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CONTRACT K-1819-57: A CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE NORMAN MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY AND THE AXON COMPANY AMOUNT OF $163,338 FOR THE PURCHASE OF 130 TASER CONDUCTIVE ENERGY WEAPONS UNDER A TECHNOLOGY ASSURANCE PROGRAM FOR A TOTAL COST OF $272,538 ($27,300 PER YEAR) TO REPLACE UNITS THAT ARE NO LONGER SERVICEABLE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM THE SEIZURES AND RESTITUTION FUND BALANCE.
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BACKGROUND: The Police Department has used the Taser conductive energy weapon since 2003. Currently, the X26 Taser conductive energy model is used. The Axon Company does not service these systems anymore, they cannot be repaired if they break and soon replacement batteries for the units will be unavailable. This has prompted the Department to look for a way to replace our units and keep them working and serviceable in future years.
DISCUSSION: Axon has offered a program to replace 130 of our current Tasers with the newest models under a “Technology Assurance Program”. Under this program, 130 new Taser X26P units with needed accessories would be purchased, along with a five-year extended warranty. At the end of the five year program the units would be replaced with the same or a similar model at no additional cost. Under this Technology Assurance Program, four (4) additional “spare” units would be included, so that officers would continue to be equipped with a Taser weapon if one needs to be sent off for repair.
Under the proposed agreement, the Norman Municipal Authority (NMA) would agree to pay $163,338 the first year, which would pay for the replacement of our current conductive energy weapons, accessories, and first year warranty. Subject to annual appropriation of funds, the NMA/City would then agree to pay $27,300 each year for the next four years. At the end of the fifth year, all 130 Tasers would be replaced with the same or similar models, including replacement batteries. There would also be an option to renew this Technology Assurance Program at that time, subject to availability of funds.
We would like to use Seizure and Restitution Fund balance to fund this Technology Assurance Program. Currently the federal seizure balance is $274,545 and the state seizure balance is $536,749. Funding for the first year of the Program is proposed to be appropriated from Federal Seizure and Restitution Fund balance. Subsequent year’s funding would be proposed to be appropriated from either federal or state seizure as needed. The total cost of the purchase is $272,538.
The City Code, Section 8-204 (B.2) provides an exception to competitive bidding requirements for purchases of or contracts for equipment which can only be furnished by a single dealer. Axon is a sole source provider of the Taser Conductive Energy Weapons system.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Norman Municipal Authority/City Council approve the replacement purchase under the proposed Technology Assurance Plan (contract K-1819-57). It is further recommended that an appropriation of $163,338 from the Federal Seizure Fund Balance (account 025-0000-253.20-00) to Firearms Account (025-6038-421.51-16) be approved.