Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approval to Participate in H-GAC Coop Contract #FS12-23 with Emergency Vehicles, Inc. for Incident Command Vehicles.
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Submitted By: Autumn Bryan, Procurement Contracting Officer I, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Procurement Management Division (PMD).
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of safe, clean, and beautiful.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Autumn Bryan, Procurement Contracting Officer I, (PMD).
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Emergency Vehicles, Inc.
3. Purpose: The acquisition of a 2026 Ford Transit Cargo Van modified to serve as a dedicated platform for transporting SWAT personnel and critical equipment to high-risk incidents and planned operations.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: Initial expiration on November 30, 2027.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: This vehicle is required due to operational demands that cannot be met by standard, commercially available models. Enhanced Public Safety: Faster and more efficient SWAT response improves the city's ability to manage critical incidents, mitigate threats, and protect residents, businesses, and visitors. Cost-Effective Asset Management: Investing in a dedicated transport vehicle prolongs the life of existing fleet vehicles. Ford Transit's fuel efficiency and reliability also help minimize long-term maintenance and operational costs. Improved Community Confidence: A well-equipped and properly supported SWAT team demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining a safe environment and responding effectively to emergencies. This reinforces community trust and contributes to overall quality of life. Readiness for Major Events and Natural Disasters: The van can be used for rapid deployment of personnel and gear during hurricanes, large-scale events, or city emergencies, supporting overall continuity of operations.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): $189,615.00.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve participating in H-GAC Coop Contract #FS12-23 with Emergency Vehicles, Inc. for Incident Command Vehicles.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve participating in H-GAC Coop Contract #FS12-23 with Emergency Vehicles, Inc. for Incident Command Vehicles.
2. Move that the Council reject participating in H-GAC Coop Contract #FS12-23 with Emergency Vehicles, Inc. for Incident Command Vehicles.
Background: Based on the specialized requirements of this vehicle and the Department's past experience, EVI (Emergency Vehicles, Inc.) is the only vendor capable of delivering a product that meets our operational, safety, and interoperability standards. EVI has a long-standing record of producing high-quality, mission-specific public safety vehicles and has recently completed the construction of the Port St. Lucie Police Department's Mobile Command Post. That project was delivered on time, met all operational specifications, and demonstrated EVl's unique capability to integrate complex police communications, storage, safety systems, and custom layouts tailored to the Department's needs. The successful completion of the Command Post has established EVI as the Department's trusted partner with proven familiarity with our equipment, radio infrastructure, electrical configurations, and deployment style. The proposed SWAT transport vehicle requires highly customized features, including reinforced interior storage solutions for tactical equipment, secure weapons racks, integrated communications, red/white lighting, climate-controlled gear compartments, and optimized seating configurations for rapid response. EVI is already trained and knowledgeable in our standards and operational procedures, ensuring consistency and compatibility between specialized vehicles in our fleet. Using EVI provides the following benefits: Vendor Familiarity: EVI already possesses detailed knowledge of our operational requirements, which reduces design time and eliminates the need for costly re-engineering. Proven Quality and Reliability: Their recent work for PSLPD demonstrates reliability, craftsmanship, and adherence to law enforcement specifications. Reduced Down-Time: Working with an established vendor who understands the Department's expectations minimizes revision cycles and accelerates delivery. Purpose-Built Public Safety Expertise: EVI specializes exclusively in emergency vehicles and provides capabilities not offered by general commercial upfitters.
Given the highly specialized nature of this SWAT vehicle, along with EVl's proven performance and unique ability to meet the Department's mission-critical specifications, selecting EVI as the sole vendor is in the best interest of the City of Port St. Lucie. This approach ensures operational continuity, maximizes long-term value, and supports the safe and effective deployment of the SWAT Team. This vendor is local, in Florida, and will provide all warranty and service-related issues with minimal travel to Lake Park, our agency.
Issues/Analysis: Because this vehicle is uniquely configured to meet the operational needs of the Port St Lucie Police Department, and no other manufacturer produces a comparable model, it represents the only viable option to ensure reliable and safe performance.
Financial Information: GL Code 001-2105-564100.
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: N/A.
Attachments:
1. 20260092_Signed Contract PSLPD_EVI
2. FS12-23_H-GAC_Executed Contract Emergency Vehicles
3. Attachment A Proposal
4. Purchase Requisition Request
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25329-02.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by KeAndrea Davis, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.