City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2022 FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: AWARD BID NO. 7887 TO CALIFORNIA MEDIA SOLUTION INC., OF BENICIA, CALIFORNIA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR REPLACEMENT RIVERSIDE TV BROADCAST VAN FIBER CAMERA SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,614.99 ISSUE:
Award Bid No. 7887 to California Media Solutions Inc. of Benicia, California for the purchase of four replacement Riverside TV broadcast van fiber camera systems in the amount of $62,614.99.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council award Bid No. 7887 to California Media Solutions Inc. of Benicia, California for the purchase of four replacement Riverside TV broadcast van fiber camera systems for the replacement of existing cameras in fiber systems in the Riverside TV broadcast van in the amount of $62,614.99.
BACKGROUND:
In 2006, the State passed the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act (DIVCA), allowing municipal cable providers to charge customers a 1% fee for local Public Access, Education and Government (PEG) channel needs. The PEG funds collected in the City are provided to the City to be used for the purchase of equipment and capital improvements related to the PEG channel.
In 2014, RiversideTV purchased and outfitted a mobile production van, similar to what local broadcast news channels utilize, to better cover large scale live events across the city. Included in the van build out were four JVC branded fiber optical connected cameras. Over the years, the cameras have started to experience signal connection issues causing production problems in the field at live events such as the Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony, State of the City Address, press conferences, and live sports coverage.
Efforts were made to have the units serviced; however, each camera system consists of four separate components, each manufactured by different vendors. Individual components would test correctly, however when returned to its original configuration, problems would persist.
The benefit of fiber connected cameras are that they allow for multiple video signals to be sent and received from the camera and broadcast truck via one fiber optic cable. Signals such as camera video, 2 channels of camera audio, return video, teleprompter, crew communications, talent communications, program video, and power are all transmitted over the single fiber optic cable. Fiber also allows for cable to extend miles, as opposed to 300 feet or less with traditional copper video cables. Loss of functionality has occurred due to the connection issues the camera systems continue to experience, which can only be temporarily remedied by multiple cables having to be run hundreds of feet through large crowds to accomplish the same task.
DISCUSSION:
The new cameras are manufactured by Blackmagic Design and have all the same functionality as the previous JVC cameras systems with a much simpler usability. All components are made and serviced by Blackmagic. They are also a fraction of the cost. JVC cameras systems, at the time of purchase, were roughly $38,000 each. Conversely, Blackmagic Design’s new camera systems are roughly $15,000 each. Blackmagic’s systems have added features including 4K image quality, added audio capabilities, and IP connectivity and control. These new components are readily available and can be replaced in a timely manner if a component were to fail or be damaged.
Bids were requested via the City’s online bid submittal platform and reached 22 prospective bidders. The City received eight responsive and responsible submissions, with California Media Solutions Inc. of Benicia, California being the lowest responsive bidder. It was found that after the bid closed, the shoulder mount kits are included in the cost of the cameras. To reduce redundancy, the purchase will move forward without line item #4 Shoulder-Mount Kit for the URSA Mini. All submissions were evaluated without line item #4 and ranked as follows:
California Media Solutions Inc.
Benicia, Ca
$62,614.99
Magnasync Moviola Corp
Burbank, Ca
$62,970.58
B & H Foto & Electronics Corp.
New York, Ny
$63,015.19
Adorama Inc.
New York, Ny
$63,081.63
Focus Camera LLC
Brooklyn. Ny
$64,303.88
Technology International Inc
Lake Mary, Fl
$73,930.43
INYO Solutions LLC
Placentia, Ca
$74,004.40
Questivity, Inc.
Santa Clara, Ca
$74,629.69
The Purchasing Manager concurs that this purchase is compliant with the Purchasing Resolution No. 23812.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The replacement of the Riverside TV broadcast van cameras contributes to Strategic Priority No. 5 - High Performing Government and Goal No. 5.3 - Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
This item aligns with EACH of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust –The replacement of the broadcast van camera systems ensures continued community engagement and pride allowing for residents to be informed of and take part in the special events and activities Riverside TV supports.
Equity – Newer camera systems will allow Riverside TV to continue to cover mission critical emergency messaging deployments in coordination with police and fire to ensure all residents have access to potentially lifesaving information.
Fiscal Responsibility –The camera replacement utilizes PEG funds which are specifically authorized for PEG government channel operations only. There is no fiscal impact on the City general fund.
Innovation –The camera system replacement project will allow Riverside TV staff to continue to provide the high-quality live broadcasts of various special events, both large and small, on live television and web streaming platforms.
Sustainability & Resiliency –The camera system replacement will ensure the broadcast van is in good working order with expanded capacity to ensure continued operation of the system while allowing for lower cost and readily available components.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of the action is $62,614.99. The funds are available in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, PEG Expense account, 1140001-450055.
Prepared by: Kaitlin Bilhartz, Marketing Officer
Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Approved by: Al Zelinka, FAICP, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
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