HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2h: Purchase of 10 Replacement Mobile Digital Computers for Police Department from Amrel i►��.::.: r""
TAFF REPORT 0,43
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Police Department
DATE: April 5, 2011
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert P. Sanderson, Chief of Police
Nancy Chik, Senior Management Ana yst
SUBJECT: Purchase of Replacement Mobile Digital Computers
Recommendation: Authorize the purchase of ten mobile digital computers
for the Police Department from Amrel in the amount of $59,619.38.
SUMMARY
The current mobile digital computers (MDC's) are over five years old and are in need of
replacement. Staff recommends the purchase of ten new Amrel brand MDC's for a
total of $59,619.38.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
In 2000, the City Council approved the purchase of hardware and software to install a
mobile digital computer system into police vehicles. MDC's for patrol units have
become the standard for field operations for police agencies across the country. MDC's
allow officers to immediately access criminal justice data from computers mounted in
the patrol cars. This rapid access of data enhances officer safety, promotes efficiency,
and reduces the amount of voice radio traffic, thereby keeping radio frequencies clear
for urgent or emergency activities.
At that time, the Department purchased Amrel brand rugged notebook computers and
they have proven to be a reliable product. The Amrel brand computers can only be
purchased directly through the manufacturer and therefore is considered a sole source
vendor.
The MDC's currently installed in the patrol vehicles are over five years old and need to
be replaced. Instead of purchasing all new MDC's at one time, the Department plans
on replacing half of the MDC's this fiscal year and the other half during the next fiscal
year.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff has budgeted the necessary funds in the FY 2010 -2011 Equipment Replacement
Program for this purchase.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the purchase of ten mobile digital computers for the Police Department
from Amrel in the amount of $59,619.38.
Approved:
Donald Penman, City Manager