TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Rick Otto, City Manager
FROM: Sean deMetropolis, Fire Chief
1. Subject
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Authorize purchase of ballistic vests and helmets from U.S. Armor Corporation as a sole source vendor.
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2. Summary
The Orange Fire Department purchases body armor from U.S. Armor Corporation to outfit and replace expired or damaged ballistic vests currently used by safety personnel.
3. Recommended Action
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1. Authorize U.S. Armor Corporation as a sole source vendor.
2. Approve the purchase of ballistic vests and helmets from U.S. Armor Corporation in an amount not to exceed $34,000.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The total expenditure for this purchase is $34,000 and will be funded through Capital Projects (500) - Body Armor (12506).
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community
a: Provide staffing and resources to deliver services that ensure public safety.
b: Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
6. Discussion and Background
It is the policy of the Orange Fire Department (Department) to provide body armor to department members who may be exposed to any of the occupational risks and hazards against which the armor is designed to protect. The Department authorizes members to utilize department-issued body armor whenever members believe it may be prudent or appropriate to do so. It is the intent of the Department to have members utilize body armor for situations that may be violent, potentially violent, or otherwise a risk to safety that the use of body armor could reduce or eliminate. The purchase of this equipment will complete the current inventory, which provides one set of body armor per post position, on each emergency apparatus.
Currently, the Department exclusively purchases the Enforcer 5216 and Ready Vest G2 Carrier from U.S. Armor Corporation (US Armor), the sole manufacturer of these proprietary designs. Based in the city of Santa Fe Springs, U.S. Armor sells directly to public service agencies and not through dealers or distributors. Because they are the only local body armor manufacturer, they can provide tailoring, repair, replacement, and efficient customer service. With the approval of the City Manager, staff have researched available competitive options and certify US Armor products are available within an appropriate timeframe, and meet the needs of the Department.
Orange Municipal Code Sections 3.08.290(A) provides for procurements through cooperative purchasing provisions. US Armor is an authorized dealer awarded a General Services Administration (GSA) Contract No. GS-07F-072DA, offering “better-than” GSA pricing.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• U.S. Armor Corporation Sales Quotation
• U.S. Armor Corporation Sole Source Letter
• General Services Administration (GSA) Contract No. GS-07F-072DA