Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the State of Texas Office of the Governor’s FY2027 Operation Lone Star grant program (OLS) to seek funding for the purchase of an icor mini-caliber tactical robot for the Bay Area Regional Bomb Squad (BARBS) (Chief of Police)
Background:
Approval of this item will allow the City to pursue state funding to close a critical capability gap, enhance regional bomb response operations, and protect residents, visitors, and key infrastructure without impact to the City’s General Fund. This asset is critical for interdicting Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) activity, including UAS-borne (Drone) explosive threats and maritime-based smuggling hazards.
The Governor’s Office, through the Office of the Governor - Public Safety Office, is soliciting grant applications to support border security and interdiction efforts under Operation Lone Star (OLS). The purpose of this funding is to enhance regional capabilities to address transnational criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, explosives, and emerging asymmetric threats that pose a risk to public safety and critical infrastructure.
The League City Police Department, on behalf of the Bay Area Regional Bomb Squad (BARBS), is requesting approval to submit a grant application in the amount of $163,534 to acquire an ICOR Mini-CALIBER Tactical Robot. This lightweight, man-portable robotic platform will enhance the squad’s ability to interdict illicit narcotics and explosives along the I-45 corridor and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, directly supporting the Governor’s Border Security Disaster Declaration.
Current intelligence indicates that Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) are increasingly utilizing weaponized drones and operating in confined maritime environments where traditional, heavy-duty bomb robots cannot maneuver. BARBS’ existing robotic platforms weigh more than 500 pounds and are designed for open-area, vehicle-borne threats. There is currently a 100% gap in man-portable robotic capability needed for rapid vertical deployment and confined-space interdiction.
The Mini-CALIBER system will provide a “trunk-deployable” asset capable of remote-only intervention, reducing the need for hands-on inspections of suspected booby-trapped loads and shifting risk away from bomb technicians. This capability will help maintain safe and continuous operations along critical infrastructure corridors, including the Port of Galveston and regional transit routes.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Copy of grant opportunity
3. Grant application pre-approval
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
FUNDING
{x} If approved, funding in the amount of $163,534 will be budgeted in Police Equipment 2100000-55730, upon Council’s approval of the FY2027 budget. Grant Proceeds will post to State grant revenue account #0100-48050 in the same amount to offset the expenses.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor - Safe and Desirable Community