Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Kimberly J. Williams, JD
Secondary Department: Sheriff
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Gonzalez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Renewal
Project ID (if applicable): 230493
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Street Smarts VR Inc.
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a renewal option with Street Smarts VR Inc. for virtual reality equipment, implementation, training and support services for the Sheriff’s Office (County, Federal, State and Grant Funds) for the period of May 8, 2026 - May 7, 2027, at a cost of $250,000 (230493), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature.
end
Background and Discussion:
Virtual reality (VR) provides law enforcement agencies with realistic training simulations that enhance decision-making and tactical responses without real-world risks. Additionally, it improves de-escalation techniques and helps assess officer performance by providing a “Shoot/Don’t Shoot” training simulator.
The inclusion of advanced investigative equipment, designed to integrate with virtual reality training software, will also support hands-on training and skill development for investigative personnel. The virtual reality training software allows the DAO to provide on-site training to employees.
Expected Impact:
Virtual Reality enhances training effectiveness, promotes safety, and strengthens community relations.
Alternative Options:
In-person training for DAO employees instead of VR-based resulting in increased costs and time away from work.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: A: Reduce violent crime across the County.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
03/26/2024 |
384 |
Advertisement Approval |
|
10/8/2024 |
341 |
Previous Contract Award |
|
5/8/2025 |
467 |
Award Approval |
Location:
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Countywide
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
|
Service Name |
Virtual Reality Equipment, Implementation, Training and Support Services for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office |
|
|
|
Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
|
|
Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
Existing Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
Grant |
$ |
$125000 |
$125,000 |
$ |
|
Commercial Paper |
$ |
$125,000 |
$125,000 |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Existing Budget |
$ |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
$ |
|
Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
|
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$ |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
$ |
|
Grants - Proposed Budget (For Grants Items only) |
|
|
Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
No. of Grant Years |
|
Local Match Source - Existing Budget: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
|
Local Match Source - Additional Budget Request: Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
|
Grant Funds Applied for/Awarded (Total) |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
|
Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new Position Control Numbers (PCN)s) |
|
|
Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Additional Positions Request |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only) |
|
CAO Reviewer Name and Title |
|
CAO Review Completion Date |
Click or tap to enter a date. |
Anticipated Court Date: 3/19/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Trevor Smith (Finance Director - District Attorney’s Office); Michael Lanham (Director of Finance - Sheriff’s Office); Jose Camacho (Contract Manager - Purchasing)
Attachments (if applicable): Letter