The Fire Department currently has each front line apparatus equipped with a Mobile Data Terminal, (Windows-based Tablet) for use in response through the Computer Aided Dispatch used by the City of Independence for emergency response. These tablets allow apparatus to be dispatched based on their actual location, sending the closest unit for quicker response. Information collected is displayed live for our crews to see as they are responding and gain GIS updated mapping, valuable pre-plan information and alerts for specific addresses. Beginning this fiscal year, as companies are out doing business life safety inspections, they will be able to also use the tablet for our cloud-based inspection program. These new mobile tablets will replace existing tablets that are close to the end of life and will be upgraded to a more ruggedized tablet. In addition to each tablet, hardware mounting equipment and accessories will also be included.
The equipment needed is being acquired through RTI, who has a cooperative contract with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), which is the basis of the pricing.
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.
Approval of this item authorizes change orders up to ten (10) percent of the original authorized amount, providing appropriations are available.