Legislation Details

File #: 26-7007    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Investment Memo Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 10/7/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 10/15/2026 Final action:
Title: Request by Universal Services for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Security Infrastructure Installation and Upgrades Project for a total authorization of $2,900,000 for FY 2027 and commercial paper funding in the amount of $2,900,000.
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
No records to display.

Primary Department: Universal Services

Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon, Executive Director and CIO

Managing Department: Universal Services

Managing Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon, Executive Director and CIO

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA

Type of Request: Investment Memo

Investment Memo Type: Final Investment Memo

 

Project Name: Security Infrastructure Enhancement Replacements

Project ID (if applicable): NI022

Vendor Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

 

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A

MWBE Current Achievement (if applicable): N/A

Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

 

Grant Indirect Costs Rate: N/A

Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item

 

Incremental Authorization Requested: $2,900,000

Total Estimated Project Cost: $6,000,000 (FY27 & FY28)

 

Request Summary:

title

Request by Universal Services for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Security Infrastructure Installation and Upgrades Project for a total authorization of $2,900,000 for FY 2027 and commercial paper funding in the amount of $2,900,000.

end

 

Project Description:

This project refreshes physical security technology infrastructure, like video cameras and access control systems. Some of the current systems have exceeded their shelf life and/or are no longer supported. These systems will be retrofitted with the latest available technology to enhance security needs. Software enhancements and analytics are critical areas of focus in modern technological advancements. Software enhancements encompass the iterative improvements and updates made to existing software applications, aiming to enhance functionality, performance, security, and user experience. These enhancements often involve refining algorithms, optimizing code, and incorporating new features based on user feedback and technological advancements. The updated system will help to provide real-time feeds and alerts from multiple data sources to stay ahead of threats, with intuitive workflows and data integrations to facilitate comprehensive intelligence collection and analysis-delivering automated, smart, and actionable insights to help make informed decisions.

 

Project Scope:

The security technology infrastructure upgrade project is divided into multiple phases. Each of the phases aims to update security infrastructure for Harris County buildings.  The security software and infrastructure update includes network video recorders, access control systems, building intrusion systems, cameras, intercoms, and duress alarms. US has previously completed phases and will be moving into a new phase during FY27, which includes software/hardware upgrades and additions (please see the breakdown in the project expenditure table below) and installation for the following locations:

 

1.                     1001 Preston - Admin. Building

2.                     1302 Preston - Annex 2

3.                     1019 Congress - Annex 46

4.                     201 Caroline - Civil

5.                     1201 Franklin - CJC

6.                     1200 Congress Avenue - JJC

7.                     1401 Congress St.

8.                     301 Fannin Houston

9.                     1505 Commerce St - Annex 30

10.                     1310 Prairie St - Annex 44

11.                     1111 Fannin St - Annex 84

12.                     1201 Baker St - Administration Building

13.                     1203 Preston St.

14.                     1115 Congress Ave - FLC

15.                     1301 Franklin - FSJ

16.                     6900 Hahl Rd - HZW

17.                     1201 Congress St - JAB

18.                     1417 Congress - Old Palace Hotel

19.                     701 San Jacinto - SJJ

20.                     406 Caroline - Data Center

21.                     1115 Congress Ave - FLC

22.                     Annex 18

23.                     911 Call Center

24.                     El Rio Service Center

25.                     Genoa Red Bluff - Fleet Maintenance

26.                     Household Hazardous Waste

27.                     Todd St. Warehouse

28.                     Polk St. Fleet Services

29.                     HRF - Huge Road Facility

30.                     YMAC/WHO Facility

31.                     Library Administration

32.                     Annex 37 - Animal Control

33.                     Harris County Facilities that currently operate with outdated security technology infrastructure, which may be prone to device failures, is projected for FY27.

 

Fisk will provide the necessary network cables and switches that are needed for all the hardware that requires connection to the Harris County data center. 

 

There might be changes in the County’s needs that result in minor operational changes for the project throughout the Fiscal Year, but the overall scope will remain the same, and any additional authorization would go through Commissioners Court approval.

 

Justification:

The replacement of these end-of-life security systems and hardware devices will help first responders in an emergency. The County's access system must comply with the Fire Code. In the event of an emergency, facility egress doors must be released to allow individuals to leave the premises. The system also supports duress buttons in the event of an emergency. Updating this technology will reduce the time spent by the Harris County agencies and provide efficiency in their work. These system upgrades will reduce the failure rate, which will help reduce operational repair costs. Each failure can cost $125 per hour to repair; reducing the work orders generated by the failure of these devices will reduce overall repair costs. Hiring a project manager is essential to ensure successful project delivery by providing centralized coordination, managing risks, and keeping projects on time and within budget. A project manager will streamline communication among stakeholders, allocate resources effectively, and mitigate potential delays or scope creep. Additionally, they will maintain quality control, ensuring that all deliverables meet specifications. By having a dedicated project manager, we can improve efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance overall project outcomes, ultimately leading to greater organizational success.

 

In addition, keeping security infrastructure up to date will not only help prevent facility theft from HC facilities but also promote safety for facility users, including employees and citizens. 

