Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Police Department

TO:	David Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Captain Bill Cory
CC:	Tarik Khatib, Chief of Police
DATE:	February 25, 2015
RE:	Patrol Uniform

Background

The Lawrence Police Department has been testing and evaluating a new patrol uniform that is more breathable, functional, and comfortable than the current uniform.  The guidelines of the uniform choice were not to radically deviate from the current uniform and also to maintain a professional appearance.  Several officers were issued one uniform pant and one uniform shirt.  After wearing the uniform for over a month they provided feedback about the uniforms fit, function, comfort, and appearance.     

Project Description

The department is seeking to replace the short sleeve shirt and patrol pant for the patrol division and other members of the department that regularly wear the patrol uniform.  Each qualifying department member will receive the standard issue four shirts and four pants.  Bids were sought and three (3) were received.  The bids came from Alamar Uniform ($52,722.80), Southern Uniform ($48,539.20) and Williamson Dickie Manufacturing company ($30,654.00).  Only two (2) bidders met bid specifications, Southern Uniform and Alamar Uniform.  Southern Uniform is the low bid.     

Funding Sources

The necessary funds for the purchase of the Blauer Police Uniform ($48,539.20) were identified in the 2015 general fund equipment line item.

Staff Recommendation

Police Department staff requests approval from the City Commission to authorize the purchase of the Blauer Police Uniform from the low bid vendor that meets bid specifications, Southern Uniform, for a price of $48,539.20 to replace the short sleeve  patrol uniform shirt and patrol uniform pant.