DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
SAPD - Helicopter Airborne Camera
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance authorizing the purchase of an Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera from Wescam, Inc. d/b/a L-3 Wescam, to conduct aerial searches for missing persons, suspects, evidence and equipment. The new MX10 camera system from Wescam, Inc. d/b/a L-3 Wescam will provide enhanced search capabilities for law enforcement. This procurement was processed utilizing a Public Health or Safety Exemption for brand / model specificity in accordance with the equipment recommendation by the Labor Relations Committee for an amount not to exceed $267,768.00. Funding in the amount of $261,497.92 is available from 2013 State Homeland Security Program Grant and $6,270.08 is available in the 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This purchase of an Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera is funded through the 2013 State Homeland Security Program Grant and 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative and will provide the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Helicopter Detail with superior day and night time video capabilities which are vital for recording and transmitting surveillance information to both the Police Department Communications Unit and the Mobile Command Post. Through its enhanced technology and long range infrared optics, the Airborne Camera System provides high performance detection, recognition, identification and tracking of persons and vehicles over long distances in daylight, in total darkness and in less than ideal weather conditions.
The City issued solicitations for this item on two separate occasions, 6/25/2014 and 8/5/2014. Based upon the responses received, the City was unable to reach agreeable contract terms. As a result of the unsuccessful solicitations, SAPD through the Labor Relations Committee requested to exempt this procurement citing Public Health & Safety for brand / model specificity.
This acquisition is targeted to specifically replace equipment and outdated technology in order to capture and transmit color or thermal based video images to assist field officers with their daily operations which includes locating suspects, lost individuals or potential terror suspects.
This solicitation was styled to include optional items that allow for image blending capabilities. SAPD opted not to purchase these options and will move forward with only the base items specified.
ISSUE:
Council is requested to approve the purchase of the Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera. The purchase of this Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera will provide the SAPD Helicopter Detail with superior day and night time video capabilities which are vital for recording and transmitting surveillance information to both the Police Department Communications Unit and the Mobile Command Post.
The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy ordinance requirements were waived due to the lack of qualified SMWBE's available to provide the goods and services.
This contract is an exception to the Local Preference Program.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this purchase not be approved, SAPD will continue to use outdated technology and equipment which has reached the end of its life cycle. The equipment is no longer under manufacturer's warranty and replacement parts are no longer readily available. Maintenance costs will continue to rise in keep the current equipment functional, and only if parts are available.
This acquisition is targeted to specifically replace outdated technology and equipment in order to capture and transmit color or thermal based video images to assist field officers with their daily operations which includes locating suspects, lost individuals or potential suspects.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the purchase of an Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera from Wescam, Inc. d/b/a L-3 Wescam, for an amount not to exceed $267,768.00. Funding in the amount of $261,497.92 is available from 2013 State Homeland Security Program Grant and $6,270.08 is available in the 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of the agreement with Wescam, Inc., d/b/a L-3 Wescam to provide SAPD with an Airborne Color/Infrared Imaging Camera for an amount not to exceed $267,768.00.
This contract was procured by means of a Public Health or Safety Exemption in order to preserve and protect the public safety of the city's residents and a Contracts Disclosure Form is not required.