City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: June 17, 2025
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Gustavo Herrera, Lieutenant - Services Division Subject
Purchase/Installation of Emergency Equipment for New Patrol Tesla Vehicle Recommendation
A. Approve and authorize issuance of a purchase order with Unplugged Performance for the purchase and installation of an emergency equipment package in a new Tesla patrol vehicle for a total amount not exceed $64,926; and
B. Authorize a contingency amount of ten (10%) percent or $6,492.60, for pricing fluctuations and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue a Change Order for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
Background
The City recently approved the purchase of a new patrol Tesla vehicle, and as a result, the Police Department (PD) is now seeking approval to have the Tesla vehicle outfitted with the needed emergency equipment (lighting, push bumper, prisoner transport seat & partition, gun racks, consoles, cargo storage system, radio, cameras, window guards, speakers, antennas, etc.). This type of installation requires a unique vendor that is certified in the installation of several products from various manufacturers.
The outfitting requirements for the Tesla patrol vehicles are highly specialized and involve proprietary technologies. Unplugged Performance is the only entity with the capabilities to customize the Tesla vehicle to the PD’s exact specifications without voiding the manufacturer warranty from Tesla. This includes integrating specific technologies, software, safety features, and solutions designed specifically for Tesla vehicles in a law enforcement application. This distinction makes them a sole source one-stop shop should the PD need a warranty service for the various equipment.
The proposed purchase is exempt from competitive bidding per Vernon Municipal Code Section
3.32.110 (A)(2) – Contracts for supplies, equipment, or services available from only one vendor or for unique services, as Unplugged Performance is the only vendor that can meet the PD’s vehicle outfitting requirements without voiding the Tesla’s manufacturer warranty on the vehicle.
Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030(B), City Council approval is required if, in the twelve (12) months preceding the effective date of a proposed new, renewed, or otherwise amended contract, the City has paid or awarded the vendor more than $100,000. Within the past twelve (12) months, the City has paid or awarded Unplugged Performance a total of approximately $61,882.38 in contracts. If approved, this purchase would push this vendor over the $100,000 yearly threshold. The quote from Unplugged Performance has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $71,418.60. Sufficient funds are available in the General Fund Police Department Asset Forfeiture Funds (Equipment), Project No. 00116002-6060-6130, PD Vehicle Expense Account 011-795-300-527000.
Attachments
1. Unplugged Performance Quote #4983 – Vernon PD