HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/15/2013 Vehicle Laptops for Fire DepartmentV Village of Mount Prospect
Fire Department
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: CHIEF MALCOLM �7
�3
FROM: DEPUTY CHIEF TRUTY �) s
DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 2012
SUBJECT: VEHICLE LAPTOPS
This year, the Fire Department is scheduled to replace five of its eight vehicle laptop computers
and seven of the eleven docking stations (2 reserve vehicles) at an already funded cost of
$22,500. As you know, NWCD converted to a new 9 -1 -1 system and new mobile computer
software with significantly enhanced functionality was part of the conversion. Over the past
several months, NWCD communities' IT directors and technology staffs have worked through
performance issues that have been partially attributed to poor laptop capabilities, ours included.
There is significant agreement that upgrading laptop configurations will substantially enhance
performance.
Panasonic this year, released a new model vehicle laptop that they classify as 'semi -
ruggedized' versus the 'ruggedized' that we have purchased in the past'. The difference
between the two versions is primarily related to the external environment the laptops could be
exposed to including dust and temperature extremes. It is our conclusion that the interior of our
vehicle fleets, which is where these laptops are mounted, are not subject to these conditions
and that semi - ruggedized laptops will meet our need at a reduced savings. This savings per
laptop is approximately $1,500.
Considering the new mobile software issues, I am recommending that we take this savings and
apply it to the replacement of the remaining three laptops and four docking stations. Under this
scenario, rather than replacing five laptops and seven docking stations, we would replace eight
laptops and eleven docking stations. This change, at an additional non - budgeted cost of only
$5,535 would allow all vehicles to have the same model computer allowing for easier support,
greater interchangeability than we currently have (currently we have three separate models) and
allow all of our front line vehicles to have the best configuration for the new software. I believe
we can make up the remaining required amount through budgeted non - expended funds.
This expenditure in this configuration would effectively stabilize the fire department's mobile
communications systems for the next five years barring any unforeseen new technological
developments.
Thank you
CT /ct
Village of Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect, Illinois
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: ASSISTANT VILLAGE MANAGER DAVE STRAHL
FROM: IT DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 7, 2013
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO PURCHASE SEMI - RUGGEDIZED LAPTOPS FOR FIRE
Staff is requesting approval to purchase eight Panasonic Toughbook 53 laptops for use
in Fire Safety vehicles. The Toughbook 53 is a semi - ruggedized laptop which is a
change from the higher priced, fully - ruggedized models purchased in the past. Long
term cost savings is the primary reason for the change.
To facilitate interchangeability, it is beneficial to switch all of the Fire Department laptops
to semi - ruggedized models at the same time. Three of the laptops to be replaced are
CF -29 models that were purchased in 2006; two are CF -30 models that were purchased
in 2007; and three are CF -31 models that were purchased in 2010. The three newest
CF -31 laptops will be repurposed within the Fire Department. One will be used for radio
programming, one for training software and one for testing and maintenance of the self -
contained breathing apparatus. Eleven new docking stations (port replicators) are
needed so the laptops can also be mounted in reserve vehicles as well.
The Village has standardized on Panasonic laptops for Public Safety vehicles. CDS
Office Technologies provides Illinois state contract pricing on Toughbooks, which is
shown in the chart below.
Count I
Specificat
Extended Cost
Panasonic Toughbook 53: Intel Core i5- 3320M, 2.6 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Touch
8
Screen, Backlit Keyboard, DVD, MS Windows 7 Pro, 320 GB Hard Drive, WiFi, 3 -yr
$18,000
$2,250 each
Havis DS- PAN - 412 -P: Vehicle port replicator for Toughbook 53
$7,139
11
$649 each
Total
$25,139
Deputy Chief Truty's attached memo explains more about the new laptop model and
how this purchase would benefit the Fire Department. This purchase request was
thoroughly discussed at a recent VTAG (Village Technology Advisory Group) meeting
Request to Purchase Semi - Ruggedized Laptops for Fire
January 7, 2013
Page 2
and the group endorsed the request. Therefore I recommend that the Village accept the
state bid and purchase eight semi - ruggedized laptops and eleven docking stations for
an amount not to exceed $25,139. Funds are available for this purchase.
Joan Middleton
IT Director
cc: Chris Truty
End: Memo
1AVB Request Memos\2013 FD Toughbook Requests.docx