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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 Special Procurement Request for the City of Springfield Police Department SWAT Team Rifle Replacement AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 5/21/2012 Meeting Type:Regular Meeting Staff Contact/Dept.: Chief Smith, Police Staff Phone No: 541-726-2320 Estimated Time: Consent Calendar S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Strengthen Public Safety by Leveraging Partnerships and Resources ITEM TITLE: SPCIAL PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SWAT TEAM RIFLE REPLACEMENT ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt/Not Adopt a Motion to Approve a Special Procurement Process for the Springfield Police Department SWAT Team Rifle Replacement ISSUE STATEMENT: The City of Springfield Police Department employs the use of a Special Weapons and Tactics Team as a resource for dealing with special circumstances to ensure the safety of citizens and police. The proposed replacement of our current weapons systems used by the SWAT Team would serve to provide standardization of training, ammunition and accessories as well as replacing aging firearms. Officers have researched and tested weapons and staff recommends the Department replace existing Heckler & Koch MP-5 weapons with Noveske SBR rifles. A Special Procurement process as defined under ORS279B.085 would authorize the Department procure Noveske SBR rifles. Since this approval seeks Council authorization to purchase directly from the manufacture, authorization of this Special Procurement will result in substantial savings that is in the public interest. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Council Briefing Memorandum DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL IMPACT: The acquisition would be made with Asset Forfeiture Funds. Attachment 1, Page 1 of 5 M E M O R A N D U M City of Springfield Date: 5/21/2012 To: Gino Grimaldi COUNCIL From: Jerry Smith, Chief of Police Jayne McMahan, Finance BRIEFING Subject: Brand Name Request for City of Springfield Police Department SWAT Team Rifles MEMORANDUM ISSUE: The City of Springfield Police Department employs the use of a Special Weapons and Tactics Team as a resource for dealing with special circumstances to ensure the safety of citizens and police. The proposed replacement of our current weapons systems used by the SWAT Team would serve to provide standardization of training, ammunition and accessories as well as replacing aging firearms. Officers have researched and tested weapons and staff recommends the Department replace existing Heckler & Koch MP-5 weapons with Noveske SBR rifles. A Special Procurement process as defined under ORS279B.085 would authorize the Department procure Noveske SBR rifles. Authorization of a Special Procurement process, followed by a publicized Notice of Intent, would promote the public interest and would not encourage favoritism or substantially diminish competition. The department would use Asset Forfeiture Funds for the acquisition of these weapons. COUNCIL GOALS/ MANDATE: Enhance Public Safety This replacement will provide appropriate, dependable equipment to provide police services to the community. BACKGROUND: Springfield Police SWAT Team has utilized the Heckler & Koch MP-5 for over 30 years. Of the existing MP-5’s one is 34 years of age and the others range from 20 – 30 years of age. The weapons have historically been reliable, but due to their age we are beginning to see malfunctions and weapons stoppages during range training. The opportunity to change weapon systems to an Automatic Rifle (AR) based platform will solve two additional issues for SPD SWAT. An AR based system would mirror our current patrol rifles that all officers are trained on. This reduces training time and provides uniformity and consistency for the officers. Currently half the SWAT team is issued MP-5’s and the other half Colt M4 rifles (AR). Transitioning the remaining weapon systems to an AR-based system would allow for the purchase of one type of ammo, interchangeability of magazines and other accessories, and the standardization of training protocol. Additionally, most SPD officers are familiar with AR- based rifles through the SPD Patrol Rifle Training program. AR-based rifles are carried in SPD patrol vehicles and officers are provided annual qualification opportunities with same. The second issue corrected by the proposed change would be that of over penetration. The 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington) cartridge exhibits much better terminal ballistics, velocity, and accuracy than found in the 9mm cartridge. Additionally, it exhibits less penetration on non- MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 2 target mediums (drywall, wood studs, etc) than the larger, more heavily constructed 9mm bullets. 5.56x45mm (.223) is infinitely more effective in defeating body armor than pistol ammunition, which is generally stopped by the most basic protective measures. In researching various replacement options current SPD firearms personnel, SWAT Team Supervisors, and outside agency SWAT personnel (OSP) were consulted and the most effective and appropriate replacement weapon system would be one based upon a short-barreled AR platform. The current Colt Patrol Rifle does not come in a short barrel. One of the primary benefits reaped from using a weapon system sized comparably to the MP-5 is enhanced handling. Short-barreled weapon systems allow for quicker, more controlled handling with the confines of structures common to CQB and SWAT operations. Shorter weapon systems allow for better weapon retention and decreased telegraphing during room entries. Short barrels also allow for safer, more effective weapon handling within confined modes of transportation. The traditional argument against short barrels is a loss of velocity. And while velocity loss is present, it is negligible on the terminal effect of the round on target in calibers not utilizing large case capacities (read: .300 Winchester Magnum). The velocity loss between 16” and 10.5” barrels in a standard chambered .223 Remington is approximately 300 fps. This represents a decrease in muzzle velocity from 3100fps to 2800fps. Most contemporary law enforcement projectiles function as designed at these speeds. As such, loss of velocity does not represent a measurably noteworthy argument against the use of short-barreled rifles. The use of short-barreled weaponry chambered in 5.56x45mm in a close-quarters combat environment necessitates the use of sound suppressing tools. The average noise level produced by these types of weapons (when discharged within the confines of a standard-sized room) is 140 to 160 dB. The level of noise required to cause hearing damage lies within the 120 to 140 dB range. Bearing the above listed consideration in mind, the new weapon system would ideally be equipped with a sound suppressor. In checking with several reputable and frequently utilized sound suppressor manufacturers, it became clear Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) currently manufactures suppressors which most closely match the needs of SPD personnel. The AAC M4-2000 reduces the perceived decibel output of a 10.5” barreled 5.56x45mm rifle approximately 32 to 35 dB. The net noise reduction brings levels to well within safe limits. Modern sound suppressors also provide other peripheral benefits. Due to the manner in which they retard the expenditure of heated gas from a given weapon system, suppressors generally cause a given weapon system to experience small gains in overall accuracy. This phenomenon is the result of the stabilization of gases as they exit the muzzle of the barrel in concert with the fired bullet. This same mechanism also allows most weapon systems to realize small gains in muzzle velocity, which is of benefit when velocity is lost due to a reduction in overall barrel length. The exterior of AAC’s suppressors is manufactured out of steel. Their internal components are formed using a super-alloy called Inconel. Inconel exhibits extreme heat and abrasion resistant properties and was first designed for use by NASA. Due to these properties, it is reasonable to expect the round count of AAC suppressors (as used in the above described system) to exceed 50,000 to 60,000 rounds. In reviewing and researching the existing manufacturers of short barreled rifles (SBR’s), it is the recommendation of SPD personnel that an SBR produced by Noveske Rifleworks (www.noveske.com) represent the ideal choice for SPD’s needs. Noveske Rifleworks is located in Grants Pass, Oregon. Noveske builds rifles to meet or exceed all of the required Department of Defense standards. They currently provides weapon systems to several state (OSP SWAT, as an example), local, and federal agencies and is a member of a very small group of builders who develop prototype weaponry for the Joint Special Operations Command. Noveske rifles operate using the same direct gas impingement system as Colt. The controls (fire control, magazine MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 3 release, bolt release) are identical to SPD’s currently used Colt rifles. It would be reasonable to expect these rifles to remain functional for well over 40,000 rounds. Additionally, any problems incurred during the course of SPD ownership of these rifles would be relatively easy to remedy. SPD has two M4 armors that are qualified to work on this class of weapon. Traditionally, when selecting an AR series rifle the user had to decide at the time of weapon build and purchase if the rifle was going to be used with or without a sound suppressor. Usage of sound suppressor on a rifle not originally designed for such would result in a multitude of problems, including premature weapon wear and damage. Conversely, failing to use a sound suppressor on a rifle designed for suppressor usage would induce weapon malfunctions and stoppages. Both circumstances are undesirable, causing unnecessary financial costs from premature weapon wear and damage plus the possibility of serious injury to the user. The problems are caused by the sound suppressor altering the timing and amount of gasses flowing through the gas system of the rifle upon firing of the weapon. The gasses over pressurize the operating system of the rifle when a sound suppressor is used on weapon not designed for such, and under pressurize the operating system of the rifle when a sound suppressor is not utilized on a rifle designed for sound suppressor usage. With the use of the Noveske Switchblock and a sound suppressor, these problems are all addressed and corrected. The Switchblock restores normal timing and gas pressures driving the operating system of the rifle with