Title
Resolution to Approve a Purchase Order between City of Ann Arbor and TASER International for the purchase of Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW) (commonly known as Tasers) ($36,412.05)
Memorandum
The attached resolution seeks approval of a purchase order for the acquisition of Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW) commonly known as Tasers in the amount of $36,412.05 for acquisition of Conducted Electrical Weapons (commonly known as Tasers) and necessary accessories.
Funds for the purchase have been budgeted and approved in the FY16 Police budget. Most of the tasers in service were purchased in approximately 2003. The purchase included a five year manufacturer’s warranty. Despite performing routine maintenance on these devices their electronic components are beginning to fail. As with all devices that contain electronic components these are becoming obsolete. The technology has advanced since 2003. It is more cost-effective to replace them versus repair them. In time replacement components will no longer be available from the manufacturer.
This is a sole source purchase. AAPD currently utilizes tasers manufactured by TASER International. The purchase of the same type and brand of CEW will allow us to integrate them with our current CEW without the need to train officers on how to use a different brand or stock multiple types of cartridges for different brands . In addition, Purchasing has determined that since TASER International, the sole distributor of these CEW in the state of Michigan, has adopted a direct distribution model there would be no benefit to the City for a competitive ITB process.
Approval of the purchase is recommended.
Staff
Prepared by: Edward Dreslinski, Lieutenant, Police Department
Reviewed by: Gregory Bazick, Deputy Chief, Police Department
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Police Department values human life and the reduction of injuries to violent suspects as well as reducing injuries to its police officers;
Whereas, TASER International is the recognized leader in providing conducted electrical weapons for controlling violent suspects and reducing injuries;
Whereas, TASER International is the sole distributor in Michigan of the conducted electrical weapons currently used by AAPD and there are both cost efficiencies and training benefits to continuing to purchase this brand of conducted electrical weapons;
and
Whereas, Funds for the purchase of conducted electrical weapons were budgeted and approved in the FY 16 Police Department budget;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a purchase order from TASER International for the purchase of 21 conducted electrical weapons and necessary accessories to include holsters and cartridges, totaling $36,412.05.