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: Regular 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: $2,473,260
Total Estimated Project Cost: $5,060,000 (FY26 & FY27)
Request Summary:
title
Request for approval of a Final Investment Memo for the Security Infrastructure Installation and Upgrades Project for an incremental amount of $2,473,260 for a total authorization of $2,493,260 for FY 2026 and commercial paper funding in the amount of $800,000.
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 include network video recorders, access control systems, building intrusion systems, cameras, and duress alarms. US has previously completed phases; and will be moving into a new phase during FY26 which includes software/hardware upgrades and additions (please see the breakdown in the project expenditure table below) and installation for the following locations:
1. 1910 Court House
2. Administration Building
3. Annex 21
4. Annex 44
5. Annex 46
6. Annex 7
7. Fire Marshall Office
8. Tomball Tax office
9. Family Law
10. Annex 12 (CAC)
11. Civil Court House
12. JJC
13. Radio Shop
14. Annex 18
15. IFS
16. Annex 35
17. Annex 18
18. Radio
19. Harris County Facilities that currently operate with outdated security technology infrastructure, which may be prone to device failures, projected for FY26.
Fisk will provide the necessary network cables and switches that’s needed for all the hardware that require 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 employee and citizens.
Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:
|
Project Scope Breakdown |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Completion |
|
Multidirectional cameras |
$650,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Door motor kits |
$165,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Panic/Duress alerting devices |
$25,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Misc. material hardware, cabling, strikes, Metal Detectors |
$175,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Approx 6 network video recorders |
$200,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Professional services - installation |
$375,000 |
9/2026 |
|
Fisk cabling hardware cost |
$290,000 |
9/2026 |
|
System Servers and database |
$163,260 |
9/2026 |
|
Project Manager Contractor |
$200,000 |
12/2026 |
|
Contingency |
$250,000 |
|
|
FY26 Total Authorization |
$2,493,260 |
|
|
Unencumbered existing project balance to carry into FY26 |
($20,000) |
|
|
Total |
$2,473,260 |
|
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):
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Fund Code |
Description |
Estimated Cost |
Funding Method (Existing or Future Budget Request Required) |
Estimated Date of Needs |
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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): A2: Apply “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” principles to improve built environments of neighborhoods and increase safety.
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 |
Address: Multiple
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
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Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
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Funding Sources |
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Existing Budget |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Current Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Additional Budget Request |
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Commercial Paper |
$ |
$800,000 |
$800,000 |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
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Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$800,000 |
$800,000 |
$ |
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Total Funding Request |
$ |
$800,000 |
$800,000 |
$ |
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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
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Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
- |
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Additional Positions Request |
- |
- |
- |
- |
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Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: 8/26/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/1/2025
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, Special Assistant County Attorney, 7/22/2025
Department Approval by: Heather Merkel, Director of Budget, Universal Services 8/8/2025
OMB CIP Team Approval by: William McGuinness, Director-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 8/7/2025
________________________________________
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: Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget
Decision Analysis Matrix scoring tool - Commissioners Court has approved the rubric below for scoring capital projects. Please complete the last two rows for OMB review.
|
Scoring option |
Strategic Plan alignment (3x weighting) |
Evidence base |
Impact on outcomes |
Cost effectiveness |
Ease of implementation |
Collaboration / partnerships |
Environmental sustainability |
Equity |
Total |
|
-1 |
Antithetical to one or more aspects of the Strategic Plan |
Evidence shows net negative impact on the intended goal |
Impact is clearly negative |
Costs expected (or shown) to outweigh benefits |
County has no/limited existing capabilities and dependencies are likely to impede |
Could negatively impact relationships with partners |
Negatively impacts environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Inequitable |
n/a |
|
0 |
Does not align to a Strategic Objective |
Evidence base is not well defined or measurable |
Size of impact on one or more strategic outcomes is negligible or unclear |
Net comparison is unclear |
County has no/limited existing capabilities or dependencies are likely to impede |
Does not involve collaboration with partners |
Net neutral impact on environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Does not consider equity to a meaningful degree |
n/a |
|
1 |
Aligns to a Strategic Objective but not to a Strategic Initiative |
Limited evidence-based research on outcomes; may have qualitative/theoretical support |
Outcomes are defined but without target levels and/or expected impact is moderate |
Moderate direct/indirect benefit relative to costs |
County has existing capability to implement, or dependencies are unlikely to impede |
Moderately expands County leverage through collaboration with partner(s) |
Marginally positive impact on environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Considers equity to a meaningful degree, but not comprehensively |
n/a |
|
2 |
Aligns to a Strategic Objective and a Strategic Initiative |
Outcomes are directly supported by evidence base or credible research supports anticipated outcomes |
Outcomes are clearly defined and include target levels; expected impact on outcomes is high |
Significant direct/indirect benefit relative to costs |
County has existing capability to implement, and dependencies are unlikely to impede |
Significantly expands County leverage through collaboration with partner(s) |
Positively impacts environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Considers equity meaningfully and comprehensively |
n/a |
|
Score (-1,0,1,2) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
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Rationale |
Objective A |
An upgraded infrastructure will ensure multiple County facilities are compliant and up to date with latest technology |
Security infrastructures cut across different County locations to improve security and supports future technology integrations |
Costs are outweighed by benefits of having safer environment for staff and residents and lower costs related to crime. |
Security Infrastructure is already in place |
Multiple County locations where security infrastructure is in place can communicate with Central locations |
Environmental impact expected to stay the same due to camera, NVR and Switch installation |
Does not address equity to a meaningful degree |
n/a |