Public safety technology is undergoing a fundamental change, not only in how systems are designed and operated, but also in how agencies budget for and procure them. Traditional mission critical systems have typically been purchased as capital assets through large, periodic capital expenditures (CAPEX). Today, virtualization, AI, cloud computing, LTE/5G, software-defined infrastructure, subscription licensing, and managed services are rapidly expanding the use of operating expenditure (OPEX) models.

But does everyone need a fully loaded multiband radio with all the newest features? Can some secondary responders - like public works, for example - utilize less expensive versions? Can your team get away with just using cell service or is it not secure or reliable enough? Do you want to spend with a service provider who may not even exist in 5 years? The session will examine how objective- and performance-based procurement can allow vendors to propose CAPEX, OPEX, hosted, managed-service, and hybrid alternatives while maintaining measurable requirements for performance, interoperability, resiliency, cybersecurity, and service availability. The panel will also discuss methods for comparing proposals with significantly different cost structures using lifecycle cost and Total Cost of Ownership rather than initial acquisition price alone.

Takeaway

Some departments may not even want the expensive version, if they have to pay for it if they break it!
Features may be overload and not necessary for all groups.
Subscriber service doesn't always work for everyone.