DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliot
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACT: Citywide
SUBJECT: Annual Contract for Tasers & Accessories for SAPD and other Law Enforcement Officers
SUMMARY:
An ordinance accepting the offer from TASER International, Inc. in an amount up to $3,111,000.00 to provide the San Antonio Police Department, Aviation Department and Parks and Recreation Department Law Enforcement Officers with Conductive Electrical Devices (CEDs) and accessories.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Labor Relations Committed reviewed the TASER X26P Conductive Electrical Device (CED) as a replacement to the current TASER CED which will no longer be manufactured. An evaluation was conducted by the Police Academy Firearms staff and found that the new TASER X26P CED operates and functions in the same manner as the current TASER model. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Labor Relations Committee (LRC) approved the purchase of the TASER X26P CED and associated supplies. The Chief of Police, William P. McManus, agrees with the LRC recommendation. The purchase of these CEDs will be used to support training certification and patrol functions. The use of CEDs has a proven record to reduce injuries to officers, the public and avoidance of the use of deadly force.
This contract will allow for the purchase of up to 1,318 CEDs and associated battery packs, training cartridges, duty cartridges, holsters, and cleaning kits. This purchase also includes a five year Taser Assurance Plan for SAPD which includes a comprehensive repair plan and replacement of CEDs at the end of five years with the most current model at no additional cost. In the first year of this contract, the Police Department will purchase 1,266 CEDs at a unit cost of $901.95 which includes the first year cost of the Taser Assurance Plan. The cost of the Taser Assurance Plan in the second year is $181.10 per unit and $190.55 per unit for years 3, 4 and 5. At the end of the Taser Assurance Plan, the City will have the option to renew the Taser Assurance Plan for the new replacement CEDs. In addition, Taser will provide a pool of 38 spare CEDs and battery packs at no additional cost to the City. These spare CEDs will be issued to officers while their assigned CEDs are being repaired.
The City issued a Request for Offer (RFO) for the “Formal Annual Contract for Tasers and Accessories for SAPD and Other City Law Enforcement Officers” on December 22, 2015 with a submission deadline of January 6, 2016. This purchase is made by means of a Public Health or Safety exemption from competitive bidding based upon the testing and approval of the Taser conductive electrical devices by the LRC.
This contract will begin upon Council approval and expire on the fifth anniversary of the effective date, or upon expiration of the last TASER Assurance Plan then in effect, whichever shall occur later.
ISSUE:
The CEDs, cartridges, batteries, and accessories will be issued by the San Antonio Police, Aviation and Parks and Recreation Department’s law enforcement officers for training certification and use by officers in the field. This purchase includes an extended warranty program and replacement of the CEDs after five years at no additional cost to the City.
The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Requirements were waived due to the lack of qualified SMWBE’s available to provide the goods and services.
The recommended award is an exception to the Local Preference Program.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the San Antonio Police, Aviation and Parks and Recreation Departments would be required to procure items on an as-needed basis wherein increased cost and delivery times due to non-contract buying would be realized. Conductive energy devices have a proven record to reduce injuries to officers, the public and avoidance of the use of deadly force.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated initial year cost of $1,223,000.00 is included in the Fiscal Year 2016 - 2021 Capital Budget approved by City Council on September 10, 2015. Funding future requirements up to $1,888,000.00 will be subject to subsequent annual budget approvals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of a contract with TASER International, Inc. to provide the San Antonio Police, Aviation and Parks and Recreation Departments with conductive electrical devices and accessories in an amount not to exceed $3,111,000.00.
This contract is procured by means of a Public Health or Safety Exemption and a Contracts Disclosure Form is not required.