Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for two portable handheld raman spectrometers with Safeware Inc., in an amount not to exceed $130,000.
[Note: This procurement was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this procurement, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $130,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Revenue Fund of the Management Services Department, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the 2023 State Homeland Security Program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Grant Program.
Purchasing Language:
Multiple cooperative purchase programs were reviewed for these goods and services. The Financial Services Department has determined this contractor best meets the needs of the department to provide the goods and services required at the best value for the City.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract is for the purchase of two Pendar X10 handheld raman detectors for the Austin Police Department, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team. The detector uses raman spectroscopy technology and allows the operator to rapidly identify and determine hazardous substances without touching, sampling, moving, or introducing stimuli that can cause an explosion. The equipment will be used to conduct field identification of substances found in improvised explosive devices, homemade explosive laboratories, or other instances where unknown explosives are present. This will allow bomb technicians to have greater understanding of the specific hazards associated with the explosive chemicals, enabling proper planning, and thus mitigating risk to the public and property.
This is a new contract. The authorization amount and quantities were determined based on the department’s needs and available grant funding.
OMNIA Partners is a cooperative purchasing association recognized under Texas procurement statutes. Cooperative associations, themselves or using a lead government, competitively solicit and award contracts that are eligible for use by other qualified state and local governments. Due to their substantial volumes, larger than any one government could achieve independently, cooperative contracts routinely include superior terms, conditions, and pricing. Use of cooperative contracts also results in lower administrative costs and time savings.
A delay in contract approval could impact Austin Police Department’s ability to safely identify and sample suspected explosives and explosive devices putting bomb technicians at risk.