HomeMy WebLinkAboutPurchase - Kevlar Motorcycle UniformsCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO PURCHASE KEVLAR
MOTORCYCLE UNIFORMS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$10,000, FROM MOTOPORT, INC. (SAN MARCOS, CA).
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
DATE: August 22, 2013
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of Kevlar motorcycle uniforms, in
an amount not to exceed $10,000, from Motoport, Inc. (San Marcos, CA).
Commission Recommendation
The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission was not scheduled to meet in August;
however, this item was reviewed when the Commission recommended approval of the
FY 2013/14 Police Department Budget.
Background
The Palm Desert Police Department's Motorcycle Enforcement Team is comprised of
one sergeant and eight motor officers. Team members are issued a pair of motorcycle
boots, two winter/two summer motorcycle trousers, and a jacket.
The Riverside County Sheriffs Department recently analyzed and field tested a more
durable Kevlar uniform to provide greater protection in case of an accident. Palm Desert
Police staff participated in the review committee and played an active role in
recommending the proposed uniform, based on the following key points:
• Safety: The proposed uniform is specifically designed for motorcycle riders and
is comprised of a breathable air -mesh Kevlar, which will not tear, fade, and has a
longer wear life. This style of uniform is currently in use by other law
enforcement agencies with favorable results. Many of these agencies (Burbank,
Fontana and Orange County) had officers involved in traffic collisions wearing the
Kevlar uniform. In each incident, the uniform protected the officer, significantly
reducing their injuries.
• Service: The proposed uniform comes with a seven-year warranty. Unlike the
current uniform, if the Kevlar uniform is damaged and costs more than half of the
original purchase price to repair, it will be replaced at no cost.
Staff Report
Kevlar Uniforms
Page 2
August 22, 2013
• Cost: The initial cost of the proposed uniform is slightly higher than the current
uniform. This cost is offset based on the life of the uniform and the
aforementioned safety and serviceability benefits.
Fiscal Analysis
The Police Department indicated that the Kevlar uniform is a specialized item, and
Motoport, Inc. (San Marcos, CA) is the sole source vendor. The motorcycle boots can
be purchased from one of the City's approved motorcycle service facilities.
The total estimated uniform costs for a sergeant and eight motor officers is $18,270.00.
However, due to the fact that this transition will be phased in over a two to three-year
period, the current funding request is for $10,000. This item was approved as part of the
FY 2013/14 Police Department Budget and funds are available in Account No. 400-
4210-422-4045.
Submitted By:
J
Steph(en Y. Aryan, I isk ft anager
Reviewed by:
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Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
CITY COITNCIL ACTION
APPROVED ✓ . DENIED
RECEIVED ()'l I I FR
MEETING DATE x , CAd Ol3
ABSENT: —haiLc
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