| | | | | | | | | City of Independence | | AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET |
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| | | | | | | | Agenda Title:
Council action to utilize service from Verizon Wireless Services LLC (Verizon) in the amount of $88,000.00 to cover the costs for air cards for the Police Department for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. |
| | | | | | | | Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval to utilize Verizon Wireless for air card service. |
| | | | | | | | Background:
The Independence Police Department utilizes mobile data terminals (MDTs) in all front line vehicles as well as numerous laptops and mobile devices throughout the department. These items require air cards or modems to connect to the internet and the City’s network. Verizon currently provides the connectivity between these devices and the network. IPD conducted an extensive evaluation of all the major wireless carriers several years ago, to determine who provided the best coverage throughout the area. This was the top priority in choosing a vendor to provide this service, as it is imperative for public safety to have consistent, reliable network access to all mobile devices at all times. Verizon was determined to have the best coverage and service, and they have continued to be a reliable partner since that time.
IPD currently has 170 devices requiring remote access and connectivity to the network, and each line costs approximately $40/month. The number of devices can change depending on vehicle usage, devices being taken out of service or new devices being added, so some fluctuation occurs throughout the year. Additional air cards may be added during the 2023/24 fiscal year. Total annual expenses for 2023/24 has been budgeted at $88,000. Since this is an annual expense, approval is being requested to spend up to ten (10) percent more than the current budget, $96,800 per fiscal year, provided this contract continues to be renewed and funds are budgeted and available.
Verizon is allowed to provide this service without a solicitation through use of National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) contract MA152. Competitive bidding is not required where supplies, materials, equipment, contractual labor, insurance and services are purchased through bids 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. Purchases by this method shall be exempt from Section 8.06.003 of the Code and shall not require formal Council approval, but will be reported in accordance with Section 8.06.003.
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Fiscal Impact:
Total fiscal impact to the City for this fiscal year is estimated to be $88,000. Funding is included in the fiscal year 2023-24 proposed budget, page 206, in the Police Department’s General Fund account 4511-5202 and page 220 in the Public Safety Sales Tax account 4562-5202.
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| | | | | | | | | Department: Police | Contact Person: Chief Adam Dustman |
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| REVIEWERS: | | Department | Action | | Purchasing Division (Finance Department) | Approved | | Police Department | Approved | | Finance Department | Approved | | City Managers Office | Approved | | City Clerk Department | Approved |
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| Council Action: | Council Action: |
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