Title
Diversity RX Solution Camera Downlink Antenna - EXC 21-114 (Ordinance S-47613)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract for a one-time purchase with Helinet Aviation Services, LLC to purchase one, 6-way Diversity RX Solution Camera Downlink Antenna for the Police Department. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The aggregate agreement value will not exceed $119,305.
Report
Summary
The purpose of this contract is to purchase one, 6-way Diversity RX Solution Camera Downlink Antenna for the Police Department. The Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit currently utilizes a portable antenna system for downlinking aerial surveillance from aircraft. This system is several years old, no longer reliable and is not serviceable by the manufacturer. It also has numerous limitations including poor reception strength, line-of-sight requirements and temperature sensitivity. Additionally, this system is not capable of sending the received signal to the City network. The requested antenna would be mounted on top of City Hall, which would provide nearly unlimited reception across the City of Phoenix and beyond, while simultaneously allowing the received signal to be input to the City network. This network access would allow the video feed to be viewed both onsite and off-site by authorized personnel as events unfold, as well as provide temporary recording on network servers. While video will be temporarily recorded on network drives, evidentiary video will be recorded in the aircraft, to be downloaded and impounded as evidence per Criminal Justice Information Services and Phoenix Police Department policies. The downlink video feed has been found to be vital during major events and high-priority surveillance of criminal activity. All live-feeds will be encrypted. This purchase includes a two-year warranty of the system.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, normal competition was waived as a result of an approved Determination Memo which stated that with a more reliable, permanently mounted antenna, the Police Department would be provided with added security and safety for officers on the ground and the City will further reduce its liability in high-profile situations. The Diversity RX Solution Camera Downlink Antenna is the only available system that meets this need.
The Deputy Finance Director recommends the contract with Helinet Aviation Services, LLC be accepted.
Contract Term
The one-year contract term will begin on or about May 20, 2021.
Financial Impact
The aggregate contract value will not exceed $119,305. Funds are available in the Police Department’s budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Jeff Barton and the Police Department.