Title
Authorization to Purchase Two LRAD-500X Mass Communications Systems for Police Department (Ordinance S-45129)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with the LRAD Corporation for the one-time purchase of two, Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) 500X mass communications systems and accessories in an amount not to exceed $94,954.06 for the Police Department. Further request authorization from the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
Several large protests and demonstrations have confirmed the need to upgrade the Police Department's communications capabilities for safety and legal requirements. The current communications equipment, LRAD-100X, is a backpack system that was purchased in 2010. The system was not adequate for the recent Red for Ed march that had more than 50,000 participants. The upgraded system is a vehicle-mounted platform that is specifically designed to address large crowd communications, allowing highly intelligible voice messages with an operational range of up to 650 meters, or almost half a mile, over 88 decibels of background noise. The Police Department intends to mount the devices to trailers for greater portability and flexibility so they can be deployed with any police vehicle equipped with a tow hitch. The LRAD-500X system meets and exceeds all upgrading needs for the Police Department.
Procurement Information
This procurement will be a non-competitive process. The equipment is purchased directly from the manufacturer. No other vendor makes this product. LRAD demonstrations have been successfully performed with Phoenix City officials and members of the Police Department's Executive, Command Staff, and other department personnel.
Contract Term
To begin upon Council approval for the one-time purchase of two, LRAD 500X mass communications systems and accessories.
Financial Impact
The total cost of two systems is $94,954.06. Funds are available in the Police Department's budget.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee recommended this item for approval at its Oct. 17, 2018 meeting by a vote of 4-0, with the provision that language specific to the LRAD be included in the Police Department's Operations Order 1.5, Use of Force policy (Attachment A).
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.