TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Javaro Sims, Acting Police Chief
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: January 15, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION 26-19 APPROVING PURCHASE OF LASER SCANNER FOR SCENE MAPPING FROM FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. UTILIZING GSA CONTRACT #GS-07F-197GA
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve Resolution # 26-19 approving purchase of laser scanner for scene mapping from Faro Technologies, Inc. utilizing GSA contract #GS07F197GA in the amount not-to-exceed $98,000
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Background:
The Police Department is requesting to purchase a laser scanner that will be utilized by multiple units to include Investigative Division, Community Response Division, and Traffic Unit. The Investigative Division would utilize this tool to map major crime scenes. The Traffic Unit would utilize the scanner for all traffic homicide investigations or major crash scenes that may become traffic homicide investigations. In addition, Special Operations could utilize this tool to prepare for pre-planned events such as New Year's Eve celebration, Fourth of July, or Delray Affair.
The Police Department currently utilizes FARO equipment for mapping scenes but the equipment is outdated and uses time consuming process to map the scene. Current technology requires an investigator to stand and hold a reflector pole at each point of the room while the equipment takes a digital point picture. This process requires everyone to be clear from the room or area that is being mapped which is not always a productive use of investigative time. Once all the points have been taken, they are downloaded into the software where one of the investigators needs to create the scene with the collected points. It takes a basic homicide scene to be mapped in a minimum of four (4) hours and the same process is applied when dealing with a traffic homicide scene. The Traffic Unit must shut down a roadway for hours while they map the scene, causing additional backups to the flow of traffic. At the present time, the Community Response Division's Special Operations utilizes Google Earth to take a picture of event footprints and uses arrows, marks, etc. to mark areas and direction of travel.
With a purchase of a new scanner, a scene could be mapped and uploaded into the computer in approximately forty-five (45) minutes, depending on the size of the area to be mapped. In addition, the area to be mapped does not need to be clear of people. The scanner can be set up and scan while everyone (Medics, Crime Scene Investigators, Detectives, cars, pedestrians, etc.) are working the scene or passing by. Once uploaded, the operator can digitally remove the unwanted vehicles and people from the scene so you have a true representation of the scene. Once the scene has been created in 3D/2D, it can be manipulated/rotated 360 degrees to see all sides of the scene. There would be no need to return to the scene the next day for a follow up. Items can be placed into the product that weren't seen the first time around when the scan was completed such as a weapon located under the body. It item can be photographed and then loaded into the program afterwards. Additionally, FARO Scene Software features a Virtual Reality View which would allow the operator to experience and evaluate captured data without leaving their office. If additional equipment is purchased in the future, such as Oculus Rift, the Virtual Reality View could be utilized to enter the scene and move around.
Due to the fact that the Police Department is already utilizing FARO software, the cost to upgrade to the new equipment and software is less than if a decision was made to go with a different manufacturer such as Riegl Laser Measurement Systems or Leica Geosystems. When pricing their systems, the cost was $101,153 for Riegl and $124,825 for Leica. The cost of FARO system is $80,530 and includes the scanner, tripod, power pack, Scene software, video pro application software, three (3) year Scene software maintenance, and a three (3) year warranty on the scanner. Additional amount is requested only in the case that there is an unforeseen need in order to implement the software, possible accessories such as for the storage of the scanner, or unforeseen need for training. It is important to note that for an additional cost, Faro Technologies, Inc. provides a high-end notebook computer that will be needed to run the software for the scanner, however the only computers that the vendor provides are Hewlett Packard computers, and the City prefers Dell computers due to existing service agreement with Dell. The IT received a quote from Dell for a comparable computer at lower cost than what Faro Technologies, Inc. provides; therefore, the computer will be purchased separately from Dell to run the FARO software on. The cost of the computer from Dell is $3,136.
The General Services Administration contract GS-07F-197GA with Faro Technologies, Inc. is valid from September 29, 2017 through September 28, 2022 and is part of the Schedule 84, Total solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue, Clothing, Marine Craft, and Emergency/Disaster Response.
Attachments:
Resolution 26-19 Approval to utilize GSA Contract GS-07F-197GA for purchase of laser scanner and associated items
Legal Review Form
GSA Contract GS-07F-197GA with Faro Technologies, Inc.
FARO quote and specification
Riegl quote
Leica quote
Dell computer quote
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
115-21-110-521.64-90 (Special Projects Fund - Other Machinery & Equipment)
115-21-110-521.52-27 (Equipment >$5,000)