Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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Purchase of physical security cameras for Parking Garage No. 2 from Morse Communications Inc., with an estimated expenditure of $281,573
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The contract for the design and construction of Downtown Parking Garage No. 2 was awarded to SSC Construction and approved by City Council on December 3, 2024. The scope of work for the project requires the design-builder to provide conduit and power supply for the garage security cameras, which were contemplated to be installed by the City’s physical security provider. Construction on the parking garage commenced in May 2025 and the project is currently on schedule for an August 2026 completion date. The installation of security cameras will enhance visitors’ confidence by creating a safer environment for everyone.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Implementing physical security cameras will significantly enhance staff’s capacity to detect and deter unauthorized access, suspicious activity, security threats, and vehicle accidents in Downtown Parking Garage No. 2. The security cameras will be connected to the City’s centralized video management platform and monitored by VIP Security and the OPD Real Time Crime Center.
In January 2022, Morse Communications was approved to supply standardized equipment and software related to the City’s physical security infrastructure. Identification of certain information relating to the City’s critical infrastructure is confidential and exempt from disclosure under section 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution by section 119.0725, Florida Statutes. Disclosure of such information could facilitate unauthorized access to or unauthorized modification, disclosure, or destruction of Information Technology resources.
Morse Communications has extended to the City of Ocala a 'Most Favored Nations' pricing guarantee, thereby ensuring that the City has secured the most advantageous pricing available for the acquisition of this essential physical security equipment.
To further ensure the competitiveness of the pricing offered by Morse Communications, Information Technology Department staff benchmarked the pricing offered by Morse Communication for the completion of this project against two additional providers, namely: LTC Technology Systems and Sciens Bulding Solutions and found pricing to be within a competitive range.
Using Morse Communications for this project will allow the City to standardize work across its physical security environment. Morse has consistently demonstrated high-quality workmanship on previous projects, including the installation of the cameras in Downtown Parking Garage No. 1.
The total project cost is estimated at $281,583 with $140,000 identified in the project budget. Additional funding in the amount of $141,583 is required to complete the project.
Staff recommends approval of this purchase.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project will be appropriated as follows:
120-020-328-545-69-65010 $140,000
001-020-328-545-69-65010 $141,583
IT Physical Security equipment purchases totaling $281,573 will be tracked under Munis Contract No.: 260611
A budget resolution is included on the same agenda.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City’s standard and approved purchase order terms and conditions shall govern this purchase. Any conflicting terms and conditions offered by the supplier will be reviewed for form and legality by the City Attorney’s office.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny