TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including amendments, with Agilent Technologies, Inc., of Santa Clara, CA, for furnishing and delivering a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument and accompanying equipment, hardware, and software, for a total contract amount not to exceed $366,636; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Police Department by $366,636, offset by Department of Treasury Asset Forfeiture Funds received. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Agilent), for the purchase of a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instrument and accompanying equipment, hardware, and software.
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) performs controlled substance analysis as part of its operations and services provided by the Forensic Science Services Division. A GC/MS instrument is an important piece of forensic crime lab equipment. This equipment is used by LBPD to confirm evidence for the presence of narcotics in forensic drug testing. The GC/MS instrument will assist with possible prosecutions by aiding with evidence provided during case filing. LBPD’s current controlled substance lab equipment is operated using procedures that are specific for Agilent instruments and software. LBPD’s forensic procedures, methods, manuals, software, and replacement parts are compatible with Agilent equipment. Agilent is the sole equipment manufacturer of the GC/MS instrument. Accordingly, purchasing a GC/MS instrument from a different company would render previously purchased parts and software as well was written procedures and manuals incompatible and unusable.
A competitive procurement process for the purchase of an Agilent GC/MS instrument is not feasible due to the proprietary nature of the equipment and the compatibility with existing LBPD forensic lab equi...
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