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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Lt. Bill Rowley, Aurora Police Department
DATE: January 29, 2024
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to approve the purchase of 31 MES United Shield Brand Ballistic Shields and accessories from MES/Lawmen Supply of Deer Creek, Illinois through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #090122-MES.
PURPOSE:
To purchase replacement ballistic shields for the Aurora Police Department. These ballistic shields are essential for the protection of our first responding police officers and are being purchased to replace outdated and end-of-life shields.
BACKGROUND:
The 2024 budget includes a decision package from the Aurora Police Department to replace ballistic shields over a multi-year phased replacement program. Our current ballistic shields are either reaching or are at the end of their useful recommended life, and a replacement is warranted.
DISCUSSION:
During the budget cycle, it was noted that ballistic shields used in our patrol division and also our Special Response Team were approaching or have reached the end of their warrantied life. We developed a multi-year plan to replace our aging supply on a rotation. This request for purchase is part of that multi-year replacement program cycle.
We located MES/Lawmen Supply Company, who participates in the Sourcewell Cooperative agreement, and is a vendor who has provided reliable service to the Aurora Police Department in the past. MES/Lawmen Supply Company demonstrated that they can meet the public safety needs of the police department and will provide the needed ballistic shields through this turnover period.
Funding is available in the 2024 budget in account 255-3536-421.61-40.
Local preference does not apply when using a cooperative purchase program.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This purchase is vital to the protection of our police first responders during times where the threat of deadly force against responding officers is present. One of these shields is a rifle-rated shield intended to out...
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