REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: CLIFF TRAUGH, Administrative Manager General Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a cooperative purchase agreement with Braun Northwest, Inc. of Chehalis, Washington, for the purchase of one NorthStar 267-5 mobile command vehicle in the amount of $444,740 for the Fresno Police Department to manage responses to emergency scenes and provide de-escalation support during critical incidents
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a cooperative purchase agreement with Braun Northwest, Inc. of Chehalis, Washington, for the purchase of one NorthStar 267-5 mobile command vehicle in the amount of $444,740 for the Fresno Police Department to manage responses to emergency scenes and provide de-escalation support during critical incidents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Police Department is requesting approval to purchase one NorthStar 267-5 mobile command vehicle as an addition to the fleet. The new unit will serve as a mobile headquarters at emergency scenes, allowing officers and crisis negotiators to provide de-escalation support during critical incidents. De-escalation support is a practice in which officers try to avoid using force and instead focus on slowing the action down to respond more effectively. The mobile command vehicle will provide space, tools, and resources to crisis negotiators while engaged in tense conflict resolutions at emergency scenes. The new unit will be purchased through a competitively solicited procurement process administered by Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC). This will be funded by the adopted FY2023 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, under cover units, and specialty support equipment. This specialty equipment includes SWAT vehicles, offroad equipment, trucks, and trailers. This equipment is used to support policing activities, respond to emergency calls, and proactively engage in community outreach.
To accomplish this mission, the Police department has requested to add a specialized vehicle to the fleet that would serve as a mobile command center. This vehicle will be used to manage and stage responses to emergencies such as: hostage situations, active shooters, suicide attempts, and natural or man-made disasters. The goal of this unit is to provide space, tools, and resources to negotiators to de-escalate tense situations at emergency scenes. De-escalation support is a practice in which officers try to avoid using force and instead focus on slowing the action down to respond more effectively.
The NorthStar 267-5 mobile command vehicle will be a Ford F-650 cab and chassis outfitted with a large enclosure designed to house personnel and needed equipment. This new addition to the fleet will meet the latest vehicle emissions standards set by the California Air Resource Board and complies with all safety standards required for a vehicle of this class.
The new truck will be acquired through a cooperative purchase agreement, utilizing a previously solicited procurement process administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC). The total purchase price is $444,740, 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.
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 was not implemented because this is a cooperative purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT
General Funds will be used to lease purchase the NorthStar 267-5 mobile command vehicle. Funding to cover the first lease payment on this vehicle has been included in the FY2023 adopted budget under the operations of the Police Department.
Attachments:
Manufacturer Stock Photos of Mobile Command Vehicle Braun-Northwest Contract
Amendment 1 Contract Extension