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Public Safety Committee backs purchase of two explosive‑ordnance robots, waives bid
Summary
The Overland Park Public Safety Committee voted unanimously May 14 to recommend the city council waive competitive bidding and approve purchase of two explosive‑ordnance disposal robots from ICor Technology for up to $344,975 using a GSA cooperative contract, citing interoperability with regional teams and wear on existing equipment.
The Overland Park Public Safety Committee voted on May 14 to recommend that the City Council waive the bid process and approve the purchase of two explosive‑ordnance disposal (EOD) robots from ICor Technology in an amount not to exceed $344,975, to be procured via a GSA cooperative purchasing contract.
Captain Kelly Haas told the committee the department’s oldest large robot — purchased in 2019 — has substantial wear, particularly in the manipulator arm and track stability. Haas described two models proposed for purchase: a larger, more stable unit with outriggers and integrated disruptors and a smaller, more portable unit used often on tactical calls.
Haas said the larger robot can carry an x‑ray unit, operate on multiple cameras and audio feeds, and remotely employ two firing/disruption devices when necessary. The smaller robot offers greater portability for entry‑level tactical operations and can act as a mesh repeater, extending the larger robot’s range. “They can use the manipulator arm to take an x‑ray machine down and put it beside the suspicious package so that they can try to see what's inside that package,” Haas said.
Pricing presented in committee materials and discussion identified the smaller unit at about $76,000 and the larger unit at about $268,000; staff summarized the combined not‑to‑exceed amount as $344,975. Haas said a key factor in recommending ICor was interoperability: seven regional bomb teams use ICor robots and shared equipment and personnel may be required during larger events (staff cited the upcoming World Cup as an example of an event that could require shared resources).
A committee member asked why the city should waive bidding; Haas said the market for these devices is limited, the vendor has provided strong after‑warranty support and commonality with regional partners improves operational effectiveness.
A motion to recommend the waiver and purchase was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously. The item will now proceed to the full City Council for final approval under the recommended GSA cooperative contract.
