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Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board approve a sole source purchase with AeroVironment Inc. authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute a Purchase Order, contingent upon approval from Risk and County Counsel, for the purchase of Telemax robot updated equipment and accessories in the amount of $151,503.00 in accordance with Procurement Policy 3.4.2, Exemption from Competitive Bidding.
FUNDING: Homeland Security Grant.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sheriff’s Office has been utilizing Telemax robots and parts for several years from Telerob USA Inc. Some of the robots and accessories have been funded through Homeland Security grants, and this purchase will be as well. Homeland Security provides funding to prepare and respond to various catastrophic events that may threaten a community.
The Telemax robot is specially equipped to be used as a resource when responding to matters relating to potential explosive devices or assist in other tactical missions. The role of the robot is to assess a situation without having to increase direct risk to Sheriff’s Office staff. Each update or additional accessory purchased for the robot increases its capabilities, therefore, decreasing direct human involvement in during a potentially life-threatening situation.
The updates requested through this purchase will increase the distance the robot is able to communicate with the operator, increasing the distance between staff and the threat at hand. Additionally, the purchase includes a communication upgrade with both 2-way radio integration and an improved camera so that the robot operator can view all hazards/terrain around the robot and/or communicate directly with any individual the robot may meet during its deployment. Enhancing the robot with this equipment protects the well-being of the community and staff by providing more resources to quickly diffuse any applicable threats. The acquisition of this equipment allows the Sheriff’s Office to update the technology needed to handle threats that this equipment is uniquely designed for and enhance public safety.
In May 2021, Telerob was acquired by AeroVironment Inc. The entire design and IP of the Telemax robot, parts and accessories are now proprietary to AeroVironment Inc. To continue equipping, updating, and servicing the Telemax robot that we own, we now need to purchase all robot items from AeroVironment Inc.
Board of Supervisors Policy C-17 - Procurement, provides for an exemption from competitive bidding in the case of a sole source purchase, "where there is only one vendor capable of providing an item or services, and therefore it is not possible to obtain competitive bids." These particular items are need for interoperability with the existing equipment, and are only available from one source, as documented in the attached sole source letter (Attachment C).
ALTERNATIVES
N/A.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Procurement and Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No increase to net county cost, these items will be funded by the Homeland Security Grant.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Please return signed Non-Competitive Purchase Request Justification form.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety.
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz