DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2025
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: CARLOS ACOSTA, CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
VICKIE RAHMAN, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: DIRECT PURCHASE OF AB 481 EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager and the Purchasing Agent to complete the direct purchase of AB 481 equipment from San Diego Police Equipment Company and Curtis Blue Line for a total cost not to exceed $34,767.08.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team have a need for 40 cases of specialty ammunition from San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc. The department also has the need for replenishment of Pepper Balls from Curtis Blue Line. The total cost for all equipment is not to exceed $34,767.08. Assembly Bill 481, codified in Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, requires a law enforcement agency (LEA) to obtain approval from the applicable governing body prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. As the items being requested are defined as “Military Equipment” per AB 481, we are seeking City Council approval prior to purchasing.
BACKGROUND:
Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use, codified in Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, requires the Salinas Police Department to obtain approval from the Salinas City Council prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. As the requests contained within this report are items subject to AB 481, we are requesting City Council approval prior to purchasing these items. More information about AB 481, including Salinas Police Department’s policy and equipment inventory is available at www.salinaspd.org/assembly-bill-481. Salinas Police Department Policy 709 Addendum A provides the applicable equipment inventory, including the purpose of equipment, cost, lifespan, and authorized use.
The Police Department is requesting approval to replenish the supply of .308 ammunition that is exclusively for use with precision rifles used by our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. This ammunition falls within Category 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition of less than .50 caliber. We have secured a quote for this ammunition from San Diego Police Equipment Company, Inc. for a cost of $27,487.30. Given the current volatility in supply costs, and the potential increase in price before delivery, we are asking for a 5% contingency to be added to the quote amount to ensure we can complete the purchase should the price change. Given the additional contingency, we are asking for authority to purchase the Federal .308 168GR Tactical Tip ammunition, as identified on the attached quote from San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc., for a cost not to exceed $28,861.67. Existing department appropriations will be utilized for this purchase.
The Police Department is also requesting approval to replenish the supply of Pepper Balls. These Pepper Balls fall within Category 12 – “Flash-bang” Grenades and Explosive Breaching Tools, “Tear Gas,” and “Pepper Balls,” excluding Standard, Service-issued Handheld Pepper Spray. We have secured a quote for the Pepper Balls with live PAVA powder projectiles, from Curtis Blue Line for a cost of $5,368.55, excluding shipping. Given the current volatility in supply costs, the potential increase in price before delivery, as well as the exclusion of the shipping costs in the quote, we are asking for a 10% contingency to be added to the quote amount to ensure we can complete the purchase after the addition of shipping costs and should the quoted price change. Given the additional contingency, we are asking for authority to purchase the Pepper Balls, as identified on the attached quote from Curtis Blue Line, for a total cost not to exceed $5,905.41. Existing department appropriations will be utilized for this purchase.
There are no local vendors that sell this specialized equipment and supplies, and we have selected existing vendors with long and positive history serving law enforcement. The quotes are attached for the items identified below.
Items
Vendor
Quote
Contingency
Not to Exceed Cost
Federal .308 168GR Tactical Tip Ammunition
San Diego Police Equipment Co., Inc.
$27,487.30
5%
$28,861.67
PepperBall LIVE PAVA Powder Projectiles
Curtis Blue Line
$5,368.55
10%
$5,905.41
Total Not to Exceed (NTE) Amount:
$34,767.08
Given the absence of local vendors, as well as the information provided, the City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No. The City of Salinas has determined that Government Code §84308/Levine Act does apply to this item.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department will coordinate with the Finance Department during the purchasing process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Budget is available and appropriated as shown below.
Fund
General Ledger Number (Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
1000
40.4220-62.4300
Supplies & Materials Other Tools & Equip
$99,459
$28,861.67
1100
40.4220-62.5120
Supplies & Materials – Other Clothing & Equip
$254,668
$5,905.41
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
AB 481 Equipment Quotes
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