Title
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Aviation Helicopter Computers
Action
Action:
A. Approve the purchase of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) aviation helicopter computers, as authorized by the sole source exemption of G.S. 143-129 (e)(6), and
B. Approve a contract with AeroComputers, Inc. for the purchase of two CMPD aviation helicopter computers for the term of one year.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Kerr Putney, Police
Kenneth Anderson, Police
Sole Source Exemption
* G.S. 143-129 (e) (6) provides that formal bidding requirements do not apply when:
* Performance or price competition are not available;
* A needed product is available from only one source or supply; or
* Standardization or compatibility is the overriding consideration.
* Sole sourcing is necessary for this contract because the current CMPD helicopters are designed to sync with the Aerocomputer components.
* Choosing competitor products would require rewiring of both helicopters. Competitor products also would not sync with current mission equipment (search lights, camera, infrared camera) and would cost an additional, estimated $50,000.
* The City Council must approve purchases made under the sole source exception.
Explanation
* AeroComputers, Inc. has supplied computer systems for CMPD helicopters for more than 15 years.
* Continued partnership with AeroComputers would allow current support services to be upgraded seamlessly to the most recent technology services for helicopter computer operations.
* The existing computers are being replaced because they are outdated; the average life expectancy of the computers is six years.
* The computers are used to provide flight mapping, altitude speed, GPS coordinates, and terrain mapping. The computers also allow the search light to coordinate with the helicopter's camera.
* The unit price will be $100,695.
* Any maintenance required outside of the warranty is calculated in the current operating budget.
* Annual expenditures...
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