Template revised January 10, 2019.
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COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
11/19/2024
DATE: October 22, 2024
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Commander Darius Aldridge Port of Seattle Police Department
SUBJECT: POSPD AXON Contract 2024
Amount of this request:
$13,285,000.00
Total estimated project cost:
$13,285,000.00
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute a purchase order in the
amount of $13,285,000.00 to approve a ten-year contract with Axon for updated technologies to
improve department capabilities and transparency with stakeholders and the public.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Port of Seattle Police Department currently has a contract for services with Axon, to include
our Taser and Body Worn Camera programs. Our current Taser contract expires in November
2024 and the Body Worn Camera will expire in 2026.
In effort to integrate new technologies into the department and to improve upon the Taser and
Body Worn Camera program the Port of Seattle Police Department is requesting to enter a
contract with Axon from 12/1/24 to 3/31/35. The new technologies being requested will be
provided in the justification section.
This request is consistent with the Port of Seattle Police Departments Standard Operating
Objectives of increasing our technology and system capabilities.
JUSTIFICATION
The Port of Seattle Police Department is seeking to improve existing technologies and implement
new ones to support our department’s standard operating objective of increasing our technology
and system capabilities. Upgraded technology will help enhance the department’s ability to
respond to emergencies quickly and investigate incidents more thoroughly.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 5
Meeting Date: November 19, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Technology updates will also ensure the safety of both officers and the public by providing access
to the latest communication tools, integrated systems, and information sharing. It will help to
reduce errors, increase accuracy, streamline administrative tasks, and keep the department
current with new laws and regulations regarding mandatory technology use in law enforcement.
This item falls under the following 21CP Recommendation authorized by Commission on
September 14,
2021:
RECOMMENDATION NO. 52. As body worn camera program is developed, the POSPD should
consider policy choices around when cameras should be activated, what are acceptable uses for
BWC footage, when officers may view footage, and how the BWC program can support overall
transparency. The proposed Axon contract would also address several Century Agenda goals and
objectives, specifically the following:
Goal 6: Be a Highly Effective Public Agency- Through this goal the Port of Seattle will ensure that
its function as a public agency is marked by accountability, transparency, safety, innovation, and
responsible financial stewardship. The Port of Seattle with strive to be a good community partner
and use our influence to ensure that all the communities we serve are healthy and safe.
Objective 16: Advance the Port’s dedication to employee engagement, safety, innovation, and
financial stewardship.
Objective 17: Foster an environment of transparency, accountability, respect, leadership, and
fairness to give Port staff the tools to be exceptional public servants.
Objective 18: Partner and engage with external stakeholders to build healthy, safe and equitable
communities.
Objective 19: Set the standard for high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of capital
programs.
The Port of Seattle Police Department currently has contracts with Axon for our Taser and Body
Worn Camera programs. The Axon Taser contract expires on November 30, 2024, and the Body
Worn Camera contract expires on December 14, 2026.
By bundling these products and new technologies, the Port of Seattle Police Department will have
substantial cost savings over a ten-year period, which is the proposed length of the contract.
The total cost for the proposed ten-year contract is approximately $13,285,00.00, or
$1,325,000.00 per year.
The proposed contract would result in cost savings of approximately $3,265,000.00, or $317,000
per year over a ten-year period.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 3 of 5
Meeting Date: November 19, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
The following products are included in the proposed Axon contract:
1) Taser 10 Upgrade - Our current Taser contract with Axon expires November 2024. This
would give us an updated version of the Taser from our current Taser 7 devices, providing
greater less lethal capabilities and meeting legislative requirements for de-escalation, by
providing greater time, distance and shielding in use of force situations.
2) Body Worn Cameras - Already implemented within the agency and current contract
through 2026 (to renegotiate in 2025). Allows for transparency and greater investigation
capabilities for our agency and stakeholders. Updated versions would be automatically
replaced during the ten-year contract term.
