Posting Language
Title
Authorize award and execution of a contract with Remotec Inc., for an unmanned bomb squad robotic vehicle for the Austin Police Department, in an amount not to exceed $303,679.
(Note: Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9D Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.).
Body
Lead Department
Purchasing Office.
Client Department(s)
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Revenue Fund of the Management Services Department, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the 2017 State Homeland Security Program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program.
Purchasing Language:
Sole Source.
Prior Council Action:
For More Information:
Inquiries should be directed to the City Manager’s Agenda Office, at 512-974-2991 or AgendaOffice@austintexas.gov or to the buyer, Erin D’Vincent, at 512-974-3070 or Erin.DVincent@austintexas.gov <mailto:Erin.DVincent@austintexas.gov>.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for the purchase of an Andros FX explosive ordnance disposal hazardous unmanned robotic vehicle to be used by the Austin Police Department (APD) Bomb Squad to remotely disable and dispose of suspicious objects, explosive devices, and other dangerous threats from safe distances. APD, through Homeland Security grants, has invested approximately $575,000 in the purchase of tools, parts, accessories and training courses associated with the Andros platform over the last 15 years. This contract is for purchase of the same type of robot authorized by council in May 2017. It is important for APD to have multiple units available in order to quickly respond to multi-pronged attacks, which can occur in the 10 county area supported by the Bomb Squad.
Due to the amount of funds and training invested in this platform, APD wishes to continue utilizing the Andros platform. This platform will continue to provide the APD Bomb Squad unit with improved capabilities, enhanced technology, and a prolonged service life.
Remotec is the sole manufacturer and distributor in the United States for this line of hazardous duty robot vehicles and all related upgrades, accessories, parts, refurbishments and services. Remotec’s Andros systems have a unique articulated track design that is patented so other manufacturers are unable to offer the same design.
Failure to approve the contract could result in APD losing grant funding to purchase this robot.