LOCAL GUARD FORCE VEHICLES FUNDING REQUEST

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000107 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR DS/IP/OPO/FPD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ABUD ASUP AFIN SUBJECT: LOCAL GUARD FORCE VEHICLES FUNDING REQUEST REF: A.) RSO memo dated 11/03/2005 B.) Tokyo RPSO e-mail dated 11/08/2005 ¶1. Post requests funding to replace our existing two (2) LGP roving patrol vehicles that have exceeded their life-cycle: --A) Vehicle No. 1 Isuzu Pickup VIN No. JAATFS55H37102871 Purchase date 04-Oct-2003 Mileage - 152,654 kms. --B) Vehicle No. 2 Isuzu Pickup VIN No. JAATFS55H37102872 Purchase date 04-Oct-2003 Mileage - 151,070 kms. --C) Original purchase price: (1) Vehicle No. 1 - US $28,335.00 (2) Vehicle No. 2 - US $28,335.00 ¶2. Post's two (2) roving patrol vehicles have surpassed their normal life expectancy for a patrol vehicle. ¶3. Due to extreme wear caused by poor road conditions in Barbados, operational coverage is being affected. The existing patrol vehicles have experienced significant amounts of "down time". Both vehicles are currently in the shop for major mechanical repairs. During the life of both vehicles, repairs have included: --A) Rebuilt motor, gear box, several clutch replacement, steering and alignment, shocks, body work, hoses and fuses and tire replacements. --B) Total repair and maintenance costs from 2004 to present: (1) Vehicle No. 1 - US $14,214.00 (2) Vehicle No. 2 - US $13,609.00 ¶4. On November 2, 2005, ARES Security Group's President informed Post management that the local guard roving patrol drivers have reported near accidents due to the Isuzu pick-up's light rear end (ref. A). Barbados streets are frequently slippery due to the numerous days of tropic rains. ¶5. Gasoline cost in Barbados is 55% higher than the cost of diesel fuel. As a result, the purchase of a foreign made diesel vehicle will result in a savings of several thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs. ¶6. The following are vehicle purchase quotes, including Cost/Insurance/Freight (CIF) from local dealers and RPSO/Tokyo (ref. B): --A) Toyota (Landcruiser) - US $33,766.00 (RPSO/Tokyo) --B) Mitsubishi (Pajero) - US $42,837.50 (Local Dealer) --C) Toyota (Landcruiser) - US $40,000.00 (Local Dealer) --D) Nissan (Patrol) - US $40,750.00 (Local Dealer) NOTE: The cost of a locally procured vehicle (similar to Toyota Land Cruiser) (same specs as provided to RPSO/Tokyo) is almost US$6,000 higher than RPSO/Tokyo's quote. ¶7. If post is authorized replacement roving patrol vehicles, the two current roving patrol vehicles will be transferred to GSO for disposal. ¶8. ACTION REQUESTED: --A) Post requests authorization to purchase two (2) Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar vehicles from Tokyo- RPSO to be used for local guard roving patrol vehicles. --B) Requested Vehicle Specifications: Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar vehicle 4 x 4 (part-time) Steering: Right-hand (same as Japan) Transmission: Automatic Interior: Cloth Engine: 3000cc Diesel Turbo --C) If authorization is granted, funding in the amount of USD 68,000 will be needed to pay for the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) from Tokyo to Bridgetown. --D) Post also requests DS/IP/OPO/FPD provide a copy of disposal form 1559. GILROY