TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including any necessary subsequent amendments, with Carahsoft Technology Corporation, of Reston, VA, for cell phone forensic software, on the same terms and conditions afforded to the Region 4 Education Service Center in a total amount not to exceed $394,196, until the Region 4 Education Service Center contract expires May 1, 2023, with the option to renew for as long as the Region 4 Education Service Center is in effect, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for the purchase of cell phone forensic software, Cellebrite Premium. This technology may only be used by trained detectives for criminal investigations when a search warrant has been authorized by a judge, or when written or verbal consent has been given by the mobile device owner. Digital evidence obtained from mobile devices is one of the most reliable forms of evidence in criminal investigations. The Cellebrite Premium software combines the ability to analyze and unlock a wide variety of mobile devices that assists detectives in establishing leads in criminal cases.
The Purchasing Division of the Financial Management Department researched procurement options for cell phone forensic software and discovered that other agencies had completed an open, fair, transparent, and competitive procurement process. The City of Long Beach (City) reviewed the cooperative agreement options and determined that the contract between Region 4 Education Service Center and Carahsoft Technology Corporation provided the best value to the City.
Carahsoft Technology Corporation was selected based on their competitive pricing, service level, and breadth of features offered. Region 4 Education Service Center issued an RFP for educational software solutions and services. Carahsoft Technology Corporation products are made available through the master inventory list with OMNIA Partners. OMNIA Partners responded with a full line of products and was awarded the contract. OMNIA Partners leverages over $100 billion in annual supply to command the best prices for products and services and the master agreement was made available to other public agencies nationally, including state and local governmental entities.
City Charter Section 1802 provides an alternative procurement method by permitting the City to purchase or otherwise obtain services, supplies, materials, equipment, and labor with other governmental agencies. This alternative procurement method can save time and reduce costs through economies of scale by purchasing under existing contracts from other government agencies on a voluntary and selective basis, when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on March 31, 2022, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on March 24, 2022, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on April 4, 2022.
EQUITY LENS
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit in this recommendation, as requested by the City Council on April 21, 2020. The equipment authorized herein will be used in accordance with State and federal laws to protect life and property, serving all people with respect, dignity and in a constitutional manner. The department anticipates no disparate impact or treatment in its use of the technology given that the technology by policy will only be used in criminal investigations with approval by the owner or authorization by a judge. In addition, the department has a firm policy prohibiting any bias-based policing practices as stipulated by Section 3.49.2 of the Long Beach Department Manual, “Biased policing and racial profiling are prohibited both in the enforcement of the law and the delivery of other police services.”
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award a contract concurrently is requested on April 19, 2022, to ensure the contract is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the contract will not exceed $394,196 until the Region 4 Education Service Center contract expires May 1, 2023, with the option to renew for as long as the Region 4 Education Service Center is in effect. The total contract cost will be funded by State COPS grant funds, which are currently budgeted in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department. The Police Department is also applying for UASI grant funding to cover a portion of the contract term. If awarded, and the Region 4 Education Service Center contract renewal options are exercised and in effect, the UASI grant funds would be used to offset the third year of the contract, freeing up the State COPs grant for other purposes. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
WALLY HEBEISH
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER