NCJ Number
16161
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 41 Issue: 11 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1974) Pages: 24-25
Date Published
1974
Length
2 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF THE USE OF A PERFORMANCE/GUARANTEE SPECIFICATION TO PROCURE AND DESIGN POLICE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
Abstract
THE TRADITIONAL 'TECHNICAL' TYPE OF SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT PROVIDES SPECIFIC MINIMUM PARAMETERS FOR EQUIPMENT DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, AND CAPABILITY AND REMARKS THE EXACT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THE STATE-OF-THE-ART IN COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY IS SUCH THAT THIS TYPE OF SPECIFICATION OFTEN RESULTS IN SYSTEM INADEQUACIES AND FAULTS. THE 'PERFORMANCE/GUARANTEE' TYPE OF SPECIFICATION ESTABLISHES A GOAL AND PERMITS BIDDERS TO EMPLOY ANY MEANS THEY WISH TO OBTAIN THAT GOAL AS LONG AS THE BIDDER IS WILLING TO GUARANTEE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SYSTEM WITH A CASH BOND AND WRITTEN WARRANTIES. IN THIS WAY, THE ACQUISITION OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS CAN BE MADE ACCORDING TO THE PROPOSALS OF THE MANUFACTURERS, WHO ASSUME THE COST OF PROGRAM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AND HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO HIRE PEOPLE WITH THE NECESSARY TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE. THE FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S EXPERIENCE WITH THIS NEW METHOD IS RELATED. THEIR NEW COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED AND OPERATED WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS.