TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Adam Jevec, Chief of Police
1. Subject
title
Authorize purchase of police uniforms and external load-bearing vests from Galls, LLC and BPS Tactical, Inc.
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2. Summary
Purchase of department-wide law enforcement uniforms and external load-bearing vests in the amount of $210,000 through a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, Master Agreement No. 106-498488 and 106-498336. This procurement will enhance officer safety, ensure uniformity, and streamline operations. The total amount of $210,000 includes uniforms, silk screen printing, and vest costs of $190,909, plus a 10% contingency of $19,091.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
1. Approve the purchase of uniforms from Galls, LLC for $83,956, representing a uniform cost of $76,324, plus a 10% contingency of $7,632.
2. Approve the purchase of external load-bearing vests from BPS Tactical, Inc. for $116,688, representing a vest cost of $106,080, plus a 10% contingency of $10,608.
3. Authorize the appropriation of $210,000 from AB3229-COPS/State - Supplemental Law Enforcement Services (354) unreserved fund balance to:
354.4011.53030.00000 Uniforms & Other Clothing
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4. Fiscal Impact
The expense for this purchase is $210,000 and will be funded through AB3229-COPS/State - Supplemental Law Enforcement Services (354):
354.4011.53030.00000 Uniforms & Other Clothing
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
6. Discussion and Background
The Orange Police Department has identified the need to standardize and streamline department-wide uniforms and external load-bearing vests to improve functionality, officer safety, professional appearance, and long-term cost efficiency. The current variety in uniform items across shifts and assignments creates logistical and operational inefficiencies.
To address these concerns, staff conducted a needs assessment and consulted with uniformed personnel and supervisors. The consensus was to adopt a department wide uniform platform that includes uniforms that are more durable, comfortable, and easier to maintain, along with external load-bearing vests for officers, which distribute weight more ergonomically and reduce strain and injury risk.
Currently, safety personnel must wear a ballistic vest and duty belt to facilitate the carrying of department-issued equipment, such as a handgun, handgun magazines, tasers, radios, handcuffs, and body-worn cameras. A fully equipped belt weighs approximately 30 pounds. To give officers an option, the department authorized the wearing of an external load-bearing vest at the officer’s expense which resulted in inconsistencies with duty vests worn in special assignments and patrol.
Additionally, current department-wide uniforms consist of wool/polyester material which provides a classic appearance. However, wool/polyester uniforms are heavier, less breathable in hot weather, and require dry cleaning. The wool/polyester uniform, worn by officers underneath the external vest, is not only uncomfortable but also retains heat which is not ideal for tasks demanding significant energy. The department intends to maintain the current professional Class A and B wool/polyester uniform, while providing a third more functional Class C department-wide uniform that can be worn by officers underneath an external vest.
The proposed uniform change introduces a universal exterior vest, a lightweight polo shirt, and a battle dress uniform (BDU) utility pant that are interchangeable between different roles and special assignments. Police personnel benefiting from this change include Detectives, Dispatch and Records staff, and Public Safety Officers.
Key benefits of this purchase include:
• Uniformity across all units, promoting a cohesive and professional appearance.
• Increased officer comfort and reduced risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to improved weight distribution.
• Durability and cost-efficiency of standardized gear.
• Faster procurement cycle through cooperative agreement usage.
Staff has identified Galls, LLC (Galls) and BPS Tactical, Inc. (BPS) as reliable vendors offering the necessary uniform components and external vest carriers that meet operational and safety standards. Both vendors participate in cooperative purchasing agreements with the City of Anaheim, Master Agreement No. 106-498488 and 106-498336 which offer competitively bid pricing and compliance with procurement requirements. To complete the purchase of uniforms, additional silk-screening services are required from Captain Graphics.
Galls $ 76,324
BPS $106,080
Captain Graphics (Silk Screen Printing) $ 8,505
Contingency 10% $ 19,091
Total $210,000
The Police Department recommends the purchase of department-wide uniforms and external load-bearing vests in the amount of $210,000. The total amount of $210,000 includes polos, utility pants, silk screening, and vests totaling $190,909, plus a contingency of $19,091. An appropriation of $210,000 from the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services (SLES) unreserved fund balance is necessary to cover the cost of the uniforms.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Proposed Uniforms
• BPS Quote
• Galls Quote
• Master Agreement No. 106-498488
• Master Agreement No. 106-498336