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CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF AN OKLAHOMA OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,450 TO BE USED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE A BOMB SUIT AND HELMET, APPROVAL OF CONTRACT K-1718-124, AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND BALANCE.
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BACKGROUND: The City of Norman has been selected to receive $23,450 from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS) fiscal year 2015-2016 (FY2016) State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) program. These funds are designated to purchase a replacement bomb suit and helmet for use as personal protective equipment by certified members of the Hazardous Devices Unit (bomb squad). The unit’s current bomb suits and helmets are in excess of 10 years old - well beyond the manufacturer’s recommended replacement period. Additionally, this suit and helmet will replace one that is showing significant signs of wear and also presenting specific points of failure in protective capacity. The bomb suit is used in high-risk and high-liability situations that depend upon reliable equipment for successful and safe resolution. This grant is fully funded with no matching required. Agencies receiving items purchased with this grant may be responsible for general maintenance of the purchased equipment if Federal funds are not available. Grant funds are paid on a reimbursement basis.
DESCRIPTION: This grant allows the City of Norman to purchase a replacement EOD 9 Bomb Suit and Helmet from Med-Eng, LLC. This manufacturer is the sole manufacturer of this ensemble, and the purchase price is based on the GSA contract. The suit and helmet meet the personal protective equipment requirements for certified bomb technicians from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The suit also meets the personal protective equipment requirements for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Type II bomb squads. All FEMA Region 6 bomb squads have similar suits from the same manufacturer, and the replacement would ensure continued interoperability with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, and Edmond Police Department bomb squads. The bomb suit includes a jacket, trousers, groin protection, and spinal protection made from material specifically designed to protect against the threats of an explosive blast: overpressure, fragmentation, impact, and heat. The helmet includes a 4-point retention system, an onboard power supply, remote environmental and lighting controls, and protective visors adaptable for use in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear situations.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Council accept the grant in the amount of $23,450 and appropriate $23,450 from the Special Grant Fund Balance (022-0000-253.20-00) to Miscellaneous Equipment/Miscellaneous (account 022-6045-421.59-99; project GP0041) and, upon reimbursement, funds be receipted into the Special Grants Fund, Other Revenue/Homeland Security (022-0000-331.13-52)