June 24, 2025
Police Department
DATE: June 24, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
Purchase of Mobile Data Computers and related hardware
from Duratech USA, Inc.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The estimated expenditure of $50,000 will come from the 2022 Justice Assistance Grant funding managed by
Police Department staff (Account String: 10691021-
400603-19002).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Police Department staff would like to purchase Mobile
Data Computers and related hardware in amount not to
exceed $50,000 using 2022 Justice Assistance Grant
(JAG) funds to purchase the computers.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the purchase of Mobile Data Computers and
related hardware for an amount not to exceed $50,000
from Duratech USA, Inc. – Police Department (Chief Bisa French 510-621-1802).
DISCUSSION:
Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) are essential tools for modern law enforcement and are used by sworn police officers in police patrol vehicles. They provide numerous AGENDA
REPORT
June 24, 2025
advantages that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of police officers. MDCs enable officers to communicate with dispatch, access real-time data, receive GPS locations, and obtain critical information related to calls. This technology improves situational awareness, officer safety, and response times. Additionally, MDCs reduce the workload of 911 dispatchers by allowing them to send messages to multiple units simultaneously, providing a redundant communication method to radios.
The replacement life of MDCs is typically three to five years. This timeframe ensures that the technology remains up-to-date and functional, minimizing the risk of hardware failures and maintaining optimal performance. Regular replacement is necessary due to the rapid advancements in technology and the wear and tear that occurs with daily use in the field. Additionally, the MDC wiring, cables, keyboard, mount, etc. deteriorates over time and require replacement as needed. Richmond Police Department staff work diligently to preserve any hardware that functions normally.
Richmond Police Department (RPD) staff will use the 2022 Justice Assistance Grant Funds set to expire on September 30, 2025. With the uncertainty of federal funding, City staff believe that this is a great time and opportunity to utilize the grant funding which was secured for purchases of Mobile Data Computers and related hardware such as cables, wiring, harnesses, etc.
Recent tariffs on technology have significantly impacted the cost of computer hardware.
These tariffs, targeting components sourced from regions such as Asia, Mexico, and Canada, have led to price increases ranging from 9 percent to 45 percent. The technology industry, being highly globalized, is particularly vulnerable to such tariffs. As a result, the cost of procuring MDCs has risen, affecting budget allocations and procurement strategies. Due to ongoing market volatility, vendors are unable to honor 30-day price quotes, with most only providing pricing on a day-to-day basis. As a result, the Richmond Police Department (RPD) is requesting authorization for a purchase order not to exceed $50,000 with Duratech USA, Inc. to allow for the purchase of Mobile Data Computers (MDCs). The requested amount will provide staff with flexibility to adjust configurations and procurement options in response to fluctuating prices. This may include securing up to eight (8) MDCs with related hardware or up to twelve (12) MDCs without hardware, should staff be able to repurpose existing equipment from decommissioned patrol vehicles.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Quote Packet
Attachment 2 – Quote Matrix