TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant through state funding for the Police Department to purchase rifle-resistant body armor.
SUMMARY
DATE: November 14, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Grant Funds for Rifle Resistant Body Armor Program
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, announced the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program earlier this year. There are no matching funds requirements as the grant funds the entire cost of body armor. The Police Department has applied for this grant in accordance with City of Killeen Grant Policy.
As part of the grant application, the department was required to select a make and model of body armor for the project. Department subject matter experts looked at available options and selected the Safariland/Protech Shift 360 Body Armor package offered exclusively by GT Distributors, Inc. It offers the best combination of maximum protection, value, and features that the department was searching for including modular pouches, identification panels, and a storage bag. The armor carrier is scalable and capable of being upgraded to meet any future needs.
The Police Department is requesting authority to accept $127,350 in grant funding and purchase 225 units of rifle-resistant body-armor from GT Distributors, Inc. through a state purchasing cooperative. The body armor package is exclusively available from GT Distributors, Inc., through the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) BuyBoard, making this purchase in compliance with state competitive purchasing requirements as found in the Texas Local Government Code. GT Distributors, Inc. TASB Buyboard contract # 524-17 is effective through March 31, 2018.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Accept grant funding and purchase the body armor from GT Distributors, Inc. through the state purchasing cooperative as proposed.
Request budget funds for rifle-resistant body armor in future years.
Do not issue rifle-resistant body armor to police officers.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
The first alternative is the most reasonable since the grant funds 100% of the cost of the body armor with no matching funds requirement.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This purchase conforms to City Policy and applicable laws.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no immediate financial impact. The grant funds $127,350 to purchase the rifle-resistant body armor. There is no matching funds requirement.
The following statement is 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.
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
$127,350 in grant funds ($0 in City of Killeen funds)
This body armor has a warranty period and recommended service life of five years. After five years, the department will seek additional funding through budget or grant sources in order to continue the program. Current cost to replace armor plates is $81,675. The vest carriers will not be subject to replacement at five years.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One time
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Following approval of the corresponding budget amendment
If not, where will the money come from?
Grant funds from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
The city staff recommends that the city manager be authorized to accept the grant funds and execute the purchase of body armor from GT Distributors, Inc. through the TASB State BuyBoard and that the City Manager or designee is expressly authorized to execute any and all change orders within the amounts set by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
Purchasing
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Program
Grant Application
Quote
Certificate of Interested Parties