The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) is planning to purchase and install vehicle armoring equipment onto its pre-existing fleet. The FWPD Homeland Security Unit (HSU) and Special Response Team (SRT) are tasked with providing protection to all citizens who are directly or indirectly involved in First Amendment protests, rallies, gatherings and large special events such as parades, festivals and sporting events. HSU and SRT are the first to arrive at these types of dynamic scenes and additional vehicle protection will support their efforts to confront any threat with greater safety and success. Additionally, HSU is taking proactive measures to protect dignitaries and visitors to the City who may require advanced protection while traveling within the City of Fort Worth. The Office of Emergency Management approved the use of the 2016 USAI grant funds for this purpose. The Police Department originally sought guidance from the Purchasing Division to assist with the procurement of vehicle armor for 83 units—5 Tahoe Utility Vehicles and 78 Dodge Chargers. The Purchasing Division obtained cooperative quotes for cost comparison between cooperative vendors. Below is a summary of the quotes received to outfit the 83 vehicles: Vendor | Co-op Contract | Cost per Panel | Installation Cost | Total Cost | ADS | GSA GS-07F-5965P | $240,413.88 | Service Not Available | $240,413.88 | Defender Supply | Tarrant County 2015-157 | $252,427.40 | $23,502.59 | $275,929.99 | Safeware, Inc. | U.S. Communities 4400001839 | $222,760.36 | $21,159.34 | $243,919.70 |
The initial quote from Defender Supply to outfit 83 vehicles with these armor panels was $275,929.99; this dollar amount was used to request the grant funding. The better pricing received from Safeware, Inc. affords the Police Department the opportunity to outfit 102 vehicles with armor panels, instead of the original 83 vehicles. The total cost of this purchase for 102 vehicles is $275,433.48. The total amount requested for approval is the amount of UASI grant funds approved for this purchase; the balance of $496.52 is requested for a contingency to ensure completion of this purchase project. The City of Fort Worth has no recent history in the purchase of these ballistic panels. Police Department and Purchasing Division staff reviewed the pricing and found it to be fair and reasonable. The panels will be delivered within 30 days after receipt of a purchase order. Installation will begin upon receipt of shipment.
This purchase will be funded by 2016 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Funds (Special Teams Enhancement Project), which were approved by City Council on November 8, 2016, (M&C G-18875). The Grant is a reimbursable grant and matching funds are not required. Indirect costs are not applicable. M/WBE OFFICE - A waiver of the goal for MBE/SBE subcontracting is not required for Cooperative Purchasing Agreement since it satisfies the local government requirements.
These units will be utilized in ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS. |
