DATE: July 23, 2019
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Kristine Tallent, Assistant City Administrator / CFO
Deb Faulkner, Chief of Police
Brian Wilcox, Purchasing Manager
SUBJECT:
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Sole-source purchase from Gulf States Distributors of Montgomery, Alabama of replacement TASER-brand law enforcement technology and ancillary parts in the total amount of $58,563 for the Police Department ($59,000 budgeted in 110-83280-42110 for fiscal year 2020)
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Purpose
The purpose of this procurement is to purchase replacement TASER-brand electroshock weapons and ancillary parts for the Police Department.
Background
At least half of the Police Department’s current inventory of TASER-brand law enforcement technology includes discontinued models that are beyond their service life. This procurement allows the department to replace non-repairable TASER-brand equipment as it is taken out of service.
Provided the product manufacturer representative has stated in writing that the supplier is the sole source available to the City, and provided the supplier has stated in writing that the quoted pricing is the lowest municipal unit pricing available at that time and in the foreseeable future for the quantity indicated, City Purchasing Policy allows for the following categories of sole-source purchases valued at or greater than $25,000 not to require individual authorization by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (but which shall be reported to the Board): Purchases of items that have, for good and sufficient reason, previously been standardized by the City.
The Police Department has standardized its inventory of electroshock weapon to TASER-brand technology.
The supplier, Gulf States Distributors, has indicated in writing that the quoted unit pricing is the lowest unit pricing possible for Tennessee municipalities at this time and in the foreseeable future for the quantity indicated. The manufacturer, TASER International, has indicated in writing that Gulf States Distributors is the sole authorized TASER distributor for Tennessee.
Financial Impact
The Police Department budget for fiscal year 2020 allocates $59,000 out of the General Fund specifically for this purchase. The quoted amount is $437 (0.7%) under budget.
Recommendation
This purchase was approved by the City Administrator under authority granted by BOMA.