping. The confined space rescue equipment delivered to Joplin Fire Department shall meet, exceed, or be substantially similar to the requirements of these specifications. Warranty specifications shall meet or be substantially similar to the following: The manufacturers shall warrant the equipment free of defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of at least one year from delivery.