Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager, or Designee, to Execute a Purchase Agreement with Flock Safety for the Acquisition, Support, and Maintenance of a Fixed Automated License Plate Reader System Not to Exceed $518,824.38 for Five Years and to Provide an Update on Related Technologies. (Police 10031110) [Continued from September 6, 2022]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Alameda Police Department (APD) wants to designate a vendor to acquire, support, and maintain a Fixed Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) System. After conducting a competitive and rigorous selection process, Flock Safety has been identified as the police department's preferred choice for a reliable and efficient solution.
BACKGROUND
In February 2022, the City Council approved APD's initiative to acquire and implement fixed license plate readers. Shortly after, in April 2022, the City Council approved a proposed policy governing fixed automated license plate reader technology. Since then, APD has requested responses from an RFP announcement in May 2022. During the process, a total of six proposals were received.
The department will evaluate this system and then determine compatibility with replacing any existing vehicle systems.
DISCUSSION
A working group of several end-users from different touch points within APD, including patrol, investigations, communication, commanders, and records, convened to evaluate the responses to the RFP. After reviewing the proposals and system features, Flock Safety was selected as the preferred vendor.
Flock Safety was determined to be a leader in ALPR technology with a proven record of providing the highest levels of priorities designated to data privacy. Flock ALPR cameras are currently used by 1,000+ law enforcement agencies nationwide, 45 or more within California. Hercules, Piedmont, San Leandro, Orinda, San Ramon, Danville, Livermore, Pleasanton, Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Milpitas, and other local agencies currently use Flock Safety as their ALPR vendor. Their proposal was the most inclusive response to comprehensive coverage of the 14 strategic locations within Alameda. Flock's proposal includes the following:
• An all-inclusive 35-camera system to monitor 14 strategic locations within Alameda
• Wireless cameras powered by solar and free of infrastructure setup
• Software that uploads footage directly into APD's digital evidence provider, Axon, with privacy controls complaint with APD and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) policies
• Fully customizable retention features
In addition to the benefits of a reliable and robust system, Flock offers a transparency portal without compromising individual privacy. These public portals include information about what is detected by the cameras, use policies, the number of cameras owned by Alameda, along with retention and access information.
ALTERNATIVES
• The City Council approves Flock’s proposal for the acquisition, support and maintenance of 35 Flock Safety Fixed Automated License Plate Readers.
• The City Council could approve using another vendor to provide the Fixed Automated License Plate Readers.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total initial purchase price for the system is $115,678.38, with an annual recurring cost of $100,782.50 per year.
The City Council previously supported the projected long-term annual costs of $77,000-$154,000 during the April 5, 2022, City Council Meeting. However, because the actual cost for ALPRs was unknown, funding was not included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 operating budget. In order to fund the purchase this fiscal year, it is recommended that unspent General Funds allocated for personnel costs be used. Annual funding for the proposed agreement will be incorporated into future years operating budgets.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is authorized under Alameda Administrative Rule 5 and Alameda Municipal Code Section 2-62.5, which exempts contracts with any single or source supplier for supplies, material, or equipment from the City's local purchasing policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is not a project for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) according to CEQA Guidelines section 10561(b)(3), as there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Interim City Manager, or designee, to execute a purchase agreement with Flock Safety for the acquisition, support, and maintenance of a Fixed Automated License Plate Reader System not to exceed $518,824.38 for five years.
Respectfully submitted,
Nishant Joshi, Chief of Police
By,
Matt McMullen, Police Captain
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O'Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Flock Safety Proposal
cc: Nancy Bronstein, Interim City Manager