Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes a contract for the purchase of Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) and associated supplies from Vance's Outdoor Inc., for the Division of Police in the amount of $525,599.35. The Department of Public Safety, Division of Police needs to establish a contract for the purchase of replacement CEWs and ancillary supplies and warranties because a significant portion of the current CEWs used by Police are either out of certification or soon will be. The Division purchased seventy (70) CEWs and related supplies earlier this year, via 0767-2013, utilizing funds specifically appropriated by City Council this year in the Public Safety Initiative Fund. This ordinance will allow for the purchase of three-hundred forty (340) additional replacement CEWs, along with necessary supplies and warranties.
This ordinance also waives the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes. The Division of Police believes that only the CEW manufactured by Taser International Inc., is acceptable due to street use, training, certification, and re-certification required for all police officers. There is only one supplier in the Ohio area authorized to the sell CEW's, cartridges, warranties and accessories. Taser International has stated that the only authorized dealer in Ohio is Vance's Outdoors Inc. Therefore, this ordinance requests a waiver of competitive bidding. Another company does manufacture a CEW but the Police Division does not believe it is suitable for its needs. This other product, produced by Karbon Arms, has been tested by Division of Police personnel, and has been determined to not operate in a manner acceptable to those trained in its use. Therefore, the Division recommends that it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the City Code to allow for this purchase.
This ordinance also appropriates funds in the Law Enforcement Seizure Fund and transfers funds within the Divisio...
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