ORDINANCE appropriating $795,000.00 out of Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund;  approving and authorizing contract between the City of Houston and  LONE STAR UNIFORMS, L.L.C. for Concealed Body Armor and Accessories for the Houston Police Department; providing a maximum contract amount

Request for Proposal for S17-T24752  - Approve an ordinance authorizing  the appropriation of $795,000.00 from the Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (1800) and approve an ordinance awarding a contract to Lone Star Uniforms, LLC, in the maximum contract amount of $6,356,500.00 for concealed body armor and accessories for the Houston Police Department.

Specific Explanation:

The Chief of the Houston Police Department and City Purchasing Agent recommend that City Council approve an ordinance authorizing  the appropriation of $795,000.00 from the Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (1800).  It is further recommended that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a three-years, with two one-year options, to Lone Star Uniforms, LLC (distributor) and Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (manufacturer) in the maximum contract amount  of $6,356,500.00 for concealed body armor and accessories for the Houston Police Department.  The Purchasing Agent and/or Police Chief may terminate this contract at any time upon 30 days written notice to the contractor.

The scope of work requires each contractor to provide all labor, materials, and equipment required for the custom fitting, supply and delivery of concealable body armor for HPD and other City personnel requiring body armor.  This includes but is not limited to accessories for the body armor such as carrier straps, carry bags, and armor/trauma plates, helmets, etc.  The Contractors are required to have the bullet resistant body armor custom fitted and measured for each individual officer by trained and certified sizing personnel. These contracts will allow the department to fit graduating cadets and officers with expiring armor. The bullet resistant body armor meets the ballistic requirements specified in the most current National Institute of Justice standards. 

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was advertised in accordance with the requirements of the State of Texas bid laws.  Seventy-six prospective proposers downloaded the solicitation document from SPD’s e-bidding website, and as a result, proposals were received from Safariland LLC, Lone Star Uniforms, LLC, Burgoon Company, Bullchase, Inc., Safety Supply Inc., and Blue Line Innovations. 

The evaluation committee was comprised of eight evaluators from the Houston Police Department. The proposals were evaluated based upon the following criteria:

·        Evaluation of Products

·        Conformance to Technical Specs

·        Price per unit

·        Total Service and Support Commitment

·        Experience and Reputation Including Years in Business and References

·        Financial Strength

·        MWBE Participation

The responses were reviewed by the evaluation committee and four vendors were selected to participate in the product evaluation period.  Each vendor measured selected officers from the patrol and tactical officers divisions individually to custom fit the body armor. The officers wore each vendor’s customized body armor for a set period of time and debriefed the evaluation committee. Based on the comments from the test officers, two vendors were invited for oral presentations to demonstrate their qualifications and negotiate best and final pricing. This resulted in separate contracts for tactical and concealed armor.  

Pay or Play Program:

The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s “Pay or Play” ordinance regarding health benefits for employees of City contractors.  In this case, the contractors will provide health benefits to eligible employees in compliance with City policy.

M/WBE Subcontracting:

This RFP was issued with a 3% goal for M/WBE participation. 

Lone Star Uniforms, LLC has designated the following company as its certified M/WBE subcontractor:

Name                           Type of Work                  Dollar Amount               Percentage

Graphic Results           Temporary                      $190,695.00                     3%

                                    Warehousing

Hire Houston First:

This proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s Hire Houston First (HHF) Ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses and supports job creation.  In this case Lone Star Uniforms, LLC is a designated HHF company, but they were the successful awardee without application of the HHF preference.

                                                      Estimated Spending Authority:

__________________________________                ___________________________________

Calvin D. Wells, City Purchasing Agent                   Department Approval Authority Signature

Finance/Strategic Procurement Division

$   795,000.00 - Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (1800) for FY16

$5,561,500.00 - Out Years

$6,356,500.00 - Maximum Contract Amount