Title:
Title
Agreement: Remotec Andros Emergency Ordnance Robot (Two-Thirds Vote Required)
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-00763
Location
Location: Citywide
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Pass a Motion authorizing the City Manager, or the City Manager’s designee, to: 1) suspend competitive bidding in the best interest of the City for the purchase of an ANDROS robot; and 2) execute an agreement with Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc., for a not to exceed amount of $250,000.
Contact: Mark Greenlee, Police Captain, Metro Division, (916) 808-0854, Police Department
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Agreement
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The role and responsibilities of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Units across the country has greatly increased since September 11, 2001. The Sacramento Police Department’s (SPD) EOD Unit is no exception. As one of the busiest EOD Units in the region, it averages nearly 100 incidents per year. The primary responsibility of the EOD Unit is to render safe and/or remove explosives and explosive devices, investigate suspicious packages, devices, and vehicles, and respond to post-blast crime scenes. Additionally, the EOD Unit responds on all tactical call-outs involving the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and provides necessary tools which increase public, officer, and suspect safety.
In order to accomplish their mission and responsibilities, the EOD unit relies heavily on the use of an ANDROS robot. The ANDROS is a series of remote-control military robots designed by Northrop Grumman, Remotec, Inc. (Remotec). The robot allows for the safe manipulation, x-ray of explosive devices, suspicious items/packages, and other hazardous materials. The robot is an invaluable tool used to safely locate and communicate with hidden or barricaded suspects.
The EOD Unit’s existing robot is 18 years old and has been rebuilt numerous times. In an ongoing effort to adequately respond to incidents involving explosives, suspicious packages, and situations involving barricaded/hidden suspects, the SPD recommends replacing the existing aged robot with the purchase of new ANDROS robot and its components.
Policy Considerations: City Code Section 3.56.230(c) authorizes the City Council to suspend competitive bidding for the purchase of supplies when upon a two-thirds vote, the City Council determines it is in the best interest of the City. City Council approval is also required per Section 3.56.090 for service and supply contracts exceeding $100,000. The SPD has verified that the company is in compliance with City Code Section 3.54 regarding non-discrimination in employee benefits by City Contractors.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: This report concerns administrative activities that do not
constitute a “project” as defined in Section 15378(b)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 Cal.
Code Reg. § 15000 et seq.).
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: Remotec is the sole manufacturer and distributor for the ANDROS line of hazardous duty robots including the VA1-J, Wolverine, FX, F6, HDSEL and Titus robotic system and all related upgrades, radios, accessories, parts, refurbishment, service and training. The ANDROS robots are used by law enforcement agencies, first responders and organizations in 36 countries, including the U.S. military joint EOD forces, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Secret Service. Remotec does not have any product dealers or resellers within the United States. All parts are sold directly by Remotec and maintenance is performed from Remotec’s facility located in Clinton, Tennessee.
Financial Considerations: The ANDROS robot will be purchased with SPD external funds (Citizens Option for Public Safety Program) and with funds from the Urban Areas Security Initiative grant.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): The minimum LBE participation requirement is waived as
the City has suspended competitive bidding and utilized an alternate procurement method to
select vendors. In addition, federal grant funds will be used for a portion of this purchase, therefore LBE participation requirements are not applicable.