MSA Safety has announced a $33 million, 10-year contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to supply firefighter respiratory protective equipment.
As reported by MSA Safety, the agreement covers the provision of the G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to the operational surface fleet and surface support facilities.
Initial orders under the contract, valued at $22 million, were received during the third quarter of 2024.
According to the announcement, production is already underway at MSA Safety’s facility in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.
The G1 SCBA, which holds over 15 patents, incorporates advanced technologies designed to improve firefighter safety, comfort, and operational efficiency.
These features include integrated voice amplification and radio interface capabilities for clear communication in challenging environments.
Its ergonomic design includes a swiveling waist belt and adjustable cylinder carrier for optimized weight distribution, providing a proper fit for a wide range of users.
Powered by a single rechargeable battery, the G1’s electronics platform also supports enhanced connectivity for individual firefighters and teams.
The SCBA includes a telemetry solution that, when paired with MSA’s FireGrid software suite, enhances fireground operation management.
This cloud-based software provides inventory and incident management tools, as well as reporting capabilities to support readiness and situational analysis.
The integrated system ensures that equipment is properly maintained and ready for deployment, while providing incident commanders with critical data in real time.
Steve Blanco, MSA Safety’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of the contract: “We are incredibly proud the U.S. Coast Guard has placed their trust and confidence in the MSA brand.”
He added that the G1 SCBA platform’s design supports firefighter health and safety by allowing the integration of future technologies.
Blanco expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the privilege of supporting the safety of Coast Guard members.
MSA Safety secured a $33 million, 10-year contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to supply G1 SCBAs for operational surface fleets and support facilities.
The agreement includes $22 million in initial orders, with production underway in Pennsylvania.
The G1 SCBA integrates advanced features such as voice amplification, an ergonomic design for weight distribution, and telemetry solutions compatible with MSA’s FireGrid software for enhanced incident and equipment management.
Steve Blanco, MSA Safety CEO, highlighted the organization’s commitment to firefighter health and safety through innovation and collaboration.
