Report Prepared by: Joey Perez, Captain, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept and Appropriate $45,018 in Grant Funds from the FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department and to Approve the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for the Purchase of a Med-Eng Bomb Suit and Helmet with Communications Package
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution authorizing to accept grant funding from the FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $45,018.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-74, 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 Bomb Squad Equipment; and,
B. Accepting FY 2024 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $45,018.; and,
C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $45,018 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same to purchase Bomb Squad suit and helmet; 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 to waive the competitive bidding requirements for equipment standardization; and,
G. Approving to purchase the bomb suit with helmet and communications package from Med-Eng, LLC. in the amount of $46,408.36 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 $45,018 of the FY 2024 SHSGP funds to purchase a bomb suit and helmet with communications package for the Merced PD Bomb Squad. An updated quote was requested in October 2025 and the cost for the communication package for the helmet and shipping costs increased the quote to $46,408.36. The $1,390.36 shortfall will come out of the police budget.
The Med-Eng bomb suit is an essential piece of protective equipment that provides critical life-saving protection to bomb technicians during explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations. The suit is designed to safeguard the wearer from the blast effects of explosive devices, including fragmentation, overpressure, and heat. The integrated communications system allows the technician to maintain real-time contact with the command post and other team members, improving coordination and safety during high-risk incidents. The acquisition of this equipment ensures that the Merced Police Department’s Bomb Squad remains properly outfitted to respond to hazardous situations and aligns with national safety standards used by other bomb squads across the region.
We are requesting the waiving of competitive bidding requirements, as the Med-Eng bomb suit is the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recommended and approved protective suit for all public safety bomb squads nationwide, ensuring compliance with national standards and interoperability with other accredited agencies. Standardizing equipment promotes safer, more efficient operations by ensuring every officer is trained on and familiar with the same tools. It strengthens interoperability during critical incidents, reduces logistical burdens, and simplifies maintenance and replacement cycles. Consistent equipment also enhances coordination when working alongside partner agencies that rely on similar platforms.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting the City Council to accept FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSGP) in the amount of $45,018 and the $1,390.36 shortfall will come out of the police approved FY 25-26 budget. This would also require the use of pooled cash until the reimbursement is received.
This item will require 5 affirmative votes for City Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft minutes from Big 5 meeting
2. Current quote from Med-Eng
3. Old quote from Med-Eng.
4. Resolution 2025-74