Title
Authorization to Purchase a Personnel Carrier Vehicle (Ordinance S-45625)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to allow the Phoenix Police Department's Special Assignments Unit (SAU) to purchase a personnel carrier vehicle which will allow first responders to safely evacuate or respond to critical incidents. The aggregate value of this purchase will not exceed $346,480. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a federal resource which offers funding and training to agencies around the State to fill gaps in equipment or training to better service our community. The Phoenix Police Department's SAU is one of many units that participates in UASI grant funded training and equipment opportunities. In the past, the UASI has provided funding to SAU to enhance services and increase safety to the community through the acquisition of smaller items such as technical rescue harnesses and ropes, as well as larger items such as ballistic shields.
Most recently, the Department was contacted by the UASI selection committee members advising of approximately $500,000 in re-allocated FY 2017/18 funds that needed to be distributed or would be lost. Because of the relationship and level of past participation, SAU was asked if there were any high-dollar equipment gaps that needed to be filled, such as a personnel carrier vehicle.
The utilization of personnel carrier vehicles has evolved well past simply transporting SWAT operators in and out of scenes or using them as cover. They are also occasionally used to safely evacuate community members or fire personnel out of volatile scenes. Most recently, the Department began using them as a shield on search warrants and barricades to keep the surrounding community safe from suspect gunfire.
The Department currently has two personnel carrier vehicles which were previously purchased using UASI funding. Adding a third vehicle would greatly improve the resource availability in meeting deployment needs.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, normal competition was waived as a result of a Special Circumstance Without Competition Determination Memo citing Lenco Industries, Inc. as the sole provider of the personnel carrier vehicle. A special Circumstance Without Competition Deterination Memo was completed and approved by the Deputy Finance Director recommending the Procurement with Lenco Industries, Inc. be accepted.
Financial Impact
The total cost of this equipment will not exceed $346,480. Funds are available in the Police Department's budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was unanimously approved by the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee at the April 10, 2019 meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.