TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary amendments, with Axon Enterprise, Inc., of Scottsdale, AZ, for the purchase of conducted electrical weapons and related accessories for deployment by front-line Police Department personnel, in the amount of $660,000, with a 10 percent contingency in the amount of $66,000, for a total amount not to exceed $726,000 for a period of one year, with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods for an annual amount of $320,000, with a 10 percent contingency for a total amount not to exceed $352,000 annually in subsequent years; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Police Department by $726,000, offset by Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds received. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for the purchase of conducted electrical weapons (CEW). The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) currently equips its front-line personnel with CEWs. CEWs are less lethal devices that officers may use as an option to deescalate dangerous assaultive interactions with non-compliant individuals. LBPD purchased a large order in 2014, which are nearing the end of the manufacturer's recommended useful life.
Axon Enterprise, Inc. (Axon), is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the CEW units and equipment currently utilized by LBPD. Axon CEW units can be effectively used from a distance, increasing the safety of officers and their interactions with an assaultive subject. Axon CEWs also include an integrated technology system that allows for the management, evaluation, and retrieval of data related to the use and performance of the unit. In addition, Axon CEWs sync with the Axon body worn camera units, which are currently deployed to approximately 250 Police personnel and are scheduled to be deployed department wide in 2020. Changing the brand would require significant and costly training for all LBPD staff, therefore purchasing Axon products is the most fiscally and operationally responsible solution.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process but allows for awards without a competitive bid process if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Monica J. Kilaita on August 29,2019, by Purchasing Agent Tara Yeats on September 16, 2019, and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on September 20,2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 8, 2019, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total aggregate contract amount will not exceed $1,782,000, over the period of four years. An appropriation increase is requested for the first year of the contract in the amount of $726,000 in the General Fund Group in the Police Department, offset by previously collected Department of Justice (DOJ) Asset Forfeiture funds. Appropriation increases for the subsequent years of this contract will be requested through the periodic Citywide Budget Adjustment Council Letter requests to City Council. Future contract costs will be funded by the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture funds, which has sufficient funds available to support this contract. This purchase complies with the DOJ's Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement agencies which governs the spending of such funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER