TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Beth Beatty, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Request for Approval to Purchase a Lenco Bearcat G3 for $403,867.00
end
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department is requesting authorization to purchase a Lenco Bearcat G3 for the Special Operations Squad (SOS). SOS is currently utilizing a 20-year-old Bearcat that is on loan from Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). JPD is responsible for maintaining the Bearcat and paying for the increasing cost of repairing its mechanical issues. JPD's use of the Bearcat could be rescinded by ILEAS at any point, leaving JPD without this crucial piece of life-saving equipment. SOS relies heavily on the Bearcat during responses to all high-risk situations, including serving high-risk warrants, responding to armed barricaded suspects, potential hostage situations, active shooter scenarios, and supporting JPD's Quick Reaction Force during protests and major events. A second armored vehicle would decrease response time and increase officer safety throughout the City as one Bearcat could be stationed centralized and the other would remain at the West Station. This will also allow SOS to respond quickly to incidents occurring within the 66-mile radius of Joliet and throughout the surrounding communities we provide services to and would also provide more ballistic protection for the SOS team and the citizens we serve. This item was reviewed at the Public Safety Committee Meeting held on October 1, 2024 and recommended to the full Council for approval.
CONCLUSION:
The cost to purchase the new Lenco Bearcat G3 will be $403,867.00. Competitive bidding is not possible for this purchase due to the unique nature and capabilities of the vehicle. The Lenco Bearcat G3 will be funded by (Org: 22060020, Object: 557500).
In accordance with Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances which states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00...
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