REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 6, 2018
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Interim Director
Department of Transportation
BY: BRIAN BARR, Assistant Director
Department of Transportation
TIM OLDAY, Fleet Manager
Department of Transportation/ Public Safety Fleet Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the award of a purchase contract to Braun Northwest Inc., a Washington-based corporation, for the purchase of a North Star 234-5 Type V SWAT command vehicle in the amount of $267,753.00
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the award of a purchase contract to Braun Northwest Inc., a Washington-based corporation, for the purchase of a North Star 234-5 Type V SWAT command vehicle in the amount of $267,753.00.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Transportation seeks to purchase a North Star 234-5 Type V SWAT command vehicle to replace the current unit that is past its useful life. The current unit is a converted 1977 model year bus, manufactured by Flxible Company. The Department of Transportation recommends this purchase based on the age, mileage, and condition of the current unit. This unit will be purchased through a competitively solicited cooperative procurement process administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno Police Department SWAT command vehicle is an essential piece of equipment used during critical incidents. The command vehicle serves as the communications hub for public safety police operations and as the incident command post during tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving events. In addition, the command vehicle houses all of the specialized equipment, which falls under certain legal requirements, for the SWAT team. When not deployed for active events, the vehicle is used as a public demonstration and education unit.
The current SWAT command vehicle is a 1977 Flxible bus that was retrofitted to meet the needs of the SWAT team. While the bus has served the agency well, it is no longer safe to operate, nor does it meet the legal standards for storage of the special SWAT equipment. Due to the age of the vehicle, parts are no longer available to repair or replace items. Affected areas include, but are not limited to, the power train, electrical control systems, and the airbag suspension system. During the last three emergency responses, the vehicle failed to start immediately, causing a delay in getting essential equipment and personnel to emergency events. This presented a significant safety concern to the Fresno Police Department, and impacts the overall response to a public safety event.
The SWAT vehicle will be purchased utilizing a competitively solicited cooperative procurement process administered by Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments. The estimated lead time for this vehicle is approximately nine months. Payment is due upon delivery. The Purchasing Division has approved this contract and recommends Council to approve.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this contract does not qualify as a “project.”
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable. The City is not issuing a request for quote for this cooperative purchase agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
A recent donation to the Chief’s Foundation will be used to fund $100,000 of the vehicle acquisition costs. This donation, along with the balance of the funding will be appropriated as part of the FY 2020 budget process.
Attachments:
Legal Ad 03112018
Legal Ad 03182018
AM18-10 RFP
AM18-10 Board Report and Vendor recommendation
Braun Proposal and acceptance page AM10-18CC13