The Police Department has utilized mobile laptop computers in all of their vehicles for over 12 years.  Today’s officer relies on fast access to criminal records, warrants, vehicle/registration information, jail photos, dispatch information, and other real-time data to do their jobs effectively and to keep both themselves and citizens safe.  The current mobile laptops are 6 years old, struggle to meet the demands of the applications they run, operate on an older operating system that will soon be end-of-life, and no longer are covered by a manufacturer warranty.  The new ruggedized mobile laptops are designed to specifically meet the rigors of a mission critical public safety environment, are quoted with 5 years of warranty support, and are configured with adequate resources to meet the demands of the mobile applications that our officers depend on.  In addition to the laptop, the quote includes 76 new docks and in-car power supplies that will replace docks that are over 10 years old.  The Billings Police Department often purchases on state cooperative contracts which are competitively bid therefore, the Department did not invite bids for this purchase.

City Council may:

• Approve purchasing Panasonic ruggedized laptop mobile computers, accessories, and 5-year warranty for $388,180, or;
• Disapprove the purchase and provide guidance to staff.

The total cost of the Panasonic ruggedized laptop mobile computers, accessories, and 5-year warranty is $388,180.  This was a Supplemental Budget Request (SBR) that was approved in the FY 2019 budget and will be paid with funds in the Public Safety Equipment Replacement Fund.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the purchase of seventy-six (76) new Panasonic ruggedized laptop mobile computers, accessories, and 5-year warranty through Insight Public Sector on State of Montana/NASPO contract #MNWNC-124.