I have sheriffs dept that is interested in obtaining some service rifles for the dept.... I have to turn in a proposal and I am looking for ideas on how this is conducted etc so I can make sure to include all the details. Thank you.
What is others routine with supplying the Dept???
As far as...
Purchase Order typed on a Letterhead ?
Payment ?
Delivery ?
Options ?
Who / What brands are most commonly sold to them ?
I'm glad that you are having some interest from the Sheriffs Department there. I am assuming you have an FFL, since you are asking for the details on supplying them.
For agency purchase, it has to be purchased on an official letterhead, signed by the head of the department, or in the case of a huge department, the purchasing agent, etc. All of this is layed out in the rules for the FFL holder as far as the federal law goes on this. You should check your state and local laws as well.
Below is the text from the ATF website:
Q: May a dealer sell firearms to law enforcement agencies and individual officers in another State?
Yes. Sales and deliveries of firearms to out-of-State police and sheriff departments are not prohibited by the GCA. A dealer may also sell or ship firearms, other than NFA firearms, to an individual law enforcement officer, regardless of age, if the dealer has a signed statement from the officer’s agency, stating that the items are to be used in the buyer’s official duties and that the officer has not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. No ATF Form 4473 or NICS check is required; however, the bound book must be properly posted, and the signed statement included in the dealer’s records. You should contact your State’s Attorney General’s Office to ensure there is no State prohibition on such sales.
[18 U.S.C. 925(a) (1), 27 CFR 478.134 and 478.141]
As to the payment aspect. Its a basic business deal. You can set whatever payment terms they will agree to. It could be cash on delivery, or purchase order paid within 30, 45, or 60 days. It could also be a payment deal such as, so much for a deposit to order, then the rest paid on delivery. There is also the typical financing options where you would set up a payment plan for them. Typically from my dealings the 12 years I had my FFL I transfered any firearms on signed letterhead, and submited a receipt upon delivery that was to be paid in 45 days. The only department that I dealt with on this used something similar to a purchase order, but it had another name (cant remember now). Also please do keep in mind that a law enforcement agency does not have to pay certain taxes if I remember correctly, which is a main reason that ammo, guns, etc are so much cheaper. Last I checked back in April, Winchester Ranger RA45T (dont have the box in front of me at the moment) was around $170 per 500 round case to an agency, $240 per 500 round case to an officer, and sometimes abit more to non-law enforcement through the chain of dealers since it is restricted by the manufacturer.
As to delivery, its up to you and the department to arrange. You can deliver them yourself, they come by your store front, or you can ship them. Since this is a transfer of firearm(s) to a law enforcement agency, you are not bound to requirement that all transfers with the exception of gunshows, take place at the address on your FFL per federal law, though I would check your state law and ensure there is no conflict.
You also asked what you should supply them with. Well, anything that you can supply them with, within the law, while making a profit and beating out any other bids. Typically, things are put out to open bid, or 3-5 suppliers are asked for a price, the lowest price wins generally, depending on availability, and the working relationship with that dealer.
I have no idea what type, (rural, urban, etc) department you are talking about. The main things FFL dealers sell to law enforcement are firearms, mags, ammo, duty gear (belts, holster etc). Keep in mind that most if not all the common law enforcement ammo is generally restricted by contract. I.E. As long as you buy it to sell to law enforcement agency or officer, you are good. If the maker of the ammo or a person representing them, such as a wholesaler, etc, were to catch you selling "Law enforcement Only" ammo or other items to civilians, you may not be able to purchase any more ammo etc through that wholesaler or ammo maker.
I can't say I always agree with the restrictions that a company puts on their product, but when you sign the agreement with them, or their wholesaler, you should check the fine print, then double check it.
I hope that gives you some help.
