The City of West Palm Beach is seeking to execute a single source purchase for Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Evidence Tracking and Accountability System for Law Enforcement use. 

 The description of services intended for purchase from a single source is posted in accordance with section 287.057(3) (c), Florida Statutes and will be posted for a minimum of 7 business day.

Intended Single Source:

The PADtrax RFID Evidence and Accountability System from C&A Associates.

Justification for Single Source:

C&A Associates is the only PADtrax RFID system provider that has successfully employed RFID technology to fully track and monitor items of evidence through the entire evidence management process in a Law Enforcement environment. With PADtrax agencies account for and track tagged evidence items from intake through movement into and out of an area secured with RFID detection devices.  PADtrax is the only and first structure specifically designed for the use of RFID Technology throughout the entire process of tracking evidence and evidence chain-of-custody assurance, and as such is the only product that is available for Law Enforcement environment use.

A common application for RFID integrators is to make a provision in software that allows an RFID “Smart Label” to be attached to an item so that it can be located with a handheld reader.  Which this does accomplish the task of making item location easier, it does not assist with any other process of item handling. 

PADtrax utilizes proprietary phase-angle analysis and other algorithms in order to make decisions regarding tag movement, inventory, and more.

PADtrax analyzes a multitude of data in near-real-time to determine whether a RFIDtagged item is on the inside or outside of the closed door of the evidence room, because such measures are critical when tracking the movement of evidence, which is different than tracking things as they move across a loading dock, conveyor belt, etc.

PADtrax is designed to minimize the amount of physical constraint on users. The PADtrax system will accommodate the variances in the way evidence officers move items in and out.

C&A Associates received the U.S. Patent Office (US 9,836,936 B1) for PADtrax system.

Recommended Procurement Approach:

For the reasons stated above, City of West Palm Beach intends to utilize the Single Source Procurement method for the purchase with C&A Associates.

7/21/2021 Awarded to: C&A Associates