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Department: Police
Director: Ed Drain, Police Chief
Agenda Item: 400 TASER 10 Conducted Energy Weapons, a virtual reality training program, and Fuses software
Recommended Action: Purchase from an Existing Contract
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Item Summary
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To approve the purchase of subscription services for Conducted Energy Weapons and ancillary products and services, for a five (5 year) contract for the Police Department in the total amount of $2,172,634 from Axon Enterprises, Inc. through an existing contract; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. (BuyBoard Contract No. 743-24)
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Background
The Police Department recommends approval of a contract award to Axon Enterprise, Inc. for a five-year subscription agreement that includes 400 TASER 10 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), a virtual reality (VR) training program, and a renewed subscription for the Fusus real time intelligence software platform. This combined agreement will have a five-year total amount of $2,172,634, with annual payments of $428,303 and a first-year payment of $459,423 due to contract transition timing.
The Plano Police Department has for many years relied on CEWs and several integrated technology platforms to enhance officer and citizen safety, improve operational effectiveness, and increase transparency. The department currently maintains separate agreements with Axon for 350 TASER 10 conducted energy weapons and a subscription for the Fusus real time intelligence software platform. The proposed agreement consolidates these existing services into a single five-year contract while expanding departmental capabilities through the acquisition of 50 additional TASER 10 devices and an upgrade to the Certification Pro Plan that includes the full VR training system.
The VR training platform provides immersive, scenario-based instruction that enhances officer decision-making, communication, de-escalation techniques, and response to individuals experiencing mental health crises and other high-risk encounters.
The proposed agreement provides:
• Continued support and provision of required cartridges for 350 existing TASER 10 devices;
• Acquisition and deployment of 50 additional TASER 10 devices, increasing the department inventory to 400 devices;
• Continued licensing and support for the Fusus platform;
• Acquisition of the Axon VR training system and associated training content through the TASER 10 Certification Pro plan; and
• Equipment maintenance, software updates, technical support, and warranty services throughout the five-year contract term.
The agreement also includes credits for the remaining portion of the current Fusus contract and incorporates the remaining lease obligation for the existing TASER 10 devices into a single consolidated subscription.
The Police Department currently expends approximately $318,000 annually for 350 TASER 10 devices and approximately $90,000 annually for the Fusus platform, for a combined annual cost of approximately $408,000.
Upon execution of the new agreement, the existing TASER and Fusus contracts will terminate effective October 1, 2026, and be replaced by a consolidated annual subscription of $428,303.
The first-year payment of $459,423 reflects the timing of the contract transition and includes payments that would otherwise have occurred under the existing agreements. Beginning in year two, annual payments will be $428,303.
The Police Department’s Equipment Replacement Fund (ERF) will be utilized for the TASER 10 expansion with VR training program, while the Fusus subscription will continue to be funded through the Police Department’s maintenance agreement account (532.6313). The fees for Fusus will be reduced from $90,000 to $71,986 and this portion of the agreement will be subject to optional annual renewals.
For an overall increase of approximately $20,000 per year, the City of Plano will receive:
• Fifty (50) additional TASER 10 devices;
• Continued access to the Fusus platform;
• A comprehensive VR training system; and
• Consolidated licensing, maintenance, software updates, technical support, and warranty services under a single agreement.
This procurement represents a cost-effective expansion of the department's existing public safety technology portfolio while simplifying contract administration and providing predictable long-term pricing.
Approval of this agreement will:
• Improve officer and public safety through expanded deployment of conducted energy weapons;
• Increase the availability of less-lethal response options;
• Enhance officer training through immersive, evidence-based virtual reality scenarios;
• Improve responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises through enhanced de-escalation training;
• Strengthen real-time information sharing and situational awareness through continued use of the Fusus platform; and
• Support transparency, accountability, and professional policing practices.
These technologies contribute directly to safer outcomes for officers, community members, and individuals experiencing crisis while supporting the department's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
The Police Department recommends approval of this contract award to Axon Enterprise, Inc. as described above. Failure to proceed with this procurement will have a negative impact on the department's ability to provide outstanding services to all members of our community.
The City is authorized to purchase from a cooperative purchasing program with another local government or a local cooperative organization pursuant to Chapter 271 Subchapter F of the Texas Local Government code and by doing so satisfies any State Law requiring local government to seek competitive bids for items. (BuyBoard Contract No. 743-24 and City of Plano Contract No. 2026-0581-OA)
Financial Summary/Strategic Goals
This item approves a five (5) year subscription agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. for 400 TASER 10 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), a virtual reality (VR) training program, and a renewed subscription for the Fusus real time intelligence software platform. The total estimated amount to be spent on this subscription agreement is $2,172,634. The Police Department budget will cover the Fusus software platform in the amount of $312,751 (or $24,807 in 2026-27 and $71,986 in 2027-28 through 2030-31) and the Police Equipment Replacement Fund budget will cover the CEWs and VR Training Program in the amount of $1,859,883 (or $434,615 in 2026-27 and $356,317 in 2027-28 through 2030-31). Expenditures will be made in the Police Department budget and the Police Equipment Replacement Fund budget within the approved budget appropriations for each year of the contract.
Approval of this item will support the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factors of being an Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government with Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods.