Committee approves purchase of new Lenco BearCat armored vehicle with trade‑in offset
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Summary
High Point’s finance committee approved a sole‑source purchase order to Lenco Armored Vehicles for a new BearCat (G3); the city will apply a trade‑in credit from the 2013 vehicle and use equitable sharing funds for the purchase, with the net purchase price described in the meeting as $331,595.
Assistant Chief of Police Rachel Jaren asked the committee to approve a sole‑source purchase order to Lenco Armored Vehicles for a new BearCat armored vehicle.
Jaren said Chief Cheeks approved using equitable sharing funds for the purchase. She told the committee the city purchased its existing BearCat in 2013 from the same vendor and that the current vehicle is approaching the end of its useful life.
Jaren described the new G3 BearCat as having a larger floor plan, additional technical capabilities, and improved off‑road performance. She said the vendor has a trade‑in program and that the trade‑in value for the city’s vehicle would be applied to offset the cost; in committee remarks the trade‑in was stated as $5,151,350 and the resulting purchase price was described as $331,595. (Transcript numbers appear inconsistent; procurement documents should be used to confirm exact trade‑in credit and net price.)
Jaren said BearCats are primarily used for SWAT tactical operations to protect officers during approaches and to provide options such as rams, deployment outlets for munitions or communication equipment; she described the vehicle as a defensive tool to protect personnel. She said neighboring jurisdictions may on occasion request mutual aid that could include use of the vehicle.
A motion to approve the purchase order was made, seconded and passed.
