Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Police Crime Lab needs to purchase Agilent ChemStation software upgrades for two GC/MS systems that are used to identify controlled substances. The computers that are currently operating these two GC/MS systems are still running on Windows 2000. PoliceNet and DOT have advised the Crime Lab that the City no longer has licenses for Windows 2000, so if either of the GC/MS systems were to crash, they would be unable to help the Crime Lab. PoliceNet has two new Windows 7 computers available to replace the two Windows 2000 computers. However, the current Agilent ChemStation software used on the GC/MC systems is not compatible with Windows 7. DOT worked with the Crime Lab for several weeks to find an answer to the compatibility issues with the software and the new computers; however, all attempts to resolve the issues were unsuccessful. Agilent advised the Crime Lab that it has a software upgrade which allows the current GC/MS systems to operate on a Windows 7 Computer.
The funding for this purchase has been approved through Grant Number 331301, FY 2012 Forensic Science Improvement Grant.
BID INFORMATION: The Agilent ChemStation software upgrades were not bid out because Agilent is the only vendor that can provide the upgrade for its proprietary software. This software upgrade is the only software that can be used to operate the existing Agilent Technologies GC/MS instruments being used in the Drug Identification Section of the Crime Lab. There are no available alternatives. The Agilent ChemStation software is proprietary software that is distributed by Agilent Technologies.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: 770518772 expires 04/17/2014
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $4,012.40 from the General Government Grant Fund for the purchase of Agilent ChemStation software upgrades.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is necessary in order to keep the Drug Identification Section of the Crime Lab f...
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