Title
Police Bomb Squad and SWAT Equipment
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of Police Bomb Squad and SWAT equipment, as authorized by the sole source exemption of G.S 143-129 (e)(6),
B. Approve a contract with ADS for the purchase of Police Bomb Squad and SWAT Equipment for the term of one year, and
C. Authorize the City Manager to renew the contract for up to four, one-year terms with possible price adjustments and to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Kerr Putney, Police
Steven Brochu, Police
Sole Source Exemption
§ G.S. 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 there is only one supply source.
§ The City Council must approve purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
§ The mission of the Bomb Squad and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) is to preserve life in high-risk situations through the use of specialized training, equipment, and tactics.
§ In line with the new and current law enforcement practice of using digital bomb detection devices, CMPD Bomb Squad desires to implement a digital Nano bomb detection device that produces quicker results limiting exposure to the bomb technician, increases diagnostic accuracy, and allows multiple technicians to view and diagnose a suspected device simultaneously.
§ CMPD Bomb Squad/SWAT Team also needs to acquire a small robot that can travel throughout a structure remotely. The proposed purchase of the new ICOR Mini-CALIBER Robot will provide the CMPD with the ability to remotely manipulate a suspicious package, locate and negotiate with an armed suspect, and conduct searches.
§ The estimated cost of three Nano bomb detection devices and one Robot is $198,727.
§ CMPD Bomb Squad/SWAT Team requires individual tool kits for use with hazardous devices and active shooter breaching tools for response to active violence events. Estimated expenditures for these tools is $85,000 and will be obtained by informal solicitation.
§ These purchases are approved and funded by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Office of the North Carolina Emergency Management through the 2017 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant.
Charlotte Business INClusion
This is a sole source contract and is exempt (Part A: Appendix 27 of the Charlotte Business INClusion Policy).
Fiscal Note
Funding: 2017 Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant