Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Police Department

To:                  David Corliss, City Manager

From:             Captain Bill Cory

Cc:                  Tarik Khatib, Chief of Police

Date:              April 2, 2013

Re:                  Police Tactical Vests

BACKGROUND

Specialized tactical ballistic vests are issued to the members of the Department’s Crisis Response Team (CRT).  The vests are different than the normal ballistic vests officers wear under their uniform.  Tactical vests provide additional ballistic protection for CRT members who engage in higher risk police activities.  This protection includes bicep, shoulder, neck, and groin coverage. The vest is worn over the uniform and also provides attachment points for utility pouches. 

DISCUSSION

           In October 2013, seventeen tactical ballistic vests will expire and be out of warranty.  All ballistic vests have a five year life span and the ballistic properties are not guaranteed after the five year time span.  Bids were sought for the replacement of the vests.  On April 2, the bids were received (see attached bid list) and Alamar Uniforms was the low bid at $32,980.00.  Alamar has a second bid that was lower but it did not meet the specifications; it did not provide for a vest with proper ballistic coverage or mobility.  KDH defense systems also submitted a lower bid but their submittal did not meet the bid specifications.  The vest that was bid by KDH was not reviewed or tested by the Department.   

FUNDING

          Funds for the purchase of the vests are authorized under the Department’s budget equipment line item authority for the targeted replacement of specifically identified equipment in 2013.    

ACTION REQUESTED

Award City Bid No. B1322: Seventeen (17) Tactical Ballistic vests to Alamar Uniform in the amount of $32,980.00.