Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item # 2



Columbus Consolidated Government



Council Meeting



04/29/2003



Agenda Report # 51



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership



INITIATED BY: Police Department





Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to apply for and if approved to

accept a grant of $96,611.60 from the United States Department of Justice for

the purchase of body armor for Public Safety Agencies. The grant will

reimburse up to 50% of the cost of the vests for costs in FY01 to FY04.



Background: The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant of 1998 has been extended to

FY2004. The purpose of the program is to save the lives of law enforcement

officers by helping states; units of local governments, and tribal governments

equip law enforcement officers with armored vests. The application and

reimbursement process of this program is being done via the Internet. In FY01,

89 vests were purchased at a cost of $28,416.81, in FY02, 210 vests were

purchased at a cost of $67,050.90, and in FY03, 112 vests were purchased at a

cost of $44,540.25. We are seeking reimbursement up to 50% for previous vests

purchases. In addition we are also seeking reimbursement for an estimated 134

bulletproof vests that are proposed to be purchased in FY04 at an estimated

cost of $53,215.25. Locally, the Columbus Police Department?s Office of

Professional Standards will manage the grant. This is the sixth year of the

program. The local jurisdiction application must be revised annually.



Analysis: The program provides up to a 50% match of funds expended on body

armor. Funding was provided from allocations in the FY01-FY03 Budgets.



Financial Considerations: The proposed resolution will authorize the acceptance

of $96,611.60 of Federal grant monies. No special consideration for sole

source bidding requirements is necessary as all approved vendors in the

Partnership Program are current City approved vendors.



Legal Considerations: Approval of contacts will obligate the City to all

conditions of the grant award.



Recommendation/Action: Approve the application and receipt of funding from the

Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.