Title
CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND CAMERA WARRANTIES FROM WATCHGUARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,786.15 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
BODY
BACKGROUND: In 2017, the City purchased 125 Vista Body Worn Cameras and seven 4RE in-car video systems from WatchGuard. Along with the cameras, the City also purchased Evidence Library and Redactive software. In 2018, the City purchased an additional 60 Vista Body Worn Cameras bringing the total number of cameras to 192.
DISCUSSION: The manufacturer’s warranty has expired on all 192 cameras. WatchGuard offers an extended warranty on the cameras for an additional two years on the Vistas, with April 2022 ending the warranty on the original 125 Vistas. The 60 Vistas purchased by the City in 2018 have one more year on the warranty and if this warranty is purchased, the 60 Vistas would be warrantied until April 2023. The seven 4REs are warrantied an additional two years. The cameras have proven to be a valuable tool for officers and administration, as well as an expectation of transparency and accountability to the community.
Because WatchGuard is the only company that sells the Vista, 4RE, Evidence Library and offers the Redactive software, WatchGuard was selected for the purchase of the continued warranty and maintenance. Section 8-204(b)(2) of the Code of the City of Norman authorizes the City Council to waive competitive bidding for the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services which can be furnished only by a single dealer or which have a uniform price whenever bought. WatchGuard is the sole provider of the Vista Body Worn Cameras, the 4RE in-car systems, Evidence Library and the corresponding Redactive software. Additionally, long term updates to the system have been made as part of the FYE 22 budget process.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council approve the purchase of the extended warranties for the 185 Vista cameras, the seven 4REs, and the software maintenance for Evidence Library and Redactive software as quoted by WatchGuard in the amount of $71,786.75. Funds for the warranties and maintenance are available in the Business Services - Data Processing Account (10660310-44107).