HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10k - Purchase of 3-D Laser Scanner System (Forensic ScanStation)
DATE: November 20, 2018
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police
By: Dr. Jennifer Brutus, Sr. Management Analyst
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF A 3-D LASER SCANNER SYSTEM (FORENSIC
SCANSTATION) BY LEICA GEOSYSTEMS FROM PRECISION SURVEY
SUPPLY, LLC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000
Recommendation: Waive the Formal Bid Process and Approve
SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and authorize the
Arcadia Police Department to purchase one new 3-D survey-grade high-speed laser
scanner system called a Forensic ScanStation by Leica Geosystems from Precision
Survey Supply, LLC in an amount not to exceed $90,000.
DISCUSSION
Law enforcement agencies invest in unique 3 -D laser scanners to aid in forensic and
public safety investigations. From traffic collisions to homicides, 3D laser scanners
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crime scene investigation, crash
reconstruction, and subsequent expert testimony. Processing a crime scene takes a lot
of time and police departments are turning to 3 -D laser scanners to improve workflow
and increase the precision and accuracy of data collection.
Staff researched laser scanners that are used for investigative work and found that the
ScanStation manufactured by Leica Geosystems meets all of the Department’s
investigation needs for its speed and spherical imaging capabilities. The ScanStation is
the only 3-D scanner on the market to scan images at 2,000,000 points per second with
Waveform Digitizing (“WFD”) technology, and can be used in inclement weather.
Since Leica is the sole manufacturer of the Forensic ScanStation and Precision Survey
Supply is the sole distributor, a traditional bid process is not possible and it will be
necessary to waive the formal bid process for th is product. It should also be noted that
Leica is the only scanner manufacturer that publishes their accuracy measurements,
Purchase of 3-D Laser Scanner System (ScanStation)
November 20, 2018
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provides a diagnostic report to be used in court, and whose training is certified and
accredited by the International Association of Identification (“IAI”).
Aside from the Leica ScanStation, there are two top competitors who manufacture 3 -D
forensic scanners. The FARO Scanner is $81,604 compared to the Trimble TX8
Scanner System at $91,909. The p rice of the Leica ScanStation is in the median range
and surpasses the other scanners’ capabilities and usefulness, as noted above.
The purchase amount also includes system configuration, forensic-based training,
repair and troubleshooting services, software, and access to a local Precision Survey
Supply service center located in Rancho Cucamonga. In addition, the Department will
have access to 24/7 technical support at no additional charge.
Therefore, it is recommended that the recommended City Council waive the formal bid
process and authorize the purchase of the Forensic ScanStation by Leica Geosystems
from Precision Survey Supply, LLC in an amount not to exceed $90,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds in the amount of $90,000 have been allocated in the FY 2018-19
Equipment Replacement Budget for the purchase of the Forensic ScanStation.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council waive the formal bid process and approve the
purchase of a 3-D laser scanner system (Forensic ScanStation) by Leica Geosystems
from Precision Survey Supply, LLC in an amount not to exceed $90,000.