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Purchasing committee recommends sole-source narcotics tester, three police SUVs and other contracts
Summary
The purchasing committee voted to recommend awards for four procurements: a sole-source narcotics-testing device (Thermo Scientific) for $40,008.80, three police Durangos and outfitting (~$178,825.57), a DPW chassis installation for $76,075, and an emergency gate repair up to $14,000; all were recommended to the council by voice vote.
The purchasing committee recommended awards for four procurement items on its agenda, the chair said, advancing each to the council for final approval.
The committee recommended a sole-source purchase of narcotics-testing equipment for the police department from Thermo Scientific Portable and Analytical Instruments Inc for $40,008.80. Chair (S1) read the vendor and price and committee members discussed the device’s role: whether it tests samples or individuals and the substances it detects. "So, this would be a great purchase," said Committee member (S3), citing fentanyl risks and the safety benefits of improved field testing. The committee moved, seconded and voted to recommend the award to the council.
Members clarified that the device analyzes seized or submitted samples rather than testing people, and compared it to older ampoule-style kits previously used by the department. Committee members emphasized safety precautions for handling potent substances during testing.
The panel also recommended buying three Dodge Durangos and related outfitting through a pre-bid cooperative (Greater Boston Police Council coop). Chair (S1) presented line-item estimates: vehicles $120,809; equipment about $47,067; graphics $3,085; and a mobile data terminal around $7,000, for a total presented of approximately $178,825.57. The purchases would be charged to the police detail fund and the vehicles are intended primarily for traffic enforcement. Committee member (S4) moved to recommend waiving competitive bidding and awarding the work to Central Dodge, Island Tech Services, Municipal Graphics and Northeast MDT; the motion passed by voice vote.
For public works, the committee recommended awarding a contract to JC Madigan for $76,075 to install an International cab/chassis and remount an existing stainless-steel dump body onto that chassis. Committee discussion clarified the scope: the dump body will be transferred to a new chassis rather than replaced. The motion to recommend the award was made, seconded and passed.
Finally, the committee recommended an emergency procurement to replace a failing main gate at the police department. The chair noted prior repairs and that the request had been covered by an earlier resolution; the committee recommended awarding up to $14,000 to City Works Corp for the replacement. The motion was approved and the committee adjourned; no public comment was recorded.
All actions on the agenda were recommended to the council by voice vote and will return to the council for final action.
