Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Keith Lane, Interim Police Chief
Contact Info
(830) 221-4102 - klane@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a purchase from Allterra Central Inc. for forensic data collection equipment for the New Braunfels Police Department utilizing grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Program Year 2021.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
In March 2020, City Council approved the submission of a grant application for $74,000 to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program as administered by the Office of the Governor (OOG), Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division’s Criminal Justice Program grant for Program Year 2021 for the funding of a Crime Analyst position for the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD). In October 2020, the City received notification from the granting agency of a partial grant award in the amount of $38,529.99.
Unfortunately, due to the unanticipated financial hardship caused by COVID-19, the Crime Analyst position was not funded in the City’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Adopted Budget. As such, Staff subsequently requested from the OOG that the grant funding to instead be utilized for the one-time purchase of forensic data collection equipment for the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) rather than for the addition of a Crime Analyst position that had been previously awarded grant funding.
The requested forensic data collection equipment is intended to replace outdated and malfunctioning equipment that is currently used by NBPD’s Traffic Unit to collect data points at a traffic accident to reconstruct collision scenes which result in loss of life and or criminal charges. The new equipment will continue to be utilized in this capacity but it will now also be used by the NBPD’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) because the updated, sophisticated technology will allow CID to collect photos and detailed measurements at major crime scenes such as homicides, suspicious deaths, and shooting incidents.
The total cost of the forensic data collection equipment is $38,499; therefore, the grant will provide full reimbursement to the City upon the receipt and full payment of the equipment.
The equipment will be purchased from Allterra Central Inc. utilizing a Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) contract, thereby fulfilling competitive procurement requirements for the State of Texas.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
X |
Yes |
Strategic Priority |
Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the forensic data collection equipment is $38,499; therefore, the grant will provide full reimbursement to the City upon the receipt and full payment of the equipment. As such, sufficient funds are available to support the purchase of the equipment as described above.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a purchase from Allterra Central Inc. for forensic data collection equipment for the New Braunfels Police Department utilizing grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Program Year 2021.