Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Police Department

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Captain Bill Cory
DATE:	07/09/2015
RE:	Consent Agenda-Ballistic Vest Replacement

Background

Currently the department has an ongoing program to replace out of warranty ballistic vests for all commissioned officers.  These replacements are based on when each vest was issued and are replaced every five years.  Currently there are 28 vests that need to be replaced for 2015.  At the end of 2014, the police department began a search for a new ballistic vest.  Due to the changing technology in ballistic material, a test and evaluation period was done with four major manufacturers of vests.  The department was looking for newer technology that would increase officer comfort while maintaining a high level of officer safety.   At the conclusion of the evaluation period, two vests were chosen from different manufacturers.  Officers were given a choice of vest when they were sized. 

Point Blank Alpha Elite 3A Ballistic Vest	$819.36ea.
Armor Express Seraph 3A Ballistic Vest	$747.00ea.

Funding

Funding has been approved in the 2015 budget process.

Staff Recommendation

Approve purchase of 24 Point Blank Alpha Elite Ballistic Vests from Southern Uniform & Equipment, for a total of $19,410 and the purchase of four (4) Armor Express Seraph Ballistic Vests from Alamar Uniforms for $2,988.