...Title
Resolution Determining Taser International, Inc. to be the Only Source Practicably Available from which to Procure Conducted Electrical Weapons ("CEWs") which will have connectivity with Hampton Police Division issued Body Worn Cameras and Evidence.com storage system, authorized for sole source by City Council on September 10, 2014.
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
It has been the policy of the Hampton Police Division to utilize Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) in less-than-lethal incidents encountered by Officers. Taser International is the Police Division's current source of Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) that are presently in stock and Sworn Officers receive frequent, on-going training unique to the safe operation of the CEWs parts/accessories specifically manufactured by Taser International.
Because many of the current CEWs' life-cycles have well expired beyond the 5-year limit, the Division is looking to replace this aged equipment and to purchase additional CEWs to ensure that all officers will have this tool available.
Taser International was approved by City Council on September 10, 2014 to be the sole source for the Division to procure their Body Worn Cameras and Evidence.com Storage System. Because Taser's CEWs easily integrate with the Body Worn Camera and Evidence.com storage system previously purchased through Taser, it will make the use of these systems more fluid.
Discussion:
The Hampton Police Division has therefore determined that due to the foregoing criteria, a contract should be awarded to Taser International as a "sole source" without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation. The price at which Taser International has offered the CEWs and related parts and accessories has been determined by the Hampton Police Division to be fair and reasonable.
Impact:
Use of the CEWs provides Officers with a less-than-lethal option in subduing an aggressive situation. Therefore, CEWs use is in keeping with the Division's Community Policing efforts to attempt to de-escalate any situation before employing other more aggressive alternatives.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, Hampton City Council recognizes the public interest in providing through its Police Division the most efficient and cost-effective means reasonably available and affordable for this purchase;
WHEREAS, the Hampton Police Division has exclusively utilized CEWs and the associated accessories and parts manufactured by Taser International, Inc. for many years;
WHEREAS, Hampton Police Sworn Officers receive frequent, on-going training that is unique to the safe operation of the CEWs parts/accessories specifically manufactured by Taser International, Inc.;
WHEREAS, the CEWs offered by Taser International offer connectivity with Body Worn Cameras and Evidence.com storage systems used by the division and authorized for sole source by Hampton City Council (“Council”) on September 10, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the price at which Taser International has offered the Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) has been determined to be fair and reasonable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia as follows:
1. That the contract for procuring the Hampton Police Division's CEWs and related parts and accessories may be negotiated and awarded to Taser International as a “sole source” without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E;
2. That the City Manager or her authorized designee is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a contract for the purchase of the goods with Taser International, Inc.; and
3. That the notice awarding the contract to Taser International, Inc. shall be posted in a public place pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4303.E.