Subject: S63-N25459 – Formal Bids Received to Furnish and Install Digital Minilab Photographic Equipment for the Houston Police Department
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Chief of the Houston Police Department and the City Purchasing Agent recommend that City Council approve an award to FUJIFILM North America Corporation on its low bid in an amount not to exceed $71,089.84 to furnish and install digital minilab photographic equipment for the Houston Police Department (HPD) Photo Lab and that authorization be given to issue a purchase order. The digital minilab photographic equipment will be used to produce photographs from 35mm film and digital media for the purpose of supporting and documenting investigations, and the production of courtroom evidence and department promotional images.
This project was advertised in accordance with the requirements of the State of Texas bid laws. One hundred twenty prospective bidders downloaded the solicitation document from Strategic Procurement Division’s e-bidding website and two bids were received as outlined below:
| |
COMPANY |
BID TOTAL |
| 1. |
FUJIFILM North America Corporation |
$71,089.84 |
| 2. |
Noritsu America Corporation |
$96,905.38 |
Prior to issuing the solicitation, the Strategic Procurement Division canvassed the City’s registered vendor data base, as well as the market, to identify potential bidders who could possibly provide the type of service/equipment needed. As a result, thirty-nine potential bidders were identified and notified of the Invitation to Bid (ITB). Subsequent to the receipt of the bid, prospective bidders were contacted to determine the reason for the limited response to the ITB. Potential respondents advised that they could not compete with manufacturers or their system did not meet the specifications as advertised.
This purchase consists of a digital minilab photographic system and associated equipment. The photographic equipment will come with a full five-year warranty and life expectancy of 3 million+ prints with proper maintenance. FUJIFILM North America Corporation will also provide three separate training sessions to ensure that HPD Photo Lab personnel will be able to safely operate the photographic equipment. The contractor shall have 45 calendar days to furnish and install the digital minilab photographic equipment after receipt of the City of Houston Purchase Order.
Hire Houston First:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s ‘Hire Houston First’ ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses and supports job creation. In this case, the proposed contractor does not meet the requirements of Hire Houston First; no Hire Houston First firms were within three percent.
Attachment: M/WBE Zero-Percentage Goal Document Approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Calvin D. Wells, City Purchasing Agent Department Approval Authority Signature
Finance/Strategic Procurement Division