Posting Language
Title
Ratify a contract for rental of anti-vehicle mobile barriers and related services for Austin Police with Meridian Rapid Defense Group LLC d/b/a Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales, LLC in the amount of $141,885. Funding: $141,885 was available in the Operating Budget of Austin Police.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Police.
Fiscal Note
Funding was available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Police.
Procurement Language:
Ratification.
MBE/WBE:
This contract is exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract was for the rental of Meridian Archer 1200 mobile barriers and related services for Austin Police to enhance pedestrian safety during the South by Southwest (SXSW) event, held March 13-18, 2026. Services included deployment and removal of the barriers after the rental period. These portable vehicle barriers are designed to protect people and critical infrastructure by stopping unauthorized vehicle access at entry points, roadways, and public events.
Due to the urgent need to protect citizens posed by vehicle-based threats during SXSW, this contract was executed on an emergency basis to ensure timely installation. This was a new contract. The requested authorization amount was based on the contractor quote for goods and services needed.
The department plans to set up a multi-year master agreement for procurement of these barriers and related services.