Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item #_9_



Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting

March 30, 2004





Agenda Report #____178____





TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL



SUBJECT: Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership



INITIATED BY: Police Department

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Recommendation: Approval is requested to submit an application and if approved

accept a grant of $50,280 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 FY04.



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

FY04. 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. 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 $50,280.00. Locally,

the Columbus Police Department?s Office of Professional Standards will manage

the grant. This is the seventh 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 FY04 Budgets.



Financial Considerations: The proposed resolution will authorize the acceptance

of $50,280.00 in 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.