A proposed contract for a drive-test scanner for the Aurora Police Department, advertised at a not-to-exceed price of $170,000, was tabled by the Aurora City Council on Nov. 25 so staff can obtain updated pricing and offer two options for council consideration.

Alderman Larson moved to amend the procurement to award the contract to LexisNexis, citing the company
s a larger, more experienced vendor with existing relationships with comparable police departments. "They have a bunch of products," Larson said in explaining his rationale. Alderman White seconded the motion.

Police procurement staff and members of the police department said the formal bid evaluation favored 5 8 Group on total score, largely because price carried significant weight. Lieutenant Tom McNamara said the procurement process was followed and that price had a 20% weight in the total grading; he reported a total score of about 99.67 for 5 8 Group versus 89 for LexisNexis. Investigator Daryl Moore summarized the evaluation: "The main thing was the price," and noted aftercare differences: 5 8 Group offered 24/7 unlimited call support while LexisNexis limited support to about 20 hours per year before additional charges.

Council members raised procedural and timing concerns: purchasing director Jolene Coulter said the quotes were over 90 days old and LexisNexis would have to confirm updated pricing. Several aldermen said they preferred to avoid voting "in a vacuum" and wanted up-to-date numbers and clearer motion language if the council were to replace the recommended vendor.

After discussion the council approved a motion to table the item without prejudice and asked staff to return at the next meeting with refreshed pricing from LexisNexis and two options for consideration. The tabling motion passed on a roll call of 9 yes, 0 no.

Next steps: staff will seek updated prices from LexisNexis and return the procurement item with a clear amendment or recommendation at the next meeting.