From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Price Agreement for ballistic vests from Angel Armor, Inc., in the annual estimated amount of $112,595 for one year with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods if all extensions are excercised; and authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City's obligation during the renewal terms
Presenter
Steve Dye, Chief of Police / Deputy City Manager, and Ryan Simpson, Support Services Division Manager
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The City of Grand Prairie has established a Police Department to provide the citizens of Grand Prairie with a first-class public safety response to police emergencies and calls for service based on a Community Policing philosophy. Although the Department remains committed to the professional advancement of the Community Policing philosophy, Staff must also be vigilant and progressive in planning for officer safety initiatives in this rapidly changing climate.
Historically, law enforcement tactics and equipment have gone through several evolutionary changes as a result of shifting trends in police equipment and technology. Ballistic vests are no exception. The vests are worn by all uniformed personnel for the entirety of their shift. The vest is an essential component of an officer’s safety while they are on duty. It is also important that a vest be comfortable and durable to withstand wearing for such extended periods of time, in a variety of temperature conditions.
The Police Department was not satisfied with the comfort and durability of their current vest manufacturer and solicited a bid for ballistic vests.
Notice of bid# 19015 was viewed by 12 vendors. No Grand Prairie vendors viewed the bid. Three bids were received as shown on attachment A.
The low bid received from Angel Armor, Inc. meets specifications and is recommended for award. The bids from the other two respondents did not meet specifications. One respondent submitted an incomplete bid. The other respondent, Body Armor Outlet, bid ballistic plates with a lower NIJ rating (ballistic protection rating) than the plates bid by Angel Armor. Additionally, Body Armor Outlet bid a vest carrier with the same design that the department has not been satisfied with in the past.
Angel Armor has a superior reputation across the law enforcement community for providing an exceptional product, with exceptional customer service. Many law enforcement agencies in the metroplex use Angel Armor’s products currently. The Police Department has tested several Angel Armor vests, and is very well satisfied with their product.
Financial Consideration
Funds are available in the Police Department’s General Fund and Crime Tax Fund budgets, and will be charged accordingly on orders through the end of the current fiscal year. Funding for future fiscal years will be paid from that year's approved budget.