Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a grant agreement with the Texas Office of the Governor for the purpose of purchasing bullet-resistant shields for the Killeen Police Department, and authorizing the purchase of said equipment from Armor Research Company, in an amount not to exceed $157,092.60.
Summary
DATE: March 7, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Purchase of bullet-resistant shields for Police Department
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The City has long recognized the need to outfit first responders with equipment that will adequately protect them and mitigate threats. First responders also place a high priority on the protection of innocents during critical incidents. While the Police Department issues ballistic “soft” body armor and supplemental rifle resistant body armor to sworn officers, these options do not provide full-body ballistic protection. They also offer no practical ability to afford citizens ballistic protection during active shooter incidents, hostage rescues, casualty extraction/evacuation, etc. Bullet-resistant shields are vetted pieces of equipment that provide such supplemental protection. These can be used in a variety of contexts, and are currently used by the Killeen PD Tactical Response Unit operations.
The Department set a goal to purchase bullet-resistant shields and accessories, to make them more available to the first responders in the Patrol Division. These officers are likely to be on the ground at critical incidents long before the Tactical Response Unit or other resources have the opportunity to assemble. Making this resource available to them early in their response to these incidents provide greater protection for officers and the involved citizens.
The Department applied for and was awarded a grant from the Texas Office of the Governor, in an amount of $157,092.60. No matching funds are required from the City regarding this grant. The Department also selected Armor Research Company as the vendor to provide the bullet-resistant shields and accessories. This is a sole-source vendor. The shields selected for purchase are unique in their weight, composition, ballistic threat protection rating, features, and ability to be accessorized. While not all bullet-resistant shields provide protection against rifle-caliber ammunition, the ones selected for purchase under this project are rated for that threat level.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Deny the acceptance of the grant and subsequent purchase. Doing so will adversely impact the ability to purchase this equipment and make it available to first responders.
Approve the acceptance of the grant and authorize the expenditure with Armor Research Company, in an amount not to exceed $157,092.60.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends accepting the grant and authorizing the purchase of bullet-resistant shields from Armor Research Company, in an amount not to exceed $157,092.60. Doing so will provide a great piece of protective gear to our first responders.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This purchase conforms to City policies and law. Purchases made through a sole source are exempt from the competitive bidding process as stated in Texas Local Government Code section 252.022(a)(7)(A), a local government that purchases goods or services under this subchapter satisfies any state law requiring the local government to see competitive bids for purchases of the goods or services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
Current expenditures, if approved, will not exceed $157,092.60. Future expenditures may include periodic maintenance/replacement costs in future budget years.
The following statements are a specific grant requirement:
In the event of the loss or misuse of grant funds, the City of Killeen will return all funds to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division.
The city is committed to provide all applicable matching funds. For this grant, there are no matching funds required.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One time
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Funds will be available in the General Fund Police Department account 010-6055-441.41-65, upon approval of the budget amendment.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Upon approval of the budget amendment.
RECOMMENDATION:
The city staff recommends that the City Manager be designated as the authorized official and be given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter or terminate the grant on behalf of the city. City staff further recommends the City Manager be designated to execute the purchase of bullet resistant shields and accessories from Armor Research Company in an amount not to exceed $157,092.60, and that the City Manager be expressly authorized to execute any and all change orders within the amounts set by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant
Quote
Sole Source
Certificate of Interested Parties