FROM:
Police Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Authorize to Award the Purchase of Equipment and Services to Update the Mapping System of the Fontana Police Department Airships
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or his assigned designee to award the purchase of equipment, supplies and services related to the updated mapping system of the airships.
2. Approve an appropriation in the amount of $1,701,450.00 from Federal Asset Seizure (Fund 223).
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Operate in a businesslike manner by creating a memorable customer experience with every interaction.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by improving services through the effective use of technology.
DISCUSSION:
The current fleet for the Fontana Police Department Air Support Unit (ASU) is comprised of (1) Airbus AS350B2, (ASTAR), and (2) Robinson R66 turbine helicopters. The R66 Airships were purchased in (1) 2012 and (1) 2014 and the onboard equipment including camera, Flir (Night vision), mapping, and avionics are outdated and, in most instances, no longer supported for repair by the manufacturers. Given the unit’s current operations and functions as well as onboard technologies available in the currently owned ASTAR, it is imperative for the safety of the crew as well as quality and efficiency for the patrol function to upgrade the equipment.
This proposal is to upgrade the equipment for compatible and sharable equipment between ships that will fully support the mission, while ensuring quality and serviceability to the equipment for years to come. Equipment included in the upgrade include MX10 camera, with Shotover mapping and Flir capabilities, and night vision compatible instrumentation. The best time for the acquisition of this equipment and installation is needed now and most practical as one of the R66’s (N166PD) is set to be overhauled by Robinson summer/fall of 2024.
The ASTAR will be entering engine overhaul summer of 2025. This will include the purchase of parts and components for the overhaul. This is mandatory service to remain in compliance with FAA and ensure airworthiness. Industry standards have shown there are annual increases to equipment cost January 1. The department has obtained current pricing to budget for the components needed for the overhaul and would like to purchase them prior to January 1, 2025, to avoid a 3%-7% average increase seen year to year. Staff is requesting that City Manager or his assigned designee be authorized to award and the purchase with the responsible bidder whose proposal is the most advantageous to the City to expedite the approval process and accommodate the project schedules. Additionally, having the parts on hand, prior to the overhaul, significantly decreases the airship’s down time during the overhaul.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Appropriate funds from Fund #223 to budget Federal Asset Seizure Org #22340373 in the amount of $1,701,450.00. Appropriate budget change forms will be submitted to the City Budget Office for the initial equipment purchase upon approval.
The department will request additional funding for the installation of equipment from Asset Seizure Fund #223 in the quarter installation begins. Additional funding request budget change forms will be submitted to City Budget Office following approval of additional requests.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.