Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Police Department

To:             David L. Corliss, City Manager

From:        James Welsh, Police Officer

Cc:             Tarik Khatib, Chief of Police

                   Dan Ward, Police Captain

                   Anthony Brixius, Police Sergeant

Date:                    May 30, 2013

Re:             June 4, 2013 City Commission Meeting

Please include the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the June 4, 2013 meeting:

BACKGROUND

Sixteen of the Lawrence Police Department’s mobile data computers need to be replaced.  We currently have 33 mobile data computer units that are out of warranty, each no less than three years old.  The purchase would come from Topeka FM who is a sole-source vendor through State of Kansas contract #28440 for a total cost of $73,238.10.

DISCUSSION

All of these mobile data computers have passed the city’s expected lifespan of three years for this type of equipment.  Numerous recent hardware failures indicate the computer workstations are becoming increasingly unreliable.  Our mobile data computers are critical communications components that enhance public safety by providing real time information to officers as they respond to calls for service. 

FUNDING SOURCES

            The necessary funds to cover the costs of replacing the mobile data computer workstations could be procured from line item 001-2-2110-6005.

RECOMMENDATION

Police Department staff requests approval from the City Commission to authorize the purchase of 16 Motorola MW810 Mobile Data Computers from Topeka FM as a sole source vendor through State of Kansas Contract #28440 for a total cost of $73,238.10.