FROM:
Police Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) from Flock Group Inc. for equipment and 60-month contract
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize to procure Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) utilizing the Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual 3.1.5 Non-Competitive Proposal - Single Source/Sole Source method.
2. Approve the purchase of the Flock Group Inc. (Flock Safety) ALPR equipment and software in the amount of $642,750.00.
3. Approve and authorize the City Manager or his assigned designee to approve the purchase and agreement for the Flock Group Inc. (Flock Safety).
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by working cooperatively with neighboring jurisdictions.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by establishing partnerships and positive working relationships with other public agencies providing services to residents and local businesses.
DISCUSSION:
Currently the City of Fontana has two types of ALPR camera systems within the city limits (Vigilant and Flock Group Inc). In 2017 Vigilant was awarded a contract to install 10 ALPR cameras at the Sierra and Valley intersection as part of phase one of a three phase project. Vigilant cameras are hard wired and required the city to contract with a third party to install additional cabling at each intersection. Over the course of the past 7 years when maintenance/service is required on Vigilant cameras the department has had to either make the repairs themselves or contact a third-party vendor.
The department understands that the ALPR system is an asset and wanted to continue to obtain ALPR information while still being fiscally responsible. Although Vigilant cameras are still in various locations throughout the city, the department plans to maintain them until they are no longer operable. At this point Vigilant cameras are no longer under warranty and there would be an additional cost to fix them. Due to the difficulties in with Vigilant cameras Cradlepoint routers and delays with the company, the department needed to find alternatives to still have access to ALPR information.
In 2023, the department began to research additional companies that provided ALPR services. Since the first cameras were installed technology, services, and equipment has improved. During the research, the Flock Group Inc. company was identified a potential vendor. The Flock Group Inc. is a sole manufacturer and distributor of the Flock Safety ALPR camera and serves over 2,000 cities nationwide. Flock Safety is also the sole provider of the comprehensive monitoring, process, and machine vision services that integrate with the Flock Safety ALPR software, software updates, unlimited users, 30 days unlimited data storage, LTE connectivity, solar panels, and mounting equipment. The system works on both a National and local level. This system can provide alerts from several external LPR databases including California SVS (Stolen Vehicle System), NCIC (National Crime Information Center), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), and local agencies. Flock Safety also provides all supplies and equipment under standard operating procedures and complies with all government regulations and workplace safety guidelines. In April 2024, the Council approved the purchase of 15 Flock Group Inc. cameras.
At that time, Council approval was requested as the technology and equipment are more updated. Any equipment installation, adjustments, relocation, or removal of cameras can be requested, and work will be completed by a Flock Group Inc. technician. Once council approved the purchase the cameras were purchased and installed. The ease of working with the Flock Group Inc. and service they provide has allowed for the system to be installed and information to be obtained seamlessly.
The Police Department would like to piggyback the City of Santa Monica RFP that was conducted in January 2024 for the purchase of an ALPR camera system. The City of Santa Monica ultimately awarded the contract to Flock Group Inc. (Flock Safety). The Fontana Police Department will be utilizing the same equipment and purchasing a 60 month contract.
Staff request that Council approve the recommendation to purchase additional Flock Group Inc. ALPR cameras as needed as long as it is in the best interest of the city. Approval will allow for cameras to be purchased and installed as the city continues to expand and where law enforcement may determine for safety. The experience and information that can be obtained by the ALPR cameras have assisted law enforcement agencies across the nation to locate stolen vehicles as well as solve other crimes where automobiles have been used.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Federal Assets Seizure Funds (223) have been requested during the 2024/2025 first quarter adjustments. The total amount of the five-year project is $642,750.00.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.