CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award for the Cooperative Procurement 24-239, Axon Taser and Virtual Reality Equipment, to Axon Enterprise for an amount not to exceed $1,178,820 and for a five-year term
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DEPARTMENT: Police Department
SUBMITTED BY: Jason R. Arres, Chief of Police
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
n/a
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department (PD) has used the Taser as a less-lethal option for addressing violent and/or combative subjects since 2005. Taser is a proprietary weapon system that has no comparable competitor in the marketplace. Axon Enterprise is the manufacturer of Taser brand products and is the sole distributor in the State of Illinois.
On December 15, 2020, the City Council approved Contract 20-375 for the procurement of 65 Taser 7 devices and accessories under a five-year contract through December 31, 2025. The Axon Taser 7 devices have proven to be an effective tool for officers in various law enforcement encounters, and on June 21, 2022, the City Council approved a change order to that contract, adding an additional 50 Taser 7 devices through the remainder of the contract.
Axon recently released the Taser 10 platform, which represents a significant upgrade in less-lethal technology, offering significant improvements over the Taser 7.
This procurement award includes 200 Taser 10 devices, Taser 10 cartridges, Taser 10 holsters, and other Taser 10 accessories. Also included in this procurement is the Axon Virtual Reality (VR) system which provides an immersive training experiences allowing officers to practice de-escalation techniques and participate in use of force scenarios in a controlled, realistic environment. This advanced training tool will further enhance the department’s ability to prepare personnel for real world situations, making sure they are best equipped to handle high stress incidents safely and effectively. Lastly, this includes all relevant warranties related to the items procured.
The department has a subscription plan for Taser 7 devices and once Taser 10 devices are received and staff has been trained, all Taser 7’s will be returned to Axon.
Staff is presenting this request now due to the long lead time to receive the devices. If this item is approved, guaranteed delivery of the new equipment is January 2025.
DISCUSSION:
The increase in the number of devices from the current contract is to equip all sworn members with a Taser. The department has employed a shared plan for Tasers to date and have occasionally experienced supply issues, causing officers to conduct their various assignments without this less-lethal tool at their disposal. While not an everyday issue, it has happened on a number of occasions, such as special events, critical incidents, and other situations where there are a large number of staff working at one particular time.
The decision to end the contract for Taser 7’s one year early and transition to the new Taser 10 technology is driven by the new devices’ significant upgrades. The following upgrades cover several critical factors that enhance the safety of police officers and the community:
1. Greater range: the current Taser 7 has a range of 25 feet, while the new Taser 10’s range is 45 feet. This allows for a much safer reactionary gap for our officers and allows them to create space and find barriers to put between themselves and the subject.
2. Increased accuracy: The upgraded targeting system ensures greater accuracy, reducing the risk of unintended injuries. The Taser 7 was a dual targeting system, while the Taser 10 has individual targeting, which allows for better accuracy and a better chance of making the necessary connection if warranted.
3. Future-proofing equipment: The Taser 7 and prior models all followed the same general footprint and operational capabilities for over 20 years. The Taser 10 is a significant upgrade over the prior models, which ensures our officers are using the most current and effective less-lethal tools available.
4. Enhanced training: This contract also allows our department to acquire Axon’s VR Training, which as mentioned above will better prepare our officers for the real-world situations they face.
The acquisition of the Taser 10 will provide officers with a more effective and reliable tool for de-escalating dangerous situations, reducing the likelihood of injury, and maintaining public trust in the department’s commitment to the responsible use of force.
By executing this contract in 2024, the department will save approximately $228,180 over the life of the contract, based on a projected increase rate from Axon of 7.5% for 2025.
Staff has identified an approved cooperative contract, Sourcewell Cooperative Contract, 092722-AXN, through Axon Enterprise for the procurement for the Tasers, Virtual Reality equipment and accessories.
The term of the new contract is from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030. Axon has agreed to lock in pricing from their agreement with Sourcewell for this term.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP#: N/A
Taser devices and accessories are expensed to the Operating Supplies account listed below. The total award of $1,178,820 will be paid in annual payments of $235,764 over five years. This contract will replace the final year of the existing Taser 7 contract valued at $111,797, as a result, the increase for 2025 is $123,967. The additional amount for the Taser 10 contract will be included in the proposed 2025 annual budget and then budgeted accordingly in future years.
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Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
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21101100-541407 |
General Fund |
TBD |