TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including subsequent amendments, with Lenco Industries, Inc., of Pittsfield, MA, for the purchase of a BearCat armored tactical vehicle, with related equipment and accessories, on the same terms and conditions afforded to the San Diego Unified Port District, in an amount not to exceed $349,583, including taxes and fees. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Lenco Industries, Inc., (Lenco) for the purchase of a 2022 Lenco BearCat vehicle, including all needed communication equipment, ballistic windows, and other accessories.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administers the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant program to support and enhance law enforcement capabilities to prevent and respond to domestic violent extremism related incidents and provide law enforcement and public safety communities with funds to support critical prevention and protection activities. The armored tactical rescue vehicle, known as the BearCat, provides critical capabilities for law enforcement operations that enable them to provide protection, rescues, and utilization of de-escalation tactics that may not be possible without the armored rescue vehicle. In accordance with UASI grant and DHS guidelines, this equipment may only be deployed to incidents that meet strict criteria that include active shooters, hostage situations, armed barricaded suspects, and high-risk search warrants. Current UASI grant funds approved for LBPD are intended to prepare the department to address increased safety concerns related to the 2028 Olympics to be hosted in Los Angeles and Long Beach areas. UASI funds are prohibited from being used for riot suppression or dispersing crowds.
For nearly 20 years, the BearCat rescue vehicle has been a key piece of SWAT equipment that has helped bring hundreds of operations to a safe conclusion, including hostage rescues, evacuation and rescue from danger zones, negotiating surrenders, and offering protection to officers under fire. The LBPD’s current BearCat vehicle is approaching the end of its operational life. LBPD would like to acquire a new armored rescue vehicle in the event of an active shooter or complex, coordinated attack.
The Fleet Services Bureau and the Purchasing Division of the Financial Management Department researched procurement options for armored tactical response units and discovered other agencies had completed an open, fair, transparent, and competitive procurement process. The City of Long Beach (City) reviewed the cooperative agreement options and determined that the contract between the San Diego Unified Port District and Lenco provided the best value to the City. The City has used both regional and national cooperative purchase agreements to complement its own contracting initiatives. Cooperative purchasing enables City departments to evaluate a broader range of contracting opportunities and to share resources with other jurisdictions. Cooperative purchasing also leverages internal and external resources to maximize cost-saving opportunities for the City.
Lenco was selected based on the best value and competitive pricing for the armored tactical vehicle specification submitted by LBPD. Lenco is a well-known leader in manufacturing custom specialty vehicles.
City Charter Section 1802 provides an alternative procurement method by permitting the City to purchase or otherwise obtain services, supplies, materials, equipment, and labor with other governmental agencies. This alternative procurement method can save time and reduce costs through economies of scale by purchasing under existing contracts from other government agencies on a voluntary and selective basis, when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on November 15, 2021, Business Services Bureau Manager Tara Mortensen on October 14, 2021, and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 12, 2021.
SUSTAINABILITY
Emergency response vehicles are not currently mandated to comply with California or local air district emission standards. However, the new engine in the armored vehicle is a diesel engine that complies with California current emission standards, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide, and particulate emissions compared to the engine in the old unit.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on December 7, 2021, to ensure that grant funds are expended within the time limits and the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total contract amount will not exceed $349,583, inclusive of fees and taxes. This unit is funded by the UASI 2020 subgrant with the City of Los Angeles and is appropriated in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department. Ongoing maintenance costs for this unit are estimated at $6,877 annually. Maintenance costs will be billed through the Fleet Services Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the General Fund Group in the Police Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
KEVIN RIPER
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER