Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for an automated fingerprint identification system and support services for the Forensic Science Department with Aware Inc., for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,700,000. Funding: $283,415 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Forensic Science Department. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Forensic Science Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $283,415 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Forensic Science Department.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Multiple cooperative purchase programs were reviewed for these services. The Financial Services Department and Forensic Science Department have determined this contractor best meets the needs of the Forensic Science Department to provide these services required for the City.
MBE/WBE:
Cooperative Agreement contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for an automated fingerprint identification system that includes a fingerprint database, maintenance and support services, and training. The system allows users to search fingerprints through a local database for identification purposes (background checks, criminal and applicant records) and to provide information in ongoing law enforcement investigations. The purchase will replace the existing system, migrate the current fingerprint repository to the new system, develop a test environment for quality control, and provide records storage.
The current contract will expire August 2025 and due to the contractor no longer supporting contracts with smaller agencies, such as the City’s Forensic Science Department, the City will need to procure a new system, migrate data, and conduct performance verifications prior to the expiration of the current contract ensuring no disruption to critical services.
The General Services Administration cooperative is a cooperative purchasing association recognized under Texas procurement statutes. Cooperative associations, themselves or using a lead government, competitively solicit and award contracts that are eligible for use by other qualified state and local governments. Due to their substantial volumes, larger than any one government could achieve independently, cooperative contracts routinely include superior terms, conditions, and pricing. Use of cooperative contracts also results in lower administrative costs and time savings.
If the contract were not approved, examiners would need to rely on the Texas Department of Public Safety system for fingerprinting services resulting in an extended turnaround time for investigative cases.