HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 Computing devices for District Vehicles Agenda Item # 8
Public Utility District
CONSENT
To: Board of Directors
From: Ian Fitzgerald
Date: August 20, 2014
Subject: Consideration of the Purchase of Replacement Computing Devices
for District Vehicles
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board approval is required for expenditures in excess of$15,000.
2. HISTORY
The District has been using computers in District vehicles since 2002. The District
currently operates mobile computers in District vehicles to provide geographic
information, modeling capabilities, and associated data to our water and electric crews
away from the office. In addition, these units now play a critical role in facility
inspection programs and electric outage management.
3. NEW INFORMATION
Our current mobile computers were purchased in 2009. In addition to outlasting their
three year replacement cycle by five years, many of the computers are beginning to
break down in their harsh environment.
The new tablet computers are manufactured by Microsoft, and are designed
specifically for field applications on a daily basis. They are high performance, tablet
enabled devices, viewable in direct sun-light. Speed and processing power are a
major step up from our existing devices.
Section 3.08.060 of the District's code (Joint Purchasing with the State of California
and other public agencies) permits the District to take advantage of other agencies low
bids providing that competitive procurement procedures were followed. The costs
proposals are submitted on Federal Government Service Agreement (GSA) which
adheres to this section of the District code.
The expected life of the mobile computers is three years due to the harsh environment
to which they are exposed; however it is not uncommon for tablet computers to be
usable for five years if still in good condition.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds exist in the FYI Budget for the purchase of the 22 mobile computers.
The cost of the mobile computers quoted through CDW-Government is $24,091, and
includes tax and shipping.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Approve the purchase of replacement mobile computers for a total cost of$24,091.
Stephen Hollabaugh Michael D. Holley
Assistant General Manager General Manager