ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brent Stratton, Chief of Police
DATE: August 31, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution to Dispense with bidding with RADeCo, Inc.
for the Purchase of Specialized Equipment and Sensors to Detect Narcotics and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Related Threats (not to exceed $404,000)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution dispensing with formal bidding procedures and approval of the agreement with RADeCO, Inc.
BACKGROUND: The County of Kern is the recipient of an allocation from the State of California under Section 19.563(f)(31) of California Assembly Bill 102 – Budget Act of 2023 to fund Fentanyl Task Force efforts. The County and the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) are working collaboratively to combat fentanyl and other narcotics-related threats within city limits.
On July 15, 2026, the City entered into Agreement No. 2026-122 with the County of Kern to accept funding in the amount of $404,000 for the acquisition of equipment to assist law enforcement with fentanyl and xylazine detection, interdiction, and enforcement capabilities, also referred to as a robotic canine unit (SPOT unit).
BPD is requesting approval of an agreement with RADeCO, Inc. to acquire the SPOT unit and related equipment in an amount not to exceed $404,000. The equipment includes specialized sensors and detection capabilities to assist with fentanyl and narcotics-related threats, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threats. The agreement will terminate on January 1, 2027.
RADeCO, Inc. is the sole provider for the proposed purchase. Therefore, BPD is also requesting that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with formal bidding procedures in accordance with Section 3.20.060(D)(2) of the Bakersfield Municipal Code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the purchase will be reimbursed by the County of Kern pursuant to Agreement No. 2026-122, thus will not be a net cost to the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Dispense with Bidding Resolution
2. Signed Agreement
3. Exhibit A
4. Sole Source Letter