Report Prepared by: Joey Perez, Captain, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept and Appropriate $69,252 in Grant Funds from the FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department and to Waive Competitive Bidding Requirements for the Purchase of a Novo Digital Radiography Portable X-Ray Machine
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to accept grant funding from the FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $69,252, and waiving the competitive bidding requirement for the purchase of a portable x-ray machine.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-73, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services FY2024 Grant Assurances Agreement for a Portable X-Ray Machine; and,
B. Accepting FY 2024 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $69,252; and,
C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $69,252 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same to purchase x-ray machine; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary documents; and,
F. Authorizing the waiving of competitive bidding requirements for standardization of equipment; and
G. Approving the purchase of the Digital Radiography portable x-ray machine from Novo Dr Inc in the amount of $69,200.98 and authorizing Purchasing to issue the purchase order.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for recommendation of specific items
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has awarded funds through the FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP). The scope of the grant includes funding for emergency management equipment, Incident Command System training, law enforcement equipment, fire department equipment, and health department equipment. Within the parameters and requirements of the grant program, monies have been awarded by the Merced Big 5 Committee to the individual agencies and jurisdictions within the County.
On September 25th, 2025, the City of Merced Police Department was awarded $69,252 of the FY 2024 SHSGP funds to purchase a portable x-ray system for the Merced PD Bomb Squad.
This advanced portable imaging system is designed for rapid and accurate inspection of suspicious packages, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other hazardous materials during bomb squad and public safety operations. The system provides immediate high-resolution digital images in the field, enabling bomb technicians to make critical decisions quickly and safely without the need to physically handle potential threats.
The Department is requesting the waiving of competitive bidding requirements of the x-ray system to ensure interoperability and consistency with surrounding bomb squads, including those in Fresno County, with whom Merced PD frequently trains and responds to regional incidents. Standardizing equipment across agencies enhances joint operational readiness, facilitates seamless training, and allows for shared expertise and resources during mutual aid deployments. Utilizing the same equipment as our partner agencies ensures that all regional teams can operate interchangeably without compatibility or procedural issues, thereby improving overall response efficiency and public safety outcomes.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting the City Council to accept FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSGP) in the amount of $69,252. This would also require the use of pooled cash until the reimbursement is received.
This item requires 5 affirmative votes for City Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft minutes from Big 5 meeting
2. Quote from Novo DR Inc.
3. Sole Source Letter
4. Resolution 2025-73