Whereas, the deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) enhances the capacity of the Borough’s first responders and personnel to respond to cardiac events, including cardiac arrest associated with opioid overdose; and

Whereas, the Borough Council authorized the procurement of defibrillators during its deliberations on the 2026 municipal budget; and

Whereas, the Borough solicited and received two (2) proposals for the purchase of defibrillators (i) a proposal for Zoll defibrillators at a unit price of $2,789.10; and (ii) a proposal from V.E. Ralph & Son, Inc. for Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillators at a unit price of $1,573.00 per unit; and

Whereas, Kevin Sluka has confirmed that the Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillators offered by V.E. Ralph & Son, Inc. are not available through any national, state, or county cooperative purchasing agreement, and the procurement has therefore been undertaken through the solicitation of competitive quotations; and

Whereas, Resolution 26-0601-179 authorizing this purchase was previously pulled from the Borough Council agenda in order to permit further evaluation of the proposals received; and

Whereas, upon completion of those discussions and evaluation, the Borough Council has determined that the Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillators offered by V.E. Ralph & Son, Inc. represent the lowest-priced responsive proposal and best serve the interests of the Borough; and

Whereas, the Borough desires to purchase seventeen (17) Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillators, together with carrying cases, infant/child keys, spare batteries, spare pads, and associated emergency medical supplies, all as set forth in V.E. Ralph & Son, Inc. Quotation No. 118632, dated August 11, 2026, at a defibrillator unit price of $1,573.00, for a total amount not to exceed $34,098.21, with quoted prices guaranteed through September 10, 2026; and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Somerville, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. 1.
   The Borough Council hereby authorizes the purchase of seventeen (17) Philips HeartStart FRx defibrillators, together with associated accessories and emergency medical supplies, from V.E. Ralph & Son, Inc., P.O. Box 633, 320 Schuyler Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey 07032, at a defibrillator unit price of $1,573.00, in a total amount not to exceed $34,098.21, in accordance with Quotation No. 118632, dated August 11, 2026, which is on file in the Office of the Borough Clerk.