Level IIIA body armor (protective vests) are components of front-line law enforcement protection equipment.  The Police Department is currently in need of vests for mandatory replacement of currently issued vests, Police academy graduates and for future replacement as needed.  The new vests will meet or exceed Bakersfield Police Department and National Institute of Justice specifications.  In addition, each vest will be custom fitted by a factory-authorized representative for the brand vest proposed.

The City Municipal code section 3.20.060(D)(6) allows the City to dispense with bidding when equipment is not available from local vendors and the equipment may be obtained by entering into a cooperative procurement contract that was competitively awarded by another government agency within the last 36 months or is one that is still current and active.

The City of Los Angeles has entered into a competitive procurement contract with Galls LLC, Lexington, KY to offer discount pricing for level IIIA Point Blank® body armor.  Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution to dispense with bidding for the purchase of Point Blank® body armor (135 units) from Galls LLC, not to exceed $115,004 for the Police Department.

Funds are available in the Police Department’s Operating Budget to complete this purchase (General Fund $93,500; and Supplemental Law Enforcement Safety Fund $21,504).