TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant through state funding for the Police Department and authorize the purchase of rifle-resistant body armor.
SUMMARY
DATE: June 19, 2018
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, 2019.
The original Council Resolution contained language that was not accepted by the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division. The resolution requirements specify that the person designated to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant be so designated by name and/or title. It should also provide a statement the city is committed to any required matching funds, although in this case, there are none. This amended resolution provides the necessary language.
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 with no matching funds.
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.
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?
No
If not, where will the money come from?
From previously approved budget amendment, reimbursed by grant.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes, funds are appropriated in account 010-6000-441.41-20, project 180001.
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 body armor from GT Distributors, Inc. through the TASB State BuyBoard 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 Program
Grant Application
Quote
Certificate of Interested Parties