REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 23, 2025
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Purchase Order for Load Bearing Vests and Accessories
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve the issuance of a Purchase Order to Galls, LLC, in the amount of $4,769,599 for the provision of 2,250 Load Bearing Vests and accessories manufactured by Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
2. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute change orders to the Purchase Order with Galls, LLC, as specified in Recommendation No. 1, as long as the total aggregate amount of such change orders does not exceed $476,960 or 10% of the original Purchase Order.
3. Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post adjustments to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator’s 2025-26 budget, as detailed in the Financial Impact section (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Carolina Mendoza, Chief Deputy Director, 387-0640)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Department) is requesting the use of additional Discretionary General Funding in the amount of $3,414,100 for the purchase of 2,250 Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (Point Blank), Load Bearing Vests (LBV) and accessories from Galls, LLC (Galls). The Department set aside the funding in their 2024-25 budget, however, due to the necessary rigorous evaluation process of the vests and accessories samples, the Department was unable to complete the purchase prior to fiscal year-end. As a result, the $3.4 million set-aside for the purchase was returned to the General Fund. Additionally, the Department deferred $1.4 million from prior year revenue from its Law Enforcement Services contracts to fund the purchase of the vests for their positions.
The requested increase of $476,960 through change orders, is due to potential material costs increases including but not limited to, new or revised tariffs or other external economic factors beyond the control of Galls, which will be funded out of the Department’s 2025-26 existing budget allocations.
The Department requests the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post the following adjustments to the 2025-26 budget:
|
Fund Center |
Commitment Item |
Description |
Action |
Amount |
|
4430001000 |
52002030 |
Safety Equipment |
Increase |
$3,414,100 |
|
1280001000 |
56006000 |
Appropriation Contingencies |
Decrease |
$3,414,100 |
|
4410001000 |
52002030 |
Safety Equipment |
Increase |
$1,355,499 |
|
4410001000 |
40709565 |
Law Enforcement Services |
Increase |
$1,355,499 |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
LBVs are essential for enhancing the user’s safety, efficiency, and operational readiness. By evenly distributing the weight of critical equipment, LBVs reduce physical strain and fatigue, enabling a Deputy Sheriff (Deputy) to perform their duties more effectively during long shifts and high-stress situations. Additionally, LBVs improve quick access to vital tools, support tactical flexibility through modular design, and can integrate ballistic protection for increased safety. The use of LBVs will not only promote a Deputy’s well-being and performance but also demonstrate the Department’s commitment to modernizing equipment and ensuring safer communities.
The Department is requesting a non-competitive procurement with Galls, as the exclusive distributor of Point Blank’s LBVs, in order to establish a new, standardized piece of equipment for its sworn personnel. The Department, through its Uniform Committee and Training Division, conducted a lengthy and thorough evaluation process that explored new and progressive uniform options to select an LBV that best meets the needs of a Deputy.
PROCUREMENT
The Department’s Uniform Committee conducted evaluations and wear tests of various LBV manufacturers: Blauer, Flying Cross, BPS Tactical, and Point Blank. Based on the evaluations, it was determined that Point Blank’s product provided the best option for the Department. The Purchasing Department supports the non-competitive procurement of LBVs. As the Point Blank LBVs meet functional specifications after testing multiple LBVs.
County Policy 11-04, Procurement of Goods, Supplies, Equipment, and Services, requires the Department to seek Board of Supervisors’ approval for non-competitive purchases in excess of $200,000.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Grace B. Parsons, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 29, 2025; Purchasing (Jason Cloninger, Lead Buyer, 387-0321) on September 12, 2025; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Charlene Huang, Auditor-Controller Manager, 382-7022) on August 28, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on September 9, 2025.