In January, 2012 the City of Miami Beach purchased two (2) SkyWatch towers from FLIR Systems, Inc. The purchase was made under Government Services Administration (GSA) Contract No. GS-07F-0117U. The towers were purchased in order to achieve the following goals:

Enhancement of the Miami Beach Police Department’s (MBPD’s) crime reduction capabilities.

Provision of a constant police presence in specific high-crime areas.

Increasing public safety through proactive means.

The SkyWatch towers have now been in service for approximately five (5) years and have accomplished all the above goals. They have proved to be an excellent high-visibility and live monitoring tool. They have also been highly reliable. However, due to their age, constant use and also constant exposure to the elements (wind, sea air, rain etc.), the towers now require refurbishment and updating.     

As FLIR Systems, Inc. was the original provider of the SkyWatch towers, it has detailed and unique knowledge of their construction, operating systems, machinery, software and other technical requirements. This knowledge is not available elsewhere. As the exclusive equipment manufacturer and seller of the SkyWatch towers, and as further detailed in the two (2) FLIR memos attached, FLIR Systems, Inc. is therefore the sole option for repair and refurbishment of this product line. All repairs must be performed at an authorized service center using recommended replacement parts to claim FLIR goods (product) warranty. Therefore, this item seeks approval to procure refurbishing services from FLIR Systems, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer and seller for Skywatch towers in the U.S.A..

City Manager's Recommendation

After considering the need to maintain operational and maintenance efficiencies of the SkyWatch towers, I recommend that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Resolution authorizing, pursuant to Section 2-367 (d) of the Miami Beach City Code, the purchase of refurbishing services for two (2) SkyWatch towers from FLIR Systems, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer and seller for SkyWatch towers, and authorizing the City Administration to utilize FLIR Systems, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $140,000.