DATE: October 23, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Police Department
TITLE: PURCHASE ORDER TO AARDVARK FOR TACTICAL VESTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION
title
Staff and the Police and Fire Commission recommend that the City Council approve a purchase order to AARDVARK, in an amount not to exceed of $156,990, for the purchase of 33 tactical vests, belts, and associated equipment for the Police Department; authorize the purchase as a sole source utilizing GSA contract #GS-07F-141DA; and authorize the Financial Services Director, or designee, to execute the purchase order.
body
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
SWAT is a specialized unit that includes officers and medics who provide Incident Commanders with special weapons and tactical resources to aid in safely resolving critical incidents. SWAT is specifically used in hostage and barricaded suspect incidents, very important person or package protection details, high risk warrant service, high risk apprehension details, and other details requiring the use of specialized tactics, weaponry and related resources.
Due to the severe risks involved with SWAT team operations, specialized safety equipment, such as ballistic vests and belts, are required to carry out duties related to SWAT missions and to ensure the safety of the team members. The AARDVARK products currently in use have a five-year warranty and the tactical vests and belts being used by the SWAT team are expiring at the end of this year.
The requested purchase of the AARDVARK Project 7 tactical equipment includes a plate carrier, Level IV rifle plates, ballistic belt, groin protectors, shoulder protectors, and additional pouches for additional equipment. This equipment will be issued to officers and medics who are currently assigned to the SWAT team.
Project 7 are sole source branded products made exclusively by and sold exclusively for AARDVARK. Project 7 represents a fusion of proprietary and/or patented technologie...
Click here for full text