The Power & Light Department needs to replace the existing Transmission & Distribution field staff computers, due to network security concerns prior to activating the live connection back to the network. The existing devices were purchased in early 2015 and have been imaged with Window 7 and only have 4GB of memory due to our original planned use. With technology changes within the department and opportunities available now to us to engage our field staff in direct interaction to data, coupled with the recent ransomware attack and new security software, we are left with no option but to replace the existing devices. This is also a recommendation in the July 2020 Management Analyst Report.
We have had discussions with Panasonic to evaluate our current needs in potential replacements, we have configured a rugged device suitable for not only our business needs but also meeting the environmental demands of this user base. We looked to model this user groups devices after those in use at both Evergy and Ameren and the requested device replacements follow this business model. The Panasonic Toughbook 55 is a proven device and is a fully rugged which is the industry standard for electric utilities. This device is also compatible with the existing truck mounts and charging stations already in place, so no additional expense is anticipated in this respect.
It is further recommended to purchase two Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 for use in the Forestry division. This device configuration would allow for staff to perform in field redlines and customer signature collection for tree replacement/trimming in turn providing greater efficiency than our current paper processes.
Additionally, the price point available to us by utilizing Turnkey Mobile, Inc. who is not only a Missouri company but also the local authorized Panasonic NASPO partner, is in line with our standard non-rugged devices. Utilizing the NASPO ValuePoint Contract pricing allows us to secure a device designed for our industry for nearly the same price we are buying office user laptops today. Turnkey Mobile, Inc. also offers a unique buyback program for our existing devices. While we won’t see a significant return on the buyback of our existing devices, we will lessen the financial impact for bringing these existing devices up to today’s technology needs.
Per section 8.06.004, Paragraph 4 of the City Code states competitive bidding is not required when purchases are made through a cooperative contract established by a government purchasing entity or cooperative. The cooperative bids used will have been established pursuant to RSMo. 70.220 or generally accepted governmental purchasing practices through the competitive bidding process.