Report Prepared by: Joey Perez, Lieutenant, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirement to Allow for the Purchase of Standardized Equipment and Approval of User Agreement from Cellebrite Inc. for a Total Amount of $37,725.13
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive the competitive bidding requirement pursuant to Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 for purchases necessary for standardization of particular types of equipment. Also, the approval to purchase equipment from Cellebrite Inc. for Cellebrite Guardian premium annual subscription service and equipment for a total amount of $37,725.13.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving to waive the competitive bidding requirements as stated in Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code for standardization of equipment; and,
B. Approving the purchase of Cellebrite Guardian premium annual subscription service and equipment in the amount of $37,725.13; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Refer back to staff with direction; or,
3. Continue to a subsequent meeting; or,
4. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
Article II and III of Title 3, Chapter 3.04, of the Merced Municipal Code relating to purchases of equipment and services (Section 3.04.080 and 3.04.120) and waiving of the competitive bidding requirements (Section 3.04.210).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced has previously purchased annual subscriptions for Cellebrite Guardian. The Cellebrite Guardian premium subscription service is advanced technology used to extract forensic evidence from cellular telephones.
The Merced Police Department relies on crucial forensic evidence extracted from cellular telephones to thoroughly investigate a vast majority of their investigations.
Since the Merced Police Department already uses Cellebrite Guardian and other Cellebrite equipment, the department is requesting the competitive bid process be waived to allow for the purchase of standardized equipment.
The quote includes a one-year subscription for Cellebrite Guardian Premium and equipment. The total cost would be $37,725.13 and Funding is available in the 2023/2024 adopted budget under account 10003520-590004.
The quote and User Agreement from Cellebrite Inc. are attached.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available in the 2023-2024 adopted budget in the General Fund under account 10003520 590004 for Cellebrite annual subscription.
Any future year renewal costs will be included in the annual budget process and brought back to council for approval if needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cellebrite Quote and User Agreement