Thirty-nine Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were distributed by MET to both local and national firms, seeking a vendor to provide and install security cameras in MET's 26 buses and 15 paratransit vans.  This project will help address security issues, passenger safety issues, and liability concerns that can take place during MET's regular operations. The RFP process outlined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was utilized for the selection process.

The RFP was advertised in the Billings Times on November 18 and 24, 2010, and notice posted on the City's Website.  Six proposals were received on December 23, 2010.   Proposals were received from TransIT Solutions, LLC,  Arnold, Maryland; Radio Engineering Industries, Omaha, Nebraska; 247Security, Inc.,  Alpharetta, Georgia;  Safety Vision, LLC, Houston, Texas;  Apollo Video Technology, Woodinville, Washington; and Seon Design, Coquitlan, British Columbia, Canada.  An RFP Selection Committee evaluated and ranked the six proposals based on each firm's ability to meet the specifications and various parameters  as identified in the RFP.  The Committee voted unanimously to select Seon Design as the vendor to provide and install the security camera system.

The City Council may:

• Approve the Selection Committee's recommendation to accept the proposal from Seon Design in the amount of $200,225; or
• Not approve the Selection Committee's recommendation to accept the proposal from Seon Design in the amount of $200,225. 

The selected vendor, Seon Design, provided a proposal price of $200,225.  Besides providing the best overall proposal, Seon Design's price was also competitvely priced.  The City has allocated funds for this project through the CIP and budget process.  This project will be funded 100% with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grant administered through the FTA grant process. 

Staff recommends that City Council accept the proposal from Seon Design for MET's camera installation project and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement between the City's Aviation and Transit Department and Seon Design.