3) Fusus - New technology, will provide a video and data collaboration platform to expedite
intelligence gathering and efficiency. Will connect with existing Genetec cameras at the
airport and allow officers to gain access to them in a more efficient manner, which will
expedite investigations and operational disruptions. With the increase in vehicle theft
crimes in the region, this would be a tremendous tool to assist us in identifying suspects
entering or leaving Port of Seattle properties.
4) Axon Fleet - New technology, in-car cameras. Will provide an additional level of
transparency for stakeholders and the public. Provides officers an additional level of
recording traffic stops and contacts, can record in the rear passenger seat of vehicles and
each will be equipped with an Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) which will assist in
identifying stolen vehicles.
5) Virtual Reality Training - New Technology, designed to pair with Taser 10. Will allow a
great training opportunity for officers who will complete scenarios in a virtual
environment, without having to deploy expensive cartridges.
6) Standards - New technology, a more efficient method for tracking Use of Force incidents.
Allow the Office of Professional Accountability to access reports in an integrated system,
which Blue Team does not.
Axon is the industry leader in technological capabilities and their products have had successful
implementation around the world. As we evolve as an agency it is vital we expand our technology
footprint to keep up with the demand of our stakeholders and the public regarding investigations
and transparency. Approving this contract would provide that ability for a ten-year period and
make the Port of Seattle Police Department a leader in technological capabilities and give our
officers the tools they need to support our stakeholders and the public.
Diversity in Contracting
Port of Seattle Police currently have an existing contract with Axon, we are seeking to add
products and extend the contract through 2035.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 4 of 5
Meeting Date: November 19, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Deny the ten-year contract with Axon.
Cost Implications:
Pros:
(1) Cost savings of $1,329,000.00 annually and $13,285,000.00 over ten years.
Cons:
(1) Negotiating a new Taser contract could result in a price increase for that product at
2025 rates and delay availability.
(2) Other technologies would increase in price after 2025, which would result in reducing
cost savings significantly.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Negotiate individual contracts for each product.
Cost Implications:
Pros:
(1) Separate product implementation dates.
(2) Less impact on the agency regarding training and implementation.
Cons:
(1) Increase in costs by not bundling the products.
(2) Different start/end dates for each contract.
(3) Would have to renegotiate with Axon in 2025, which would affect the pricing.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 3 –Approve ten-year contract with Axon.
Cost Implications:
Pros:
(1) Significant upgrade to technological operational capabilities.
(2) Increased transparency with stakeholders and the public.
(3) Cost savings of approximately $3,265,000.00 and $317,000 per year over the life of the
contract by bundling all products.
(4) Receive automatic technology upgrades for the life of the contract, at no additional
cost.
(5) Do not have to renegotiate the contract until 2034.
(6) Product cost increases will not affect the contract until 2035 when it expires.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 5 of 5
Meeting Date: November 19, 2024
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Cons:
(1) Requires $13,285,000.00 in capital funding and $1,329,000.00 annually.
(2) Additional training and implantation by POSPD and ICT.
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
$13,285,000.00
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$13,285,000.0
$0
$13,285,000.0
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
0
0
0
Current request for authorization
$13,285,000.0
0
$13,285,000.0
Total authorizations, including this request
$13,285,000.0
0
$13,285,000.0
Remaining amount to be authorized
$13,285,000.0
$0
$13,285,000.0
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
The total cost of the proposed ten-year contract with Axon would be approximately
$13,285,000.00, with an estimated annual cost of $1,329,000.00 to include all products, training,
and warranties. The source of the funds would be from capital budget.
As it relates to the capital component of this contract, the CIP/Description of funding is as follows:
CIP number/description: C801999-Police Axon Equip 2025.
CIP status: 2 Business Plan Prospective (following commission authorization, will be upgraded to
status 3+).
CIP Funding: 81.3% 03040 (ADF)/ 18.7% 00010 (General Fund).
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) BWC Policy 450
(2) AXON Service Agreement Proposal
(3) AXON Services Sole Source Letter
(4) AXON Taser Sole Source Letter
(5) AXON Situation Analysis
(6) AXON Quote
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None