 

Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:

Project Scope Breakdown

Estimated Cost

Estimated Completion

Multidirectional cameras/Intercoms/Camect-AI Devices

266,000

9/2027

Access Control and Intrusion Hardware and Door Conversion

424,000

9/2027

Panic/Duress alerting devices

130,000

9/2027

Misc. material hardware, cabling, strikes, Metal Detectors

425,000

9/2027

Network video recorders

400,000

9/2027

Professional services - installation

400,000

9/2027

Fisk cabling hardware cost

150,000

9/2027

System Servers and database

150,000

9/2027

Project Manager Contractor

200,000

12/2027

15% Contingency

355,000

 

FY27 authorization requested

$2,900,000

 

 

Justification & Alternatives:

Failure to maintain security infrastructure will prevent critical security updates and lead to security compromise and loss of compliance. Lack of equipment modernization will limit the County’s ability to secure facilities, property, staff, and citizens

 

Anticipated Impact on Other Funds (If Applicable):

Fund Code

Description

Estimated Cost

Funding Method  (Existing or Future Budget Request Required)

Estimated Date of Needs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

County Strategic Plan Goal:  N/A

County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A

Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1):   Choose an item.

Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2):  Choose an item.

Economy Initiative (Goal 3): Choose an item.

Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.

Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): Choose an item.

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): Choose an item.


Decision Analysis Matrix Score (rubric on last page): 15

Previous Court Action:

Date

Agenda Item #

Action Taken

3/14/2017

2.e.3

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $1,065,000

1/9/2018

6.a.2

Request for approval of funding in the amount of $2,625,000

1/30/2018

4.f.1

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $2,625,000

5/14/2019

6.a

Request for approval of funding in the amount of $7,410,000

6/4/2019

4.e.2

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $7,410,000

5/19/2020

4.f.7

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $600,000

8/11/2020

4.c.2

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $700,000

9/15/2020

4.e.2

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $1,590,000

5/25/2021

21-2283

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $2,085,000

3/22/2022

22-2027

Request for an additional incremental authorization of $2,090,000 for a total SFY22 authorization of $2,890,000 and commercial paper funding $1,000,000

6/14/2022

22-3515

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $1,090,000

9/13/2022

22-5420

Request for an additional incremental authorization of $2,850,000, FY23 total authorization of $3,407,127

10/18/2022

22-6596

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $500,000 

4/4/2023

23-1972

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $1,175,000

7/18/2023

23-3945

Request for approval of commercial paper funding $1,175,000

8/29/2023

23-4824

Request for an additional incremental authorization of $1,903,000 for FY24

10/10/2023

23-5837

Request for approval of commercial paper funding $1,500,000 for a total of $22,515,000

12/5/2023

23-7152

Request for approval of decrease commercial paper funding $1,000,000 for a net CP funding $21,515,000

2/27/2024

24-1115

Request for approval of commercial paper funding $1,405,000

10/8/24

24-6282

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for FY25 $2,530,000.

1/9/25

25-0054

Request for approval of commercial paper funding in the additional amount of $1,400,000.

5/8/26

25-2481

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for $500,000.

8/26/25

25-5186

Request for approval of commercial paper funding for FY26 $2,493,260.

2/1/26

21-1044

Request for approval of commercial paper funding in the additional amount of $1,675,000.

 

Address: Multiple

Precinct(s): Countywide

Fiscal and Personnel Summary

Service Name

NI022

 

 

Current Fiscal Year Cost

Annual Fiscal Cost

 

Labor

Non-Labor

Total

Recurring Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Funding Sources

 

Existing Budget

 

 

 

 

Choose an item.

$

$

$

$

Choose an item.

$

$

$

$

Choose an item.

$

$

$

$

Total Current Budget

$

$

$

$

Additional Budget Request

 

Commercial Paper

$

$2,900,000

$2,900,000

$

Choose an item.

$

$

$

$

Choose an item.

$

$

$

$

Total Additional Budget Request

$

$2,900,000

$2,900,000

$

Total Funding Request

$

$2,900,000

$2,900,000

$

Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs)

 

Current Position Count for Service

-

-

-

-

Additional Positions Request

-

-

-

-

Total Personnel

-

-

-

-

 

Anticipated Court Date: 10/15/2026

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

Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, First Assistant County Attorney-Legal Operations, 7/22/2025

Department Approval by: Heather Merkel, Director of Budget, Universal Services 7/27/2026

OMB CIP Team Approval by: William McGuinness, Director-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 9/30/2026

________________________________________

Commercial Paper Request (For OMB use only):

Receiving Department: Universal Services

Project PeopleSoft ID: NI022

CP Series Description: Commercial Paper Series D can be used for (1) construction of public works, (2) the purchase of automobiles, equipment and machinery, including computers, materials and supplies for the operation of the County’s precincts and departments (3) Professional services, including services provided by engineers, architects, attorneys, auditors, financial advisors, and fiscal agents, in connection with the contractual obligations described in (1) and (2).

Commercial Paper is being requested for the Security Infrastructure Installation and Upgrades project and is expected to be repaid within the next three fiscal years either through bonds, budgetary means or pay-as-you-go sources.

 

OMB Financial Management Contact: Fahad Gulzar, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget