Mobile Data Computers_Fire ApparatusTHE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
June 19, 2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Mobile Data Computers for Fire Apparatus
Three responses were received in response to a Request for Proposals for mobile
computers for the fire apparatus. Fire Chief Dan Brown recommends City Council
approval of the selection of the Racom proposal, Itronix XR-1 in the amount of
$89,749.90, which is not the low price by $774.40 after applying the 5% local
preference. Racom is a local vendor and their product has a faster processor and a
better keyboard. Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will cover
80% of the cost, and 20% will be the City's match.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
. Z ,~G,'
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
E. Daniel Brown, Fire Chief
THE CITY OF
DLJB ~ UE
Masterpiece vn the Mississippi
MEMORANDUM
June 27, 2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: E. Daniel Brown, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Mobile Data Computers for Fire Apparatus
The mobile data network and computers in Fire Apparatus project has a total of
$536,500 in the FY07 CIP. 80% of the project is funded by Homeland Security
Assistance to Firefighters grant program; the Federal funding of $429,200 leaving a total
match of $107,300. The budget for the project provides $85,500 for 15 mobile
computers. This will provide 14 units installed and one spare. Also, the budget
provided for 17 mobile data radios, 900 MHz transmit sites, 4.9 GHz back hall radios
and software for $451,000. Racom is currently working on the design and costs of
wireless network.
The first phase of the project is to purchase and install the mobile computers and they
can be used until network is running. The request for proposals for mobile computers
for the fire apparatus were sent out and three responses were received. Racom
proposed Itronix XR-1, Tough Solutions proposed a Panasonic Tough Book CF-30 and
Paradigm Systems Solutions, Inc. proposed a Panasonic Tough Book CF-30.
Racom and Tough Solutions in their proposals provided for docking stations from
Gamber Johnson and the Paradigm Systems Solutions proposal provided for a
Panasonic docking station. Assistant Chief Rick Steines and Tony Steffen from
Information Services researched and checked references on these products and
companies and they found that the Panasonic docking station did not provide a
satisfactory stable platform for our application. The Gamber Johnson was the preferred
platform by reference.
Racom proposal was for $89,749.90 by applying the 5% in city vendor consideration
brings their final to $85,262.40 for the Itronix XR-1. Tough Solutions total proposal was
$84,488.00.
Both vendors met the requirement of the RFP. There is a $774.40 difference between
the Racom and Tough Solutions proposals. The recommendation of Rick Steines and
Tony Steffen is to purchase the Racom Itronix XR-1 due to the fact it is a local vendor,
has a faster processor and a better keyboard. This is also the same company and
product that supplied mobile computers to the Dubuque Police Department.
The proposal of $89,749.90 is over the budgeted amount of $85,500; however an option
was added for GPS capabilities in the computer that can be used for Automatic Vehicle
Location (AVL). The plan is to purchase 14 units now and wait to purchase the spare
unit after costs of network are determined. It is important to note that there are 3 more
data radios than computers, these will be for reserve apparatus and computers will be
moved when they are used.
A request for funds to cover 80% of this component will be submitted to the Homeland
Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program when purchase agreement is
completed. The matching 20% is provided for in FY07 CIP.
I concur with their recommendation and respectfully request permission to proceed with
the purchase.
EDB/jl