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 ...
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