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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1g: Purchase of Replacement Mobile Digital Computers for Police Department.Boa STAFF REPORT Police Department DATE: March 5, 2013 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police By: Adriana Garcia, Management Analyst SUBJECT: APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF NINE MOTOROLA MDCs AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM DAY WIRELESS SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,190.44; AND WAIVE THE FORMAL BID PROCESS Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY The City's equipment replacement policy establishes timelines for computer replacement in order to ensure that staff has equipment that is sufficient to meet current technological demands. Some of the Police Department's mobile digital computers (MDCs) are over five years old and in need of replacement under this policy. It is recommended that nine new Motorola brand MDCs be purchased for a total of $54,190.44. Funds for this purchase have been budgeted in the FY 2012 -13 Capital Improvement /Equipment Replacement budget (Account 619 - 2103 - 8801). BACKGROUND In 2000, the City Council approved the purchase of hardware and software to install MDCs into police vehicles. Since then, MDCs for patrol units have become the standard for police department field operations across the country. MDCs allow officers to quickly access criminal justice data, efficiently communicate with one another, and write police reports in the field. The resourcefulness of MDCs enhance officer safety, promote efficiency, and reduce the amount of voice radio traffic, thereby keeping radio frequencies clear for urgent or emergency transmissions. Replacement of Motorola MDCs March 5, 2013 Page 2 of 2 DISCUSSION Some of the MDCs installed in patrol vehicles are beyond their 5 -year life expectancy and are in need of replacement. The Department conducted a six month trial of both Panasonic and Motorola computers in preparation for this purchase — each of which was comparable in pricing to the other. The trial showed that patrol officers overwhelmingly supported and preferred the Motorola MDC, citing its ease of use, quick startup time, and ability to dim quickly. Additionally, by purchasing the Motorola brand MDCs, the Department's communications system will consist entirely of Motorola equipment - making it easier to update and integrate with future accessories, systems, GPS devices, and cameras. FISCAL IMPACT Funds for the purchase of the Motorola MDCs have been allocated in the FY 2012 -13 Capital Improvement /Equipment Replacement Fund (Account 619 - 2103 - 8801). RECOMMENDATION Approve the purchase of nine Motorola MDCs and accessories for the Police Department from Day Wireless Systems in the amount of $54,190.44; and waive the formal bid process. Approved= Dominic La��are�t� City Manager