County approves sole-source sensor monitors for juvenile facility; residents raise privacy and safety concerns

Clallam County commissioners approved a contract renewal Sept. 30 and a waiver of competitive bid requirements to continue using an X K 300 medical sensor monitor system from Reassurance Solutions LLC in the county's juvenile secure crisis residential center.

Staff described the device as a ceiling-mounted sensor designed to continuously monitor critical vital signs and to be compatible with existing systems in the facility. The contracting item included a staff recommendation that the procurement be treated as a sole-source renewal because the sensor is compatible with current systems.

Several members of the public raised concerns during general public comment. Theresa Miller asked why the county did not put the item out to bid and urged caution about potential long-term effects of continuous monitoring on youth in the facility. "They need is our love and compassion, not our gimmicks," Miller said, adding that she was concerned about possible adverse effects and the appearance of using children as "guinea pigs."

Another commenter raised the lack of a bidding process and requested more information about how the sensors would be used and whether there are long-term impacts. The board approved the contract renewal and the waiver of RFP requirements by voice vote as part of the consent/contract agenda items; no bid alternatives or technical comparisons were discussed on the record.

The county did not provide additional technical detail about data storage, retention or privacy protections during the meeting; public commenters requested more information and that staff make long-term health and privacy impacts part of procurement review for future renewals.