TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Sean deMetropolis, Fire Chief
1. Subject
title
Authorize purchase of 103 iPads from Verizon Wireless for the Fire Department's Electronic Patient Care Reporting, Mapping, Fire Inspections, and Incident Command and Management System, utilizing a National Association of State Procurement Officials Value Point Contract.
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2. Summary
Request to authorize the purchase of 103 iPads from Verizon Wireless for $105,000 to upgrade outdated mapping and electronic patient care reporting devices, replace costly Windows-based Mobile Data Computers, and eliminate the need for CradlePoint modems.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Approve the purchase of 103 iPads from Verizon Wireless in the amount of $105,000, utilizing the National Association of State Procurement Officials Value Point Contract #MA 152-1.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The expense for this purchase is $105,000 and will be funded through the Computer Replacement (790) and Fire Facility Fees (560) Funds respectively:
560.3021.56032.12955 Mobile Data Computers $41,000
790.3022.56032.20169 ePCR Replacement Program $64,000
The annual service and data expense for the addition of 40 iPads amounts to $10,000 and will be requested in conjunction with the annual operating budget.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
Objective1.8: Improve Emergency Response Infrastructure.
6. Discussion and Background
The Fire Department has determined the need to purchase one hundred and three 13-inch iPad Airs with 5G capabilities to support two critical Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects: the replacement of Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) and the upgrade of Electronic Patient Care (ePCR) devices, both of which are included in the approved Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (FY25) CIP budget.
Mobile Data Computers Replacement
In collaboration with all Metro Net agencies, the Fire Department will implement Tablet Command, an advanced incident and emergency management system designed to streamline communication and enhance operational efficiency among agencies. To support this transition, forty of the iPads will replace the existing, costly Windows-based Mobile Data Computers. This upgrade will also eliminate the need for CradlePoint modems that currently support the MDCs, yielding significant cost savings. Moreover, adopting Tablet Command will allow the department to terminate the Verizon monthly bill for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) modems, currently costing approximately $50 per device, thereby improving the project’s overall budget efficiency.
Electronic Patient Care Device Upgrade
The remaining sixty-three iPads will replace outdated devices used for mapping and electronic patient care reporting. The department utilizes iPads equipped with cellular service for gathering real-time patient data in the field. The use of ePCR equipment was implemented on January 1, 2012 according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Standards and mandatory requirements. The existing iPads lack 5G connectivity, limiting data transfer speeds and impacting the efficiency of patient care responses. Upgrading to 5G-capable iPads with larger screens will facilitate faster transmission of critical information and ensure reliable connectivity during emergencies.
To ensure compliance with procurement guidelines and achieve cost savings for both projects, staff will utilize the National Association of State Procurement Officials Value Point (NVLPT) #MA152-1 Contract, ensuring competitive pricing.
This purchase request is vital for modernizing the Fire Department's communication capabilities, enabling more efficient operations, and aligning with the department's strategic goals. The funding for this acquisition has been accounted for in the approved budget.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Verizon Wireless Quote for 40 iPads
• Verizon Wireless Quote for 63 iPads