In 2009, the Allen Police Department purchased its first tasers. Over the next ten years, the police department has purchased tasers on an "ad-hoc" basis to meet operational and staffing needs. Funding for the purchases of tasers has historically come from a variety of different budget sources. The "purchase as needed" practice has presented some challenges to the agency as it relates to warranties, training, and equipment purchases.  By maintaining multiple year-model tasers with unique training requirements, replacement cartridges, support services and warranties, it is challenging to ensure that each is managed appropriately. Because the current tasers were purchased as funds were available each year, the ability to appropriately budget replacement of the tasers is challenging too.  

Axon Enterprise, Inc., the industry standard for Conducted Electrical Weapons (Tasers), has proposed to the City of Allen a 5-year contract that covers the purchase of 140 tasers, associated equipment such as holsters, batteries, charging devices and cartridges, along with training for our personnel and warranties for the devices. Additionally, Axon is providing a buy-back incentive (a credit of $9,700) for our current tasers. Axon is also providing a discount (~9%) for the five-year option versus a single one-time purchase of the tasers. Axon provides an online training academy for their tasers, which includes the necessary certification required for instructors.

If the City of Allen were to pursue a single purchase of 140 tasers without such a contractual agreement, it would cost an estimated $573,000. 

Local Government Code, Chapter 271.102, authorizes a local government to participate in a cooperative purchasing program with another local government or a local cooperative organization. The Texas Local government Code permits cooperative agreements between local governments for the purchase of goods and services and satisfies the requirement of local governments to seek competitive bids for purchase of such goods and services through supplier contracts. On June 15, 2017, the City of Allen executed an Interlocal Agreement with National Purchasing Partners.

The total contract amount is $448,939.40, which is to be paid over the next five years. The initial contract year (FY2020) would have a payment amount of $45,739.40, followed by annual payments of $100,800 for the remaining four years of the contract (FY21-24). This amount is to be funded via the Police Department's operational budget.

I make a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for the purchase of One Hundred Forty (140) Taser 7 Conducted Electrical Weapons and Associated Equipment, Training, and Training Equipment Warranties in the amount of $448,939.40 over a five-year period.