The existing Department of Public Safety service weapons were purchased in FY 1995/1996 and are due for replacement this fiscal year, based on an 8-year useful life cycle.  The Rangemaster Armorer, a Public Safety Officer assigned to maintain and repair DPS weapons, will coordinate this purchase for the Department during the current fiscal year and into FY 2004/2005.  A total of 235 pistols are scheduled for replacement during this time.  Replacement will be phased over the term of the contract. 

Specifications were prepared by Purchasing and DPS staff, and Invitation for Bids #F0308-10 was distributed to Bay Area suppliers and broadcast to other potential suppliers through the DemandStar by Onvia public procurement network. Four suppliers requested bid documents. Sealed bids were publicly opened on September 24, 2003.

One responsive bid was received from LC Action Police Supply.  Staff has determined that bid pricing is reasonable and recommends award of contract to LC Action Police Supply.  Total bid price for 235 pistols is $174,000 (including tax) which is offset by a trade-in allowance of $47,000. 

Expenditures after applying the trade-in allowance will not exceed $126,000 (including sales tax).  Funds are available in Department of Public Safety Equipment Replacement Fund #020900.

It is recommended that Council:

1. Award a one-year contract (with an option to extend the contract for an additional year) to LC Action Police Supply of San Jose for 235 tactical service weapons; and

2. Authorize the Purchasing Officer to issue a purchase order to that effect.