To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sheriff’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Maureen Nicklas, 565-8831
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Law Enforcement Simulator Training Software Upgrade
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the Sheriff to execute an Agreement with VirTra for Use of Force Simulator Support and Maintenance Services, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. Total expenditures are not to exceed $161,140 for a term of five years.
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Executive Summary:
Upon execution of the proposed agreement with VirTra, the Sheriff’s Office will receive a standard five-year operating system hardware upgrade to its existing use of force simulator training software system, as well as annual support and maintenance services during the period of July 1, 2022 through June 2027.
Discussion:
Background. In FY 16-17, the Community and Local Law Enforcement (CALLE) Task Force recommended the purchase of a use of force training simulator for Sheriff’s personnel. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office conducted extensive research on use of force simulators, both to identify and evaluate various makes and models, and to locate law enforcement agencies who currently utilized simulators for use of force training. Operational staff compared several makes and models and learned that the most effective training was accomplished through a 300-degree wraparound use of force simulator, as it allowed instructors to train law enforcement officers to react to potential threats approaching from all sides.
A single source waiver request was approved by County Purchasing on January 25, 2017 to purchase a VirTra V-300 use of force simulator system, as it was the only use of force simulator which offered the desired capabilities and features that met all the Sheriff’s Office’s operational requirements: a 300-degree interactive training environment, training scenario adjustability, and the ability to customize the simulation environment. All other suppliers identified in the search manufactured models that offered single-screen simulation systems only, which limits the amount and type of training that can be conducted.
Based on the CALLE Task Force recommendation and County Purchasing single source waiver approval, the Board of Supervisors approved appropriations for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase a VirTra Systems wraparound use of force simulator in April, 2017.
The VirTra V-300 simulator is designed to train law enforcement officers in judgmental use of force scenarios in a dynamic training environment with true-to-life virtual scenarios. It measures and improves deputies’ reaction skills, tactical judgement, and situational awareness. It also allows the Sheriff’s Office to train on proper use of force and critical decision making during stressful encounters. The simulator’s five available interactive screens create a completely immersive training environment for the deputies. The simulator is fully interactive and adjustable and allows deputies to use all of the force options they currently possess while on patrol. The VirTra V-300 also includes a Threat-Fire Simulator device that simulates hostile fire by sending an electric pulse to the trainee, enhancing realism during training.
VirTra has provided use of force simulator support and maintenance services to the Sheriff’s Office’ VirTra V-300 simulator system since April 2017. VirTra recommends a standard five-year operating system hardware upgrade (including simulator computer and projector upgrades and installation of new VirTra training scenarios), as well as annual software support and maintenance services. The current operating system performs at a slower rate to maintain support of annual VirTra software updates. VirTra research and development supports the need for a five-year operating system hardware upgrade to guarantee optimal performance of the simulator system throughout the term of the proposed five-year agreement. As of July 1, 2022, the Sheriff’s Office’ simulator system is due for standard upgrades to the operating system, simulator computer and projector.
Agreement for Use of Force Simulator Support and Maintenance Services. The initial cost of the VirTra V-300 simulator system purchased in April 2017 was $259,996. Subsequent maintenance service fees since 2018 through FY 21-22 have been $23,028 annually. The proposed agreement provides the Sheriff’s Office with an initial operating system hardware upgrade (including simulator computer and projector upgrades and installation of new VirTra training scenarios) in Year 1, annual support and maintenance and services in Year 2 through 4, and a final hardware upgrade to ensure optimal performance in Year 5. The new agreement also includes labor and parts in the event of a non-functioning system or accessory, remote assistance, software updates, and telephone support during normal business hours. Contracted support from the supplier is the best way to ensure uninterrupted operation of the simulator system.
VirTra offers two payment models, a Capital Purchase Plan and a Subscription Training & Equipment Partnership (S.T.E.P.) Upgrade Program subscription model. The Capital Purchase Plan requires an initial purchase for an operating system update at a cost of $80,000 in addition to a $23,000 annual support and maintenance fee for ongoing service. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to enroll in the S.T.E.P. Upgrade Program subscription model, which is fully inclusive with no cost variables. The S.T.E.P. Upgrade Program allocates the cost of the operating system hardware upgrade and annual support and maintenance over five years, for a cost savings of approximately $10,000 over the term of the new agreement.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends the Board authorize the Sheriff to execute the proposed agreement with VirTra to upgrade and maintain the Sheriff’s existing law enforcement simulator training equipment and software system, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. Total expenditures are not to exceed $161,140, or $32,228 per year. The current three-year agreement will be terminated June 30,2022, upon the Board’s approval to execute the proposed agreement with VirTra for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
In April 2017, the Board approved appropriations for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase a VirTra Systems wraparound use of force simulator at the recommendation of the CALLE Task Force.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 21-22 Adopted |
FY22-23 Projected |
FY 23-24 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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$32,228 |
$32,228 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
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$32,228 |
$32,228 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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$32,228 |
$32,228 |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
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$32,228 |
$32,228 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
No expenditures for this agreement in FY 21-22. The Sheriff’s Office FY 22-23 Recommended Budget includes $32,228 in funding for use of force simulator support and maintenance services. The same amount will be budgeted annually through FY 26-27.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
There are no staffing impacts associated with this Agreement.
Attachments:
VirTra 2022-2027 Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A