Submitted By: Lyn Cole
presenter
Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the utilization of the General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule for the purchase of a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle in the amount of $378,165
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team frequently encounters threats and high-risk situations that require a high level of protection, including scenarios such as active shooter incidents, hostage rescues, and barricade standoffs. An armored vehicle would enable the team to respond to these situations safely and provide crucial cover during potentially dangerous operations.
The dual-sworn (deputized) team has seen an increase in warrant services conducted outside city limits. In 2021, one out of 15 search warrants were executed in the county. This number rose to three out of 16 in 2023 and further increased to eight out of 15 in 2024. These figures are primarily driven by investigations related to Internet Crimes Against Children. County operations often take place in environments that differ significantly from city policing, including areas accessible only via dirt or sugar sand roads, where off-road capabilities are essential.
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) has a long-standing agreement with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that allows their SWAT teams to support each other when one team is unavailable. This support includes providing SWAT coverage when one team is out of town for training or occupied with large events, such as concerts or Light Up Ocala. The OPD SWAT team has responded to several incidents in rural areas, including Salt Springs and the Florida Highlands, under these circumstances. These callouts emphasize the importance of having off-road capabilities, as they often occur in remote locations far from paved roads.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The BearCat is designed to minimize risks for both officers and civilians during high-risk situations. This vehicle provides secure transport options, allowing officers to interact with suspects from a safe distance, which reduces the likelihood of injuries or fatalities. Investing in a BearCat armored vehicle for the SWAT team greatly enhances their ability to respond to critical situations, improves officer safety, and strengthens their overall tactical advantage.
As a political subdivision of the state of Florida, the City of Ocala qualifies as an eligible user of cooperative purchasing arrangements like the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule. GSA contracts are negotiated by the federal government with the intent of securing “most favored customer’ pricing plus a discount offered to GSA and other authorized purchasers. Multiple Award Schedule No. GS-07F-169DA for total solutions for law enforcement, security, facilities management, fire and rescue is valid from August 23, 2016 through August 22, 2026 and has been evaluated and determined by the City’s Procurement and Contracting Department to be cost-effective and afford the City best value.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upon approval of the budget resolution, funds in the amount of $378,165 will be available in account 120-018-602-521-66-64010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods will be procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny