On Monday, March 9, City Council will vote on Resolution 2026-03-09-R05 to accept $355,066 from the Princeton Community Development Corporation (CDC) for the purchase of a replacement specialty emergency response vehicle for the Princeton Police Department.
What Is Being Bought
The proposed purchase is a Terradyne Gurkha armored vehicle built on a 2026 model chassis and designed for police departments, with NIJ Level IV+ ballistic protection.
Why the City Says It Wants This
Police say the new vehicle would replace the department’s current 2012 MRAP, which is described in city materials as large, intimidating in appearance, and difficult to maneuver in residential environments.
According to the memo, the new vehicle is intended to be more versatile for Princeton and could support:
• rescues
• evacuations
• medical staging
• active threat situations
• community events and outreach
The stated goal is to have a vehicle that is both more functional in neighborhood environments and more approachable in public-facing settings.
How the Vendor Was Chosen
Police issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a specialty emergency vehicle. The solicitation was publicly posted, and responses were due on November 13, 2025.
The city received two responses, and Terradyne is listed as the lowest bidder.
The bid tab shows:
• Terradyne: $355,066
• Alpine Armoring: $424,977
The bid tab also states that Alpine’s proposal was not as specified and references a Ford F-600 platform and a CDL requirement.
What the $355,066 Includes
Terradyne’s proposal lists the following cost breakdown:
• Base vehicle price: $244,096
• Optional upgrades: $101,120
• Shipping: $9,850
• Total: $355,066
Who Pays
Police say this purchase is only possible through CDC donation funds in the amount of $355,066.
The memo states that the CDC board authorized the donation on February 18, 2026, and that the Finance Department will address the related budget entries through a mid-year budget amendment.
Important Clarification
This vote is about accepting and appropriating CDC funds so the city can purchase the vehicle.
It is not framed in the agenda materials as a general-fund purchase.
Timeline
The memo states that fabrication is expected to take approximately 210 days, with delivery anticipated in October 2026.
Why Residents Should Care
This is a significant public safety purchase, and it raises several practical questions residents may want answered clearly:
• What situations would it actually be used for in Princeton
• How often would it likely be deployed
• How does the city balance tactical capability with community perception
The Princeton Journal will post the vote results after the meeting.