Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Paige McInnis
Secondary Department: Sheriff
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Gonzalez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): 230493
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Street Smarts VR Inc.
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 0%
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): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent for approval to rescind an award from Govred Technology, Inc. in connection with an award approved by Commissioners Court on October 8, 2024 and approve a new award and that the County Judge execute an agreement with Street Smarts VR Inc. in the amount of $125,000 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, 2025 - May 7, 2026 with four (4) one-year renewal options (230493), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature.
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Background and Discussion:
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) serves a diverse population of over 4.8 million residents across 1,700
square miles. HCSO emphasizes the importance of partnerships with vendors and the community in addressing crime challenges.
Due to the COPS Technology and Equipment Program Grant, the HCSO with the help of the Office of Purchasing Agent released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for virtual reality equipment and support services. Virtual reality (VR) provides law enforcement agencies with realistic training simulations that enhance decision-making and tactical responses without real-world risks. It allows officers to practice crisis management in controlled environments, such as active shooter scenarios. Additionally, it improves de-escalation techniques and helps assess officer performance, identifying areas for improvement. Overall, VR enhances training effectiveness, promotes safety, and strengthens community relations.
Expected Impact:
It was discovered, after award, the previous vendor could not provide the necessary training services. Approval of this request will allow HCSO to rescind and re-award the project to a vendor that can provide all the requirements for a successful virtual reality implementation.
Alternative Options:
There are no alternative options as the grant deadline has been extended twice to allow time for this re-award process.
County Strategic Plan Goal: N/A
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
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):
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Date |
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3/26/2024 |
384 |
Transmittal for Advertisement |
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10/8/2024 |
341 |
Previous Contract Award |
Location:
Address (if applicable): N/A
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Anticipated Court Date: 5/8/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Lt. Jose Gomez, Sheriff’s Office; Margaret Obot, Sourcing Manager, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter, Agreement