City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: AUGUST 16, 2022 FROM: RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF 45 BALLISTIC VEST SYSTEMS FROM TYR TACTICAL LLC OF PEORIA, ARIZONA IN THE AMOUNT OF $131,025.95 ISSUE:
Approve the purchase of 45 ballistic vest systems for the Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team from TYR Tactical, of Peoria, Arizona, in the amount of $131,025.95.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council approve the purchase of 45 ballistic vests for the Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team from TYR Tactical, of Peoria, Arizona, in the amount of $131,025.95.
BACKGROUND:
The Riverside Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is a highly trained unit that tackles situations beyond the capability of conventional police forces. The SWAT team is called in when an incident presents significant risk to law enforcement officers or the public. These incidents include high risk search warrants, barricaded subjects, hostage rescue and suicidal subjects.
During these critical incidents, members of the SWAT team are placed in situations where they may be faced with armed subjects with high caliber rifles or handguns for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is necessary for all SWAT Team members to be equipped with ballistic vests that are lightweight, comfortable and provide a high level of ballistic protection.
On April 24, 2018, the City Council approved the purchase of 40 ballistic vests for the Police Department’s SWAT Team from TYR Tactical, of Peoria, Arizona, in the amount of $62,764.65 in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23256, Section 602(c). The ballistic plates were purchased separately from Boydd Products, Inc., of Riverside, California in March of 2018 in the amount of $16,530.
The current set of ballistic vests are set to expire in early 2023. It is estimated to take up to eight months for the Department to receive the replacement ballistic vest systems required for the SWAT Team.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the nature of the incidents to which the SWAT Team is required to respond, the proposed ballistic vest systems must be lightweight, comfortable and provide additional protection not found in traditional ballistic vests. The Department also learned, from past experience, that it is critical that the vests and plates be manufactured and purchased together for the system to be most effective. It is necessary that the ballistic vest systems provided to the SWAT Team members include an external cummerbund with plate pocket, ballistic inserts and accessories, lower abdomen, bicep, deltoid and upper arm ballistic protection, two ballistic plates per vest, custom ID placards for both front and back, as well as an armor carrier bag which allows the operator to change and adapt to mission sets with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
TYR Tactical is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the proposed ballistic vest system for law enforcement that meets all of the needs of the Department. The TYR Tactical ballistic vest system also meets the five functions necessary for the SWAT Team:
Vests are easily re-assigned when the designated wearer leaves the team. Standard sizing with large adjustment capability is necessary to reduce replacement costs and facilitate interchangeability.
Vests are modular, to allow the replacement of ballistic materials and/or damaged components without replacing the entire vest system and to allow greater wearer mobility. Mission specific ballistic material must be readily attachable and removable.
Vests are supported from the hips as well as the shoulders to reduce fatigue and allow greater flexibility.
Equipment and accessories attach to the vest via the military MOLLE system. Few accessories remain available that utilize the Velcro and snap system found on vests purchased prior to 2011.
Hard ballistic plates can be readily installed and replaceable.
The Police Department is requesting to purchase 45 ballistic vest systems for the SWAT Team from TYR Tactical in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23812, Section 602(d), which states “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances:…(d) When the Procurement can only be obtained timely from a single source and the Manager is satisfied that the best price, terms and conditions for the Procurement thereof have been negotiated”.
The Purchasing Manager concurs that this purchase is in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23812, Section 602(d).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority No. 2 - Community Well-Being and Goal 2.4 – Support programs and innovations that enhance community safety, encourage neighborhood engagement, and build public trust.
This item aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The Riverside Police Department is dedicated to improving quality of life by creating a safe environment in partnership with the people it serves. RPD’s ability to use tactical teams to respond to high-risk incidents serves the public interest benefits the City’s diverse population, and results in the greater public good.
Equity – RPD provides public safety services to all residents in the City of Riverside. Having a SWAT Team assists in the achievement of this goal and ensures safer streets for everyone.
Fiscal Responsibility – The proposed purchase is being made with grant funds reducing the financial burden on the City’s General Fund.
Innovation – RPD must constantly evolve and adapt to meet the community’s changing needs and prepare for the future. The proposed purchase of the TYR Tactical ballistic vest systems will protect the SWAT Team utilizing the newest technology and safety features.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The proposal is to purchase the ballistic vest systems for the SWAT Team with grant funding leaving the Department with the capacity to preserve, adapt, and grow with the needs of the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $131,025.95 as outlined in the table below. Sufficient funds are available in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Police Administrative Services, State COPS Grant account no. 9345200-440210.
Description
Cost
45 Ballistic Vest Systems
$120,081.15
Sales Tax (8.75%)
$10,507.10
Estimated Shipping
$437.70
Total Cost:
$131,025.95
Prepared by: Larry Gonzales, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
Approved by: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: TYR Tactical LLC Quote
Ballistic Vest Systems ● Page 2