Title
Rook Tactical Armored Vehicle
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of a Rook tactical armored vehicle by the sole source exemption for a one-time purchase to Ring Power Corporation, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Johnny Jennings, Police
Jacqueline Bryley, Police
Brian Sanders, Police
Sole Source Exemption
* NC General Statute Section 143-129(e)(6) provides that formal bidding requirements do not apply when:
* Performance or price competition are not available;
* A needed product is available from only one source or supply; or
* Standardization or compatibility is the overriding consideration.
* Sole sourcing is necessary for this contract because a needed product is available from only one source or supply.
* City Council approval is required for purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
* On April 24, 2023, City Council authorized the city to apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program to purchase a Rook multi-purpose critical incident response vehicle. The city was awarded $500,000 through this program.
* The Rook functions similar to a forklift built on a Caterpillar skid-steer platform and is equipped with attachments and plating to allow for a level of adaptability, maneuverability, and safety. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) does not currently have in this type of vehicle.
* The Rook can be used by CMPD when responding to natural disasters, search and rescue, active violence incidents, armed and barricaded subjects, and explosive devices.
* The Rook tactical armored vehicle is custom designed and fabricated by Ring Power Corporation with custom installed bullet-proof glass and NIJ Level IV rated hard armor.
* The capability provided by the Rook would improve CMPD's bomb squad to a "Type I" rating, the highest ra...
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