APPROVE spending authority in an amount not to exceed $716,996.40 for Purchase of Mobile Data Computers, Docking Stations, and Corresponding Deployment Services through the Texas Department of Information Resources for Houston Information Technology Services on behalf of the Houston Fire Department, on award to GTS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC - General Fund

P28-E33058 - Approve spending authority in an amount not to exceed $716,996.40 for the purchase of Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), docking stations, and corresponding deployment services from GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. through the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) for Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) on behalf of the Houston Fire Department (HFD).

Specific Explanation:

The Chief Information Officer and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve spending authority in an amount not to exceed $716,996.40 for the purchase and replacement of MDCs and docking stations that have exceeded the City’s five-year asset replacement cycle through DIR and that authorization be given to issue purchase orders, as necessary to the DIR vendor GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. for a term of one (1) year, for HFD.

This request will allow the city to purchase MDCs, docking stations, and corresponding deployment services which include warehousing, delivery, and dock swapping services to replace HFD’s MDCs and docking stations that have exceeded the City’s five-year asset replacement cycle and as part of the FY24 MDC Refresh Project.  MDCs are necessary to provide HFD with critical information relevant to situational awareness, as well as providing real-time visibility and improved on-scene communications to keep first responders apprised of their situational environment.  Moreover, this purchase is required not only to replace equipment that has reached the end of its useful life but also to meet the operational needs and security requirements of the city.

This recommendation is made pursuant to subsection 271.102(c) of the Texas Local Government Code, which provides that "a local government that purchases goods or services from a cooperative purchasing program or organization satisfies any state law requiring the local government to seek competitive bids for the purchase of the goods or services.

M/WBE Participation:

M/WBE Zero Percentage Goal document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.

Hire Houston First:

This procurement is exempt from the City’s Hire Houston First ordinance.  Bids/ proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing an Interlocal/Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for this purchase.

Fiscal Note:

No significant Fiscal Operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project.

Appropriating Ordinance No. 2023-0581, passed on July 26, 2023

$716,996.40 – Equipment Acquisition Consolidated Fund (1800) – Previously appropriated by Ordinance No. 2023-0581