REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: MIGUEL RAMIREZ, Senior Management Analyst
General Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the award of a purchase contract to Lenco Armored Vehicles of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for the purchase of one Lenco BearCat armored tactical vehicle in the amount of $398,765 for the Police Department
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve the award of a purchase contract to Lenco Armored Vehicles of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for the purchase of one Lenco BearCat armored tactical vehicle in the amount of $398,765 for the Police Department.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Police Department is requesting approval to purchase one Lenco BearCat armored tactical vehicle as a replacement. The new unit will mobilize SWAT personnel to and from critical incidents, assist with the recovery and protection of civilians during active threats, and breach doors when there is an armed barricaded suspect. The new unit will be purchased through a competitively solicited cooperative procurement process administered by Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and will be funded by the adopted FY2024 budget.
BACKGROUND
With an emphasis on community partnerships, the Police Department is responsible for daily policing operations within the city of Fresno. The overall goal of the Police Department is to maintain the highest level of service while keeping our community safe. To accomplish this goal, officers utilize marked patrol units, undercover units, and specialty support equipment. This specialty equipment includes SWAT vehicles, off-road equipment, trucks, and trailers. The new BearCat will be used as an armored tactical vehicle designed to transport SWAT personnel and provide protection from a variety of firearms and explosives.
This new armored tactical vehicle will respond to emergencies such as hostage situations, barricaded armed subjects, and sniper situations. This vehicle would be deployed by the SWAT team in response to situations that are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained police officers. The unit is designed to provide protection to tactical officers, help gain entry, and provide vantage points for less lethal munition delivery.
The BearCat will be based on a Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis equipped with a steel armored body, SWAT tactical equipment, and California mandated lighting. The BearCat meets the latest vehicle emissions standard set by the California Air Resource Board and complies with all safety standards required for a vehicle of this class. Hybrid or electrical powertrains are not offered by Ford for this specialty vehicle.
The unit identified for replacement is on a 10 year or 5,000-hour replacement schedule which has been established by the Fleet Management Division as the optimum replacement time. Currently the truck is more than 17 years old and has experienced significant repairs costs and staff recommends replacement of these units based on age and condition.
The new unit will be purchased utilizing a competitively solicited cooperative procurement process administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC). The total purchase price is $398,765, this price includes the HGAC discount applied to city purchases as well as delivery and sales tax at 8.35%. The Purchasing Division has approved this contract and recommends Council to approve. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
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 using a cooperative purchase agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
General Funds will be used to lease purchase one BearCat armored tactical vehicle. The vehicle will be financed through the Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement (MELPA) with the first payment estimated to be $26,824 in FY2025. The funding to cover the biannual lease payments will be included in the FY2025 adopted budget under the operations of the Police Department.
Attachments:
BearCat Vehicle Picture
Lenco Armored Vehicles Contract
Amendment 1 Contract Extension