Title
MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE TRAINING ANNUAL PASS (TAP) PROGRAM FROM MAGNET FORENSICS' FOR FOUR (4) POLICE FORENSIC TECHNICIANS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $27,980, PURSUANT TO SECTION 35.18(C)(7)(A) OF THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES.
Summary Explanation and Background
PROCUREMENT PROCESS TAKEN:
- Chapter 35 of the City’s Code of Ordinance is titled “PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES, PUBLIC FUNDS.”
- Section 35.18 of the City's Code of Ordinances is titled "COMPETITIVE BIDDING OR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS REQUIRED; EXCEPTIONS."
- Section 35.18(C) states that "Only the following situations are exempt from the competitive bid and competitive proposal requirements of this section:"
- Section 35.18(C)(7) states that "The following contractual services are not subject to the competitive procurement requirement:"
- Section 35.18(C)(7)(A) states that "Academic programs reviews, lectures or seminars by individuals, professional development programs, training, and continuing education seminars;”
- Section 35.21 of the City's Code of Ordinances is titled "AWARD OF CONTRACT."
- Section 35.21(A) of the City's Code of Ordinances is titled "City Commission approval".
- Section 35.21(A)(1) states, "An initial purchase of, or contract for, commodities or services, in excess of $25,000, shall require the approval of the City Commission, regardless of whether the competitive bidding or competitive proposal procedures were followed."
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. The Training Annual Pass (TAP) Program provides an opportunity for the Forensic Technicians to take introductory and continuing education classes throughout the course of a year either in a classroom setting or on-demand. The TAP Program provides training flexibility and will facilitate the completion of the qualifications program and other certifications.
2. The Magnet Forensics' Qualification Program is designed to demonstrate and validate a user’s technical competency and proficiency with the digital forensics products. Completion of the Qualification Program ensures that personnel are fully trained and certified in the use of Magnet Forensics' software suites, enabling them to conduct digital investigations with greater efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to evidentiary standards. The certification programs further enhance investigative capabilities, ensures that forensic examiners can confidently articulate, defend their methodologies in court, and remain current with evolving technologies and forensic methodologies, which enhances the overall credibility of the examiner and the Police Department.
3.Magnet Forensics' training programs are internationally recognized and widely regarded as industry-standard credentials among digital forensic professionals. The Police Department currently uses several Magnet Forensics' products in its digital forensic operations, including tools essential for examining computers, mobile devices, recovering and analyzing cloud-based data, and other digital media in criminal investigations. Products offered from Magnet Forensics' supports professional development goals and align with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards and agency accreditation standards for continuing education and technical competency. The ongoing training provided through the TAP program ensures that Forensic Technicians remain proficient in new features, modules, and forensic artifacts introduced through frequent software updates. Without consistent and proper training, a decline in investigative efficiency and evidentiary accuracy can occur, such as mishandling evidence, incomplete data extractions, and inadmissible findings which may impact case outcomes and court proceedings.
4.The cost per employee for the Magnet Forensics' Training Annual Pass (TAP) is $6,995.00, which includes complete access to numerous trainings and programs that are available either in classroom or on-demand.
5. Request Commission to approve the purchase of the TAP program for four (4) Forensic Technicians from Magnet Forensics' in an amount not to exceed $27,980 pursuant to Section 35.18(C)(7)(a) of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
Financial Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT DETAIL:
|
Training Activity |
Cost |
Qty |
Ext. Price |
|
Magnetic Forensics’Training Annual Pass (TAP) |
$ 6,995.00 |
4 |
$ 27,980.00 |
a) Initial Cost: $27,980.00
b) Amount budgeted for this item in Account No:
001-521-3001-555229-0000-000-0000: POLICE TRAINING - $28,000.00
c) Source of funding for difference, if not fully budgeted: Not Applicable.
d) 5 year projection of the operational cost of the project: Not Applicable.
e) Detail of additional staff requirements: Not Applicable
FEASIBILITY REVIEW:
A feasibility review is required for the award, renewal and/or expiration of all function sourcing contracts. This analysis is to determine the financial effectiveness of function sourcing services.
a) Was a Feasibility Review/Cost Analysis of Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor Conducted for this service? Not Applicable.
b) If Yes, what is the total cost or total savings of utilizing Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor for this service? Not Applicable.