Bids were received by the Billings Police Department on April 12, 2016, to purchase a CCTV camera system for the Evidence Building. This camera system will be used to monitor the interior and exterior of the evidence building for security purposes and internal controls. This system will replace an obsolete analog system with digital technology.  The bid invitation was advertised in the Billings Times on March 29, and April 7, 2016. 

Three bids were received, two of which were near the anticipated budget amount and one that was substantially lower than expected.  After reviewing all bids and bid documents, staff concluded that the Invitation for Bids did not include information and/or was not as clear as it needed to be given the exceptionally technical nature of the equipment, software, training, installation and on-going support.  Those conclusions result in the staff recommending rejecting all bids and revising the solicitation to produce an equal and competitive environment for all potential vendors. 

City Council may:

• Reject all bids and direct staff to redraft and solicit new proposals for the Evidence CCTV System; or,
• Provide staff with additional direction.

Funding for this project is available and may be absorbed in the Police Department budget.

Staff recommends that Council reject all bids and direct staff to redraft and solicit new proposals for the Evidence CCTV System.