TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with GTSI Inc., to upgrade the Police Department's Mobile Computer System according to the terms and conditions afforded Fairfax County, Virginia, on behalf of U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance; and authorize City Manager to execute a lease-purchase agreement and related financing documents with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC, in an amount not to exceed
$2,902,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) uses mobile computers in their field units for suspect investigation. Most of the computers currently utilized were purchased eight years ago from Litton, Inc. The technology of these computers is outdated, and the current hardware can only support Windows 98, which is no longer supported by Microsoft. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has mandated that all computer transactions that the Police send be encrypted. The software to allow the encryption (Tiburon MDS software) has greater system requirements than the Litton computers provide.
The LBPD researched several replacement options for its field units. Their findings show that the Panasonic Toughbook, mounted in the trunk, with front cab mounted screens and keyboards, would be the best option for the City of Long Beach. The computers have swappable hard drives, which allow malfunctioning computers to be replaced with working units in a matter of minutes, keeping the LBPD vehicles in the
field for a longer period of time. The Toughbook has proved successful in other Southern California agencies, including the San Diego Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
The LBPD, with the collaboration of the Purchasing Division, investigated various procurement options and learned that Fairfax County, Virginia, had completed a competitive bid process on behalf of US. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance and the City of Los Angeles for electronic safety equipment, which includes the Panasonic Toughbooks recommended by LBPD. The U.S. Communities Government
Purchasing Alliance has established a national structure for local government agencies contracts meeting government agencies' piggyback requirements. This contract requires vendors to commit to the lowest available pricing for local agencies nationwide, and to further commit to match lower pricing under the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance if the local agency is eligible through a state, regional, or local contract. GTSI Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder.
It is being recommended to enter into a $2,494,878 plus tax contract with GTSI Inc., under the terms and conditions afforded the County of Fairfax, Virginia, for the purpose
of upgrading the *LBPD's mobile computer system. The sales tax associated with this transaction, in the estimated amount of $185,543, will be self-accrued by the City. The recommended contract is based on replacement of all 315 patrol and spare units. This acquisition is to be lease-financed through Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC, at a total cost not to exceed $2,902,000 over a four-year financing period.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
[Fiscal Impact]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PURCHASE ELECTRONIC SAFETY
EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
COUNTY OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA AND GOVERNMENT
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.
Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]