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Last updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2013
(BEDFORD) - The Bedford Board of Works during a special meeting approved the purchase of new laptops for the Bedford Police Department.
Bob Bridge of the Times-Mail reports that in March, the board approved Chief Dennis Parsley's proposal of $85,926.70 to purchase 29 new laptop computers for the city's squad cars from CDW-G, headquartered in Chicago. The laptops are to be used in conjunction with the city's new Spillman Technology software.
Parsley budgeted for the new equipment, and the city spent $295,188 on the software in October.
Three local companies -- TNT Computers, Hoosier PC and Bedford Office Supply -- also submitted proposals to provide the laptops but came in well above CDW-G's offer. However, CDW-G was tardy in its delivery of the equipment. When the laptops did arrive, they failed to meet the necessary specifications.
But the police department needs the laptops now. Officers are scheduled to train on the new Spillman system on May 21.
Parsley discovered Rugged Depot in Magnolia, Texas, had 23 of the laptops he needed available immediately. Although the cost is an additional $10,650, the total expense is still less than the other three bids.
Greg Pittman, city attorney, said because of the unique circumstances, the city was not bound to the bidding process.
The board gave Parsley approval to purchase the 23 laptops now and the other six as they come available. Parsley said the docking stations received from CDW-G were adequate and did not need to be replaced.
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