Title
District Attorney recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to sign Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 budget transfer shifting $60,000 in appropriations from services and supplies and interfund transfers to fixed assets within the District Attorney’s budget; $20,000 supporting the Forensic Computer costs and $40,000 supporting the Access Control and Intrusion System purchase and installation costs for the District Attorney’s South Lake Tahoe office; and
2) Add one Forensic Computer and one Access Control and Intrusion System to the District Attorney’s FY 2024-25 Fixed Asset List.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Surveillance Systems Incorporated (SSI) - South Lake Tahoe Verkada Access Control and Intrusion System
In 2022, the District Attorney’s Office transitioned the security system at their Placerville offices from Sonitrol to SSI Verkada and is now looking to follow suit with updating the system at their South Lake Tahoe office, located at 1360 Johnson Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The current security system does not allow for independent management of employee access. SSI has quoted the office $38,615.64 for the Verkada door intrusion system components, installation, and a 10-year license.
Due to the nature of the scope, it is considered a Public Works agreement and exempt from the County Purchasing Policy C-17 guidelines. The procurement of this agreement shall be in compliance with County Ordinance Chapter 3.14 - Public Projects Bidding Procedures, which states “public projects up to $45,000.00, or that amount set forth by Public Contracts Code § 22032, if greater, may be performed by the employees of a public agency by force account, by negotiated contract, or by purchase order”.
BitMindz LLC - Forensic Computer
The District Attorney's office faces a critical technology gap in its ability to effectively analyze digital evidence. The department’s current forensic computer, essential for extracting and examining data from computers, phones, and other devices, is nearing obsolescence. This aging technology poses significant risks to criminal investigations, as it may be unable to keep pace with the increasing complexity and volume of digital evidence. Slow processing speeds, limited storage capacity, and incompatibility with newer forensic software hinder the ability to thoroughly examine devices and recover crucial data. BitMindz LLC has quoted the office $19,995 for an AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX Desktop Processor (RCKTBX X9a). This workstation is a uniquely engineered processing engine, crafted to address the requirements of digital evidence analysis, while maximizing processing speeds and minimizing examiner downtime, which is crucial for time-sensitive investigations.
Additionally, the department is requesting the Board make a finding to waive competitive bidding requirements under Procurement Policy C-17 exemption section 3.4.2(a) due to the specialized and proprietary nature of the Forensic Computer.
Due to the nature of both procurement requests presented, the department is requesting one Forensic Computer and Verkada Access Control and Intrusion System be added to the District Attorney’s FT 2024-25 Fixed Asset List in the total estimated amount of $60,000.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the District Attorney’s request to procure an upgraded security system via SSI and a forensic computer via BitMindz, the office will be unable to enhance surveillance measures and provide efficiencies in investigative processes.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement and Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost for the procurement of the Forensic Computer and the Access Control and Intrusion System. The department has identified savings under Services and Supplies and Interfund Transfers to fund the combined estimated cost of $60,000; to be transferred from Services and Supplies/Interfund Transfer to Fixed Assets in the current FY 2024-25 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to forward executed budget transfer to the Auditor Controller’s Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Vern Pierson, District Attorney