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Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the purchase of police equipment, body armor and accessories and ammunition from GT Distributors, Inc., in an amount of $331,650 for Fiscal Year 2025.
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DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez Jr., Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Purchase of police equipment and ammunition
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Killeen Police Department purchases police duty gear, body armor and ammunition from GT Distributors, Inc. All ammunition is purchased under TXMAS contract 680-A1. Duty gear and body armor are purchased under TASB BuyBoard contract #698-23. The City of Killeen is a member of both purchasing cooperatives.
Police firearms training is a perennial activity, as is equipping officers with new and replacement gear and soft body armor. Duty gear includes belts, pouches and various uniform accessories. The department budgets funds for these expenses annually.
Previous fiscal year expenditures were approximately $132,000 for ammunition, and approximately $453,401 for body armor and other duty gear. This included a grant for $260,000 for the replacement of rifle-resistant body armor. Projected expenses for the entire department for fiscal year 2024-2025 include approximately $152,000 for ammunition, and approximately $180,000 for soft body armor and duty gear. The total projected purchases from GT Distributors, Inc. for the current fiscal year will be approximately $331,650.
In addition to being members of competitive purchasing cooperatives, GT Distributors, Inc. is the only authorized law enforcement vendor in Texas for Vista Outdoor, Inc., the parent company for Federal Premium and Speer Ammunition.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Department cease the purchase of ammunition and equipment and move to employee purchases.
Authorize the purchase of necessary ammunition and equipment as proposed.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends authorizing the purch...
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