CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
A
pril 21, 2025
T
O: City Council
F
ROM: Police Department
S
UBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE USE OF KINETIC BREACHING TOOL S AS REQUIRED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 481 ; AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM THE SIMI VALLEY POLICE FOUNDATION; FOR THE
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN REQUEST DOCUMENT FOR AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $ 30,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO KINETIC BREACHING TOOLS; AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BID PROCESS ; AND APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
REQUEST FOR FUND 100
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
I
t is recommended that the City Council:
1. A
pprove the use of Kinetic Breaching Tools as required by Assembly Bill 481;
2. A
ccept a donation from the Simi Valley Police Foundation for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools; and
3. A
uthorize the City Manager to sign the attached Simi Valley Police Foundation Funding Request document (Attachment A, page 5) for an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools;
4. A
uthorization to waive the competitive bid process in accordance with Simi Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) section 2- 9.201(e) for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools from AARDVARK, (Attachment, B, page 8);
5. A
pprove a supplemental budget request for $ 30,000 to the General Fund (Fund 100).
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
T
he Police Department currently has older traditional manual breaching tools and rams.
The current inventory of breaching tools, including manual rams, can be cumbersome and require significant operator effort, which may compromise both the effectiveness of the mission and officer safety. As criminal elements become more sophisticated and structures increasingly fortified, traditional breaching methods are proving less effective.
T
he Kinetic Breaching Tool ( KBT) addresses this challenge, bridging the gap between manual forced entry and explosive breaching. KBTs improve operational efficiency by providing a rapid and controlled method of entry during time-sensitive tactical operations.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (3)
These tools use a self -contained impact ram powered by powder -actuated cartridges to deliver focused force directly to entry points. The energy is contained within the device, reducing the risk associated with external projectiles or explosive force. This approach enhances safety, lowers the physical strain on operators compared to manual tools, and minimizes damage to surrounding structures. KBTs also reduce time spent in high-risk areas like doorways and require less intensive training, making them a prac tical option for a broad range of personnel. T he KBT offers a reliable and effective alternative to manual or explosive breaching methods, supporting safer and more efficient operations.
The primary alternatives to the KBT are manual and explosive breaching methods. The KBT is more cost -effective, eliminating the need for expensive explosives and the required extensive safety protocols. Additionally, it minimizes damage by utilizing mechanical force rather than explosive blasts, allowing for precise entry with reduced impact on surrounding structures. The KBT also enhances safety by mitigating the risks of handling explosives, making it a safer option for operators and citizens. Overall, th e KBT offers a combination of efficiency, safety, and cost -effectiveness, making it an optimal solution for tactical operations.
Per Assembly Bill 481, which took effect in 2022, KBTs are classified under Category 7 of the list of “military equipment.” Although KBTs are not explosive devices, their tactical application places them within the scope of AB 481 oversight. The Department is therefore requesting City Council authorization to add KBTs to its inventory of approved equipment.
In accordance with Section 2- 9.201of the Municipal Code, staff explored alternative vendors for the KBT and confirmed this tool is a proprietary system exclusively distributed in North America by AARDVARK Tactical, meaning no other vendor is authorized to sell or support this tool within the region. Based on this determination and the unique features and functionalities of the KBT mentioned above , staff respectfully requests a waiver of the competitive bid process in accordance with SVMC 2- 9.201 (e), as this equipment is only available by one authorized vendor . Additionally, the KBT is used by other law enforcement agencies in the County and has become the standard for joint training and operations. Selecting the same equipment ensures compatibility, consistency in training, and greater operational efficiency during multi -agency deployments. AARDVARK has consistently provided the Simi Valley Police Department with exceptional customer service and high- quality munitions, including light and sound diversionary devices, chemical munitions, and less-lethal impact munitions, along with competitive pricing and reliable logistics support.
Staff received a quote from AARDVARK, and the price of two KB Ts shipped is
$27,202.50. The Police Department has made an allocation request to the Simi Valley Police Foundation (SVPF) to cover the total cost of this purchase. The SVPF has graciously approved a donation not to exceed $ 30,000, and during their meeting, they approved the use of any remaining funds toward purchasing KBT-compatible ammunition.
