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 equipment from Morse Communications Inc., including digital cameras, building access controls, and alarms, with an estimated expenditure of $245,800
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
As presented in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Information Technology (IT) Capital Improvement Plan, the IT Department requests approval to purchase physical security equipment for various locations in the City of Ocala.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
During Fiscal Year 2025-26, the IT Department conducted physical security assessments and audits to identify gaps and deficiencies in the physical security controls at key facilities and areas throughout the City of Ocala. Furthermore, previous security incidents at specific locations underscore the necessity for additional physical security controls.
Areas included:
• Replacement cameras (various locations)
• City Hall
• Fire Department
o FS1 and Fire Prevention
• Facilities
o Surplus Building
• Ocala Fiber Annex
• Recreation and Parks
o Poinciana Park
o Jervey Gantt
• Water Resources
o WTP2, WRF2, WRF3, Storage Tanks
Implementing these additional physical security controls will significantly enhance staff’s ability to detect and/or prevent unauthorized access, suspicious activities, or security threats at various City locations.
In January 2022, the City approved Morse Communications to supply standardized equipment and software for 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.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds of $245,800 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 have been budgeted in the appropriate physical security capital improvement project accounts with division code 214, in accordance with the adopted budget, within the respective department budgets.
IT Physical Security equipment purchases totaling $245,800 will be tracked under Munis Contract No.: 261120.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A. The terms and conditions contained in the City’s Purchase Order will govern this purchase.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny