200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #620
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5110
Fax: (714) 765-5288
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2025
FROM: FINANCE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR PURCHASE OF EXTERNAL LOAD BEARING VESTS FROM BPS TACTICAL, INC.
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 05
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve Contract Number MA# 106-498336 between the City of Anaheim (City) and BPS Tactical, Inc. (BPS) for External Load Bearing Vests, in an amount not to exceed $200,000 plus applicable tax for a one-year period, with four optional one-year renewal periods not exceeding $65,000 per year, for a total contract amount not to exceed $460,000 plus applicable tax; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents related to the agreement, including optional renewals, all in accordance with Bid #9822.
DISCUSSION:
Purchasing solicited bids from known suppliers and posted the bid on the City’s bid portal. Electronic bids were received by 2:00 p.m., September 27, 2024, from the following bidders:
Bidders Bid Per Vest
Blue Angel International LLC* $634.56
Berkeley, CA
BPS Tactical, Inc. $708.80
Mentone, CA
*Bid deemed non-responsive
The bid was conducted to establish a contract aimed at streamlining the procurement process and addressing the ongoing need to outfit new hires, as well as replace broken or malfunctioning equipment on an as-needed basis. The City received two bids and evaluated both options for external load-bearing vests. Following a thorough evaluation of the samples provided by each bidder, City staff determined that BPS, the current provider of the approved tactical vests, was the only qualified bidder that fully met the Police Department's requirements.
Acceptance of Bid for External Load Bearing Vests
February 4, 2025
All uniformed enforcement personnel at the Anaheim Police Department 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 loaded duty belt weighs approximately 30 pounds. The weight of the duty belt, combined with the physically demanding nature of police work, can contribute to work-related injuries. To give personnel an option, the Department authorized the wearing of a load-bearing vest, also known as an external vest carrier, allowing them to secure their department-issued equipment in pouches on the vest. Using an external vest carrier shifts the weight of the officer’s duty belt from the officer’s hips and back to the shoulders, lessening the strain on both. This weight redistribution to the shoulders allows it to be spread over a larger surface area, which is supported by larger muscle groups and skeletal structures. Due to its ergonomic design, medical evidence has revealed this can help minimize or prevent work-related back and joint injuries.
Sworn personnel have had the option of wearing a load-bearing vest or external vest carrier with pouches for approximately five years. By training with and wearing a vest carrier with pouches containing their equipment on patrol, they have developed muscle memory for accessing and using equipment through countless repetitions, making it second nature during stressful situations and critical incidents. Additionally, staff have physically adjusted to the weight from their duty belt being removed, alleviating stress on their back and hips, and has reduced workers' compensation injury claims.
The recommended external vest carrier and pouches provided through BPS Tactical allow officers to maintain a professional appearance while enhancing their safety and comfort. The external vest carrier includes functional buttons down the front, emulating a Class B uniform shirt. It allows for the attachment of body-worn camera mounts, offering a stable and secure attachment point. It features a back-to-front Velcro closure system paired with FirstSpear tubes, providing adjustability, and allows officers to easily put the vest on, adjust or remove the vest without requiring external assistance. The pouches on the vest are constructed from durable materials designed to securely retain essential equipment such as radios, handcuffs, and magazines, with the option to add additional pouches to the sides, providing further customization. The BPS external vest carrier is tailored to fit the officer and their ballistic panels, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit that enhances both safety and performance The vendor will perform the fitting on-site at the police department’s main station facility for groups of eight or more officers.
Staff recommends approving this agreement to support the continued need for tactical load bearing vests for sworn personnel of the Anaheim Police Department. There is no express or implied commitment to a specific quantity during the term of the agreement.
BPS has agreed to hold pricing for the initial year of the agreement. Pricing for the renewal periods shall be negotiated each year but shall not exceed the most recent available 12-month period for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Acceptance of Bid for External Load Bearing Vests
February 4, 2025
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in the Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Restricted Law Enforcement Grant Funds budget. Funding for subsequent years will be subject to Council’s approval of budget appropriations.
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Kari Bouffard Rick Armendariz
Purchasing Agent Chief of Police
Attachment:
1. Contract MA# 106-498336