The Department will seek additional funding sources for additional KBT units in the future.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
The Police Department seeks to enhance officer safety and operational effectiveness during tactical operations by acquiring two Kinetic Breaching Tools (KBTs) with funding 2 provided by the Simi Valley Police Foundation (SVPF). KBTs provide a safer and more efficient alternative to manual and explosive breaching methods, offering controlled force with reduced physical strain and minimal risk of structural damage. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481, KBTs are classified as Category 7 “military equipment,” requiring City Council authorization prior to purchase. AARDVARK, the sole authorized distributor of this tool , has quoted a cost of $27,202.50 for two units, and the S VPF has approved a donation not to exceed $30,000 to support the purchase, and approved the use of any remaining funds to be used toward the purchase of KBT-compatible ammunition.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. A
pprove the use of KBTs as required by Assembly Bill 481; authorize the City Manager to sign the attached SVPF Funding Request document, for an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the purchase of two KBTs; accept a donation from the SVPF for the purchase of two KBTs; approve a waiver of the competitive bid process; and approve a supplemental budget request for $30,000 to the General Fund (Fund 100).
2. D
o not authorize the Police Department to use KBTs and do not accept a donation from the SVPF;
3. P
rovide staff with further direction.
S
taff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I mov
e that the City Council approve the use of Kinetic Breaching Tools as required by Assembly Bill 481; authorize the City Manager to sign the attached Simi Valley Police Foundation Funding Request document, for an amount not to exceed $30 ,000 for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools; accept a donation from the Simi Valley Police Foundation for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools; approve a waiver of the competitive bid process; and approve a supplemental budget request for $ 30,000 to the General Fund (Fund 100).
SUMMARY
A
s tactical operations grow more complex, it is essential that officers are equipped with modern tools that support both safety and effectiveness. Kinetic Breaching Tools (KBTs) provide a significant upgrade over traditional methods by enabling rapid, controlled entry into fortified structures without the risks associated with explosives or the physical strain of manual tools. These tools reduce exposure in high- risk areas, minimize structural damage, and enhance mission success. To ensure the Department remains prepared and adequately equipped, staff recommends that the City Council approve the use of KBTs as required by Assembly Bill 481, authorize the City Manager to sign the attached Simi Valley Police Foundation ( SVPF) Funding Request document, accept a donation from the SVPF for the purchase of two KBTs, approve a waiver of the competitive bid process as this is the only tool of its kind and is used at other allied agencies in the County from AARDVARK, and approve a supplemental budget request for $30 ,000 to the 3 General F und ( Fund 100). The Department will seek ad ditional funding sources for additional KBT units in the future.
___
_________________________________
Charles Steven Shorts
Chief of Police
P
repared by: Charles Steven Shorts, Chief of Police
INDEX Page
A
ttachment A – Simi Valley Police Foundation Request ................. 5 Attachment B – AARDVARK Sales Quote ....................................... 8 4 ATTACHMENT A
5 6
7 Invoicing and Shipping Address:Invoicing and Shipping Address:
Simi Valley Police Department, Evan Schall
3901 Alamo Street
Simi Valley CA 93063-2102
United States
(805) 583-6976
Simi Valley Police Department
3901 Alamo Street
Simi Valley CA 93063-2102
United States
Quotation: SQ12035
Quotation Date:Quotation Date:
09/18/2024
Expiration:Expiration:
04/30/2025
Salesperson:Salesperson:
Brittany Baeza
DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION ROUTEROUTE QUANTITYQUANTITY UNITUNIT
PRICEPRICE
TOTALTOTAL
[KIT-ATIKBT3-1000SC] KBT Breaching Tool Includes: Sling, 2 Cylinders, 100 Rounds, and Soft Case
2.00 Units 12500.00 $ 25,000.00
Standard delivery 1.00 Units 390.00 $ 390.00
Untaxed AmountUntaxed Amount $ 25,390.00
Taxes $ 1,812.50
TotalTotal $ 27,202.50
Lead time - 120 Days ARO
*
Please contact Brittany Baeza at 909-451-6102 or [email protected] if you would like to place this order. Thank You!
Payment terms: 30 Days
FED TAX ID: 95-4451904
DUNS #: 861004349
SAM UEI: DGSKHRKYPDK9
PROTECTING TACTICAL OPERATORS
www.aardvarktactical.com | (800) 997-3773
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ATTACHMENT B
8