or without a sound suppressor being utilized. Benefits of the Switchblock include reduced recoil, normal cyclic rate of the weapon; faster target acquisition and reacquisition, increased round count on the weapon between necessary cleanings, increased weapon performance with sound suppressor usage, reduced wear on weapon components, increased service life of the weapon, and reduced propellant gas exposure to the shooter’s face. Noveske Rifleworks has patented the technology of the Switchblock, and is the only company to produce AR series rifles with such a device. This sets Noveske Rifleworks aside from all other AR series rifle manufactures, making their product technologically more advanced and advantageous to the user. Having the option to safely and reliably shoot an AR series rifle with or without a suppressor without damaging the weapon was not possible before the invention of the Switchblock by Noveske Rifleworks. Being able to use earplugs / external hearing protection instead of a sound suppressor during routine SWAT trainings will extend the service life of the sound suppressor itself. The Switchblock also allows for the gas operating system of the rifle to be completely shut off, thereby affording a single shot to be fired without the action of the weapon cycling back and forth causing noise. Tactical advantage is gained when the usage of a sound suppressor is combined with the ability to completely shut off the gas system of the rifle. This again is something unique from Noveske, and not obtainable from any other manufacturer of AR series rifles. Another unique and advantageous design specification of Noveske AR series rifles is their heavy chrome lining of rifle barrel. The barrels are made with the material callouts and manufacturing process for the M249 Machine Gun barrel, which has much higher service demands than a standard AR series rifle barrel. Noveske barrels are chrome lined to the spec for a M249 Machine Gun, which is about twice as thick as that of the chrome barrel lining offered by any other AR series rifle manufacturer. The resulting effect of the heavier chrome lining is a barrel that will have longer service life and can safely withstand heavy shooting and the high temperatures generated from such. Noveske’s lower and upper receivers have thicker walls than standard M4 variants and are, as such, more robust. Their magazine wells, as a result of their design, are beveled to allow more rapid, repeatable reloading. The thicker walls of the lower receiver are more resistant to wear from trigger and hammer pins, which are generally made of steel and can be hard on poorly made aluminum lower receivers. Noveske’s upper receivers feature a longer barrel tenon (the MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 4 part the barrel nut screws onto to secure the barrel to the upper receiver) which results in a stiffer connection between receiver and barrel. TEST & EVALUATION: A Noveske Rifle was obtained from the manufacture for testing and evaluation. Additionally, two models of sound suppressors manufactured by Advanced Armament Corporation (M4-2000 and Mini) were received. A testing and evaluation period was initiated 5 January 2012 and concluded 5 March 2012. SPD SWAT (to include the Team Commander, Team Sergeant, and Team Leader) and Firearms Instructor personnel were involved in the applicable T&E protocol. The given weapon system was subjected to several tests of reliability, maneuverability, and accuracy. Approximately three thousand rounds were cycled through the weapon system by SWAT and Firearms personnel. The results of the testing protocol were extensive. In summary, the weapon system was found to have exceptional accuracy, especially bearing in mind its 10.5” barrel. Additionally, after considerable use and minimal cleaning, the weapon system experienced only two malfunctions. Both were cleared easily and were directly related to magazine issues. They did not reflect on the reliability of the weapon. The AAC suppressors were remarkable in their sound suppression. Shooters could complete courses of fire without the use of any hearing protection using either of the suppressors. The M4-2000, specifically, reduced the perceived sound signature of the 5.56x45mm rounds to levels on par with a .22Short. No issues relating to reliability or accuracy were experienced. COST SUMMARY: The following section details the costs related to the purchase and outfitting of fourteen (14) new SWAT rifles. The applicable pricing represents the total weapon package (detailed below). Noveske SBR Rifle Package w/ accessories: • Noveske Rifle w/ 10.5” barrel • LaRue Tactical Mount (#LT-751) • Aimpoint Micro Optic • Troy Rear / Front Back-up Iron Sights • Surefire 620C Weapon Light w/ Larue Mount • Surefire SR07 Weapon Light Switch • Vickers Combat Sling • BCM 30-round magazines (5) • Advanced Armament Corp M4-2000 Sound Suppressor Unit Cost: $3,740.00 Total Cost: $52,360.00 MEMORANDUM 5/17/2012 Page 5 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Based on the background and analysis provided herein by the City of Springfield Police Department, the advantage for consistency of weapons operation and safer bullet performance the Noveske SBR rifle it is the recommended that the Council adopt a motion to approve a Special Procurement Process for City of Springfield Police Department SWAT rifle replacement.