Brand_Name_Justification.docx

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION FOR WHELEN PRODUCTS

The Whelen brand name products meets unique qualifications for enforcement light bars used in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation’s vehicles. Because vehicles are leased thru GSA, light bars that are installed with minimal damage to the vehicles are required. These lights also provide the option of Red or Blue lights being used, which will meet all State requirements for Law Enforcement vehicles to use.

The Whelen products are more conducive to the concealment of the product once installed in the vehicle as well as the wiring requirements (light bar, siren and radio) during installation of the product in the covert vehicles. Whelan products are designed specific to law enforcement needs (compact, inconspicuous design, sturdy, durable) and take into account the additional voltage needed to operate the lights while driving. Whelan products are also designed to be covert as to not conceal the intended purpose of the vehicle (smaller profile maximizes space for optimal versatility).

In FY17, the IRS acquired an “equal” brand, and IRS-CI is still dealing with the ramifications of the “equal” product. Installations need to be re-done as the product does not stay mounted. Additional brackets had to be purchased as the “equal” brand shield mounts were thin, not sturdy and continue to fall from the mounted position. This placed the driver’s safety in jeopardy at times as mounted lights have fallen into the laps of drivers and /or passengers while the vehicle was in motion.