DATE: February 7, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Roy Nakamura, Police Chief
By: Amber Abeyta, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF AMMUNITION FROM SAN DIEGO POLICE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $108,540
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Waive the Formal Bid Process and Approve
SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and authorize the purchase of new factory ammunition from San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc. in an amount not to exceed $108,540.
DISCUSSION
All police officers are required to maintain standards of proficiency for various weapons used in the line of duty. Purchases of ammunition are made on an as-needed basis to maintain adequate inventory and officers’ proficiency levels through monthly qualifications and scheduled trainings. The Police Department maintains a variety of weapons, including firearms, to protect the safety and welfare of the community.
The Department’s weapons all require specialized types of ammunition, which are limited to specific manufacturers and authorized dealers. The Department utilizes two primary brands of ammunition, Federal Premium and Speer, which are owned and manufactured solely by Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (“ATK”). San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc. is the sole authorized dealer and distributor of ATK ammunition for the Western United States region. Separately, the Department also purchases ammunition from Blackhills Ammunition, Inc., for ammunition specifically used for SWAT-sniper training and operations. ATK and Blackhills’ ammunition have been utilized by the Department for over a decade and continue to meet the Department’s ammunition standards based on ballistic capabilities, performance, and functional reliability.
Police Department Ammunition Purchase
February 7, 2023
Given that San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc. is the sole authorized dealer and distributor of ATK ammunition, it is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and authorize this purchase.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
Based on previous usage and costs, approximately $108,540 in ammunition costs is expected during this Fiscal Year to meet the Department’s needs. Sufficient funds have been budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 General Fund Operating budget to fund the $108,540 ammunition purchase.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a project and is therefore, exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and waive the formal bid process and authorize the purchase of ammunition from San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc. in an amount not to exceed $108,540.