The FY 2020 non-routine work plan for the Police Department includes the replacement of the BPD K-9. The current K-9, Lexie, has been in service since August 2010 and is now more than 11 years old. Lexie is inside the average retirement age of 10 to 12 years for a narcotics K-9. PD staff wanted to be proactive to begin the process to replace the K-9 early in order to avoid a potential delay which could result in a significant period of time without the availability of a K-9. In addition to the replacement of the K-9, a new PD handler is needed for the new animal. Officer Trey Frasch was selected as the handler on August 8, 2019.
Once the handler was selected, staff began the process of evaluating the type of animal that would best suit the needs of the City. Both narcotic and dual-purpose (narcotic and tracking) K-9s are used by other local departments. There are primarily two breeds of dogs that are used. The first is a German Shepherd (which is preferred by many of the larger agencies) and the second is the Belgian Malinois, which is the breed currently being used by the BPD. Multiple agencies were contacted for feedback during the evaluation process. BPD has had a narcotic K-9 for a number of years, but has never had a dual-purpose animal. As the City grows staff felt that there would be more need for tracking capabilities in the future. Additionally, with the recent controversy involving hemp, there is less of a need for animals trained to detect the odor of marijuana. Staff has been very pleased with the performance and temperament of Lexie. After careful consideration staff determined that a dual-purpose Malinois was the best solution for the future needs of the Department.
After selecting the handler and determining the breed and type of animal, PD staff began the process of selecting a vendor. Given the nature of this purchase, staff is recommending waiver of the normal competitive bidding requirements and instead solicited turnkey pricing proposals from several qualified vendors. K-9 vendors select a suitable animal and provide the training for the animal and handler as part of the total cost of acquisition. Staff again consulted with multiple local agencies regarding the best and most cost-effective options and settled on four vendors from which to obtain prices. The vendors all have experience providing K-9s for local agencies. One of the vendors is local and three are out of state. The four options are listed below with the total cost for acquisition, training, and travel included.
Southern Coast K-9 New Smyrna Beach, Florida $21,584.00
Shallow Creek K-9 Sharpsville, PA $19,645.00
Houston K-9 Academy Houston, TX $21,000.00
Canine Command LLC Gallatin, TN $13,500.00
After conducting a review of each vendor staff determined that Canine Command offered the best combination of training at the lowest cost. Being local, the costs associated with travel, lodging, and per diem would be eliminated resulting in significant savings over the other vendors. Additionally, Canine Command offered the longest initial training period and regular access to the trainer due to close proximity to Brentwood. There are a number of local agencies that currently use K-9s trained by Canine Command including Sumner County, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Springfield, Gallatin and Bowling Green, KY. The total cost of a dual-purpose animal from Canine Command is $13,500, which includes a one-year warranty. If the dog is not performing to standards or has health-related issues, we would be able to obtain a new animal at no additional cost.
If approved, this purchase will be funded using drug fund proceeds. Staff recommends approval of the purchase of a dual purpose K-9 from Canine Command LLC. Please contact the Police Chief if you have questions. |