Council action is requested to issue a purchase order to Central Lake Armor Express Inc dba Armor Express, for the $60,000.00 purchase of Body Armor for the Police Department.

Council action to issue a purchase order.

The Independence Police Department currently utilizes two different types of Armor Express ballistic vests. The vests were chosen in 2019 by the department’s Uniform Committee after wear testing different vests from different manufacturers and coming to a consensus on the Armor Express Razor and Vortex vests. These vests were determined to be thinner and more pliable, providing officers with more mobility than previously worn vests. The Armor Express vests were also lighter in weight, while maintaining the necessary threat level safety (Level IIIA). Each vest has a five-year life span, with the ballistic materials being certified during that 5 year time period. Vests are replaced upon reaching that five year expiration. We are anticipating at least 64 vests that need to be replaced this year, plus an unknown number of vests that would need to be ordered for any new officers hired. Actual vest prices vary depending on the style and accessories chosen, but currently range from $760 to $1100 each. Pricing is made available direct from Armor Express through the use of a NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contract.

The vendor providing the equipment is Armor Express, who provided a quote based on a National Assocation of State Procurement Officers (NASPO) cooperative contract. Purchases under cooperative agreements are authorized by Section 8.06.004, Paragraph 5, of the Independence City Code, which states that when cooperative bids or contracts are used, they will first have been established pursuant to generally accepted governmental purchasing practices and the competitive bidding process.

The fiscal impact to the City is $60,000. Funding is included in the fiscal year 2021/22 adopted budget, budget book page 156, account numbers E (4564-5309).