STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: October 23, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a three-year cooperative purchasing agreement for Tetrahydrocannabinol quantification and controlled substance quantitation analysis for the Dallas Police Department with Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc. through a cooperative purchasing agreement between the City and Tarrant County through the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code - Not to exceed $4,480,000.00 - Financing: General Fund (subject to annual appropriations)
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BACKGROUND
This action does not encumber funds; the purpose of a cooperative purchasing agreement is to establish firm pricing for services, for a specific term, which are ordered on an as needed basis.
This cooperative purchasing agreement will provide for the analysis of controlled substances that require quantitation, such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, codeine and hydrocodone. The agreement will allow for a second laboratory to facilitate controlled substance testing to aid in reducing the current backlog of items pending analysis and mitigate future backlogs. The transition to multiple vendors capable of providing controlled substance analysis will ensure more efficient and timely processing of critical evidentiary testing. Law enforcement agencies routinely submit suspected illegal substances to accredited crime laboratories for analysis. The laboratories test the substance and issue a report to assist law enforcement and prosecutors with decision-making in a case.
The cooperative purchasing agreement is authorized by Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code and Subchapter F, Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code. Section 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code which authorizes a local government to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Program with another local government or a local cooperative organization.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 27, 2024, the City Council authorized a three-year cooperative purchasing agreement for THC quantification and controlled substance quantitation analysis for the Police Department with Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc. through a cooperative purchasing agreement between the City and Tarrant County through the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code, by Resolution No. 24-0445.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$2,080,000.00 |
$1,200,000.00 |
$1,200,000.00 |
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
Method of Evaluation for Award Type:
|
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement |
• Cooperative purchasing agreements enable the City to associate with State agencies, other local governments, or local cooperative organizations comprised of other state and local governments, to leverage market buying power and enable the City to purchase goods or services at lower prices |
|
|
•The cooperative purchasing agreement is an alternative method of meeting the requirements for competitive bidding or competitive sealed proposals, not an exception from that requirement |
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc.
330 Loch’n Green Trail
Arlington, TX 76012
Ben Armstrong, President