The Police Department’s current inventory of MCTs was acquired almost six years ago along with a five-year warranty. MCTs are operated around the clock, within police vehicles that experience varying temperatures and repeated jolting from driving and road conditions. Based on the known and expected wear and tear of these MCTs, the manufacturer has a maximum recommended end-of-life (EOL) at five years. Their age and expired warranty make it necessary to replace the existing solution.

In 2019, the Police Department evaluated several in-car computer solutions deemed appropriate for field use. Each computer solution was assigned an overall rating. The highest rated solution was the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 which led to it being field tested in three different vehicles over the course of a year.

After the field testing, the Panasonic solution was identified as the best solution for the Police Department’s needs.  Other factors that were considered were durability, the resellers location, and cost. The Panasonic CF-33 solution demonstrated a level of durability that exceeded any of the other products considered. The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is routinely subjected to over 500 checks and tests including endurance, temperature, and environment. It exceeds the U.S. Department of Defense standards for durability in mobile devices. Since MCTs are exposed to rugged, unpredictable conditions daily, it is imperative that they withstand any challenges.

Panasonic’s rigorous testing and quality control proves that their product will be able to endure in the patrol car environment. CDCE Inc., is located in Yorba Linda and will provide on-site service and repair calls as well as pick-up and delivery of any computers sent out for repair for the length of the 5-year warranty. This arrangement will make the downtime of any computer minimal.  They were also responsible for the install of our last system and are familiar with the cabling design in the police vehicles. More importantly they have a proven track record of excellent customer service over the last six years with the Police Department. One of the cost saving measures is that new computer mounts will not need to be purchased. CDCE Inc., the reseller and installer of the product will engineer a device which will allow the reuse of the current computer mounts. The fact that new mounts will not be needed will save over $20,000.  Also, Panasonic will load the required software configuration on each computer before it is shipped from the factory.  This will save the Information Systems department countless hours of work.

The City of Brea recently solicited bids through a Request for Bids process and subsequently awarded a purchase order contract to CDCE Inc., for a Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 in-car computer solution and installation. Section 2.50.060(e) of the Municipal Code allows the exception to the competitive bidding process when another public agency has competitively procured the same goods and/or services, and when the purchase price and other terms similar to those in a contract awarded are made available to the City of Garden Grove. The Garden Grove Police Department recommends use of the cooperative purchasing agreement on the City of Brea’s purchase order contract with CDCE Inc., to secure goods and services at the same unit price as specified in the contract.

The Police Department requests that public safety-restricted SLESA funds (Fund 226) be appropriated for and allocated to this project in the amount of $413,066.44. Of this amount, $374,513.57 will cover 68 computer solutions, a 5-year warranty on each, mounting devices, and installation fees. The remaining $38,552.87 will cover seven computer solutions and associated costs for vehicles added to the Police Department fleet last year. The purchase of the seven computer solutions were previously approved by City Council at the time the vehicle purchases were approved.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the purchase of Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 in-car computers and related mounting equipment for patrol vehicles through CDCE Inc.;
• Appropriate $413,066.44 from SLESA funds; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.