REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 9, 2020
FROM: ANDREW HALL, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: MICHAEL REID, Deputy Chief
Support Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Air Support “Skywatch” Unit
1. Award a sole source contract for two navigation computers to Churchill Navigation not to exceed $337,000
2. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to enter into a contract for Augmented Reality Mapping System (ARS) from Churchill Navigation without advertised competitive bidding (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Chief of Police to enter into and execute a purchase agreement with Churchill Navigation for two navigation computers for use in the Skywatch helicopters. The funding for this purchase is currently budgeted in the Police Department’s FY 2020 General Fund budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Churchill Navigation is a veteran-owned and operated small business located in Boulder, Colorado that develops and supports the most advanced and easiest to use Mission Management Mapping System available. Churchill Navigation offers Augmented Reality Mapping System (ARS) which provides the most innovative system on the market, unparalleled support with no annual fee and lifetime updates for software and map data at no extra charge.
BACKGROUND
The computer system the Skywatch Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) has been working with since we purchased these helicopters in 2003/2005 is the Aerocomputer 5000. This computer, while not required by the FAA for flying purposes, is the main information center used by the TFO who handles the police response of the helicopter. The computer coordinates three different systems to be viewed on the 12-inch monitor that sits in front of the TFO. The three systems are: CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) that officers use in their car for police call information; the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) that provides images to the TFO to see at night (video camera during the day); and terrain mapping that the TFO uses to find addresses and locations throughout the county. Each independent system must pass through the flight computer.
The terrain mapping system is vital. When we respond to an incident, the TFO immediately puts the address into the computer. This map then tells the pilot where to fly and allows the TFO to get the exact location of the incident. Updated parcel data tells us exactly where a house is on the block so that we can concentrate on that particular location; otherwise TFO’s are guessing which house is the target.
Since 2015, we have been missing vital mapping data as a result of unsupported software and hardware. In discussions with the manufacturer of the current systems, upgrading would require new components. The Chief Pilot for Skywatch began looking at what neighboring law enforcement air operations were utilizing for mapping systems. Only two vendors were identified that could provide the very specific components needed for our Skywatch helicopters. These were Aerocomputer and Churchill Navigation.
In-flight testing was done in our helicopter with both Aerocomputer and Churchill. Although both products were similarly priced, the new Aerocomputer 6000 did not work properly with our touchscreen monitor, causing a failure that required the monitor be sent back to the factory to repair. In contrast, the Churchill system worked with our current equipment flawlessly. It was also determined that Churchill had the ability to update parcel data remotely to the mapping systems which decreases the amount of downtime that air operations would need to take to frequently update mapping software.
After testing both of the available air navigation systems, it was unanimous that Churchill Navigation would serve the police department most efficiently. The mapping product offered by Churchill Navigation was the only vendor that could provide the navigation system components that work with our current equipment and meet the unique needs of our Skywatch operations. The Churchill system provides updated terrain maps, correctly displaying on the existing 12” monitor of the TFO, while simultaneously working with CAD. This is essential to safe operation of the Skywatch Unit. Churchill Navigation was unique in this respect and the only vendor that works with our current equipment. There was no price difference between Churchill Navigation and Aerocomputer.
The Purchasing Department has confirmed the sole source for this system is Churchill.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local Preference was not considered because no local vendors provide this type of system.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this purchase is currently budgeted in the FY2020 General Fund budget. Sole source justification and preliminary terms have been approved by Purchasing.
Attachments: Agreement with Churchill Navigation
Resolution
AeroComputer quote
Chart matrix