Police Department
www.santa-ana.org/pd
Item # 9
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
March 17, 2026
TOPIC: Computer Tablets for Police Motorcycles
AGENDA TITLE
Purchase Order Contract to Southern Computer Warehouse, Inc. for Computer Tablets for Police Motorcycles (Specification No. 26-006) (General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize a Purchase Order to Southern Computer Warehouse, Inc. for mobile data refresh for Police motorcycles, in an amount not to exceed $175,091.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
In 2020, the Police Department issued rugged Windows tablets to its motor officers. These devices have increased motor officer efficiency and effectiveness by allowing them to:
Write citations electronically leveraging tools like barcode scanners for drivers’ licenses;
Write collision reports while in the field;
Integrate with the County Court’s citation system;
Access law enforcement databases;
Access the Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; and Use other software available on Department computers.
However, in the intervening years, technology has advanced and these original devices have degraded, reaching the end of their useful life.
Their batteries no longer hold enough charge to last throughout an officer’s shift; The computers are not compatible with the most current version of Microsoft Windows, thereby preventing them from receiving critical security patches; They have the physical wear and tear expected with operating in a challenging environment, such as weather, and being placed within a motorcycle.
Computer Tablets for Police Motorcycles
March 17, 2026
5 6
4 2
The Police Department conducted a thorough survey and field testing of modern devices that provide similar functionality in the compact form needed by a motor officer and determined the specifications to best meet the Department’s needs. In conjunction with the City’s Purchasing division, a formal Invitation for Bids was drafted to procure these devices.
Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. 26-006 was issued on January 13, 2026, on the City’s online bid management and publication system. A summary of vendor participation and results is as follows:
563 Vendors notified
3 Santa Ana vendors notified
37 Vendors downloaded the bid packet
5 Responsive Bids received
0 Responsive Bids received from Santa Ana vendors
Bids were solicited, opened on February 12, 2026, and evaluated (Exhibit 1). Five bids were submitted by the IFB deadline and were determined to be responsive to the specifications and met the City’s requirements. The bid submitted by Southern Computer Warehouse, Inc. was determined to be the lowest responsible bid, was responsive to the specifications, and meets the City’s requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the current fiscal year budget as follows:
Fiscal
Year
Accounting Unit –
Account #
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit,
Account Description Amount
FY 25-26 01114425-63001 General Fund
Information Services,
Miscellaneous
Operating Expenses
$175,091
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Abstract of Bids (26-006)
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Police Chief
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager