Title
Visual Interpreting Services for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Ordinance S-48642)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Aira Tech Corp to provide visual interpretation services for individuals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport who are blind or visually-impaired. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The total value of the contract will not exceed $50,000.
Report
Summary
The Aviation Department strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all its customers. This includes providing accessible accommodations for people with disabilities to support their independence while traveling or conducting business at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. As part of this commitment to our customers, the Aviation Department has researched ways to expand offerings for those individuals who are blind or visually-impaired. After conducting research on options available, the Department is requesting to enter into an agreement with Aira Tech Corp (Aira) to provide visual interpretation services at the Airport.
Aira's service allows individuals to use their smartphones to connect with a specially trained professional agent. The agent uses the video from the customer's phone camera, optical character recognition, GPS and other data to provide visual descriptions to assist passengers with a variety of needs, including moving through crowds, avoiding obstacles, finding gates, using self-service kiosks and navigating through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
The Aviation Department will pay an annual fee for this service, making it free to all users at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The fee is arranged through an agreement with Aira to include unlimited minutes. The fee is based on airport size as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration. The rate for large hub airports is currently set at $10,000 annually.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, a sole source Determination Memo was approved to contract with Aira. Aira is the sole source provider for this professional service for blind and visually-impaired customers.
Contract Term
The initial contract term is for one year, with four one-year options to extend for a five-year aggregate contract term at the sole discretion of the Aviation Director.
Financial Impact
The cost for services is estimated to be $10,000 annually, or not to exceed $50,000 for the five-year aggregate contract term.
Funding is available in the Aviation Department budget.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Aviation Department.