4 track For The Record audio digital recording system

The Maine Workers' Compensation Board is soliciting bids for a 4-channel audio digital recording system for courtroom use, with bids due November 16, 2009. A preference for in-state bidders or vendors offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine applies in case of tie bids under State of Maine purchasing rules.

The system must capture, store, access, copy, and transcribe audio recordings onto a single PC or laptop per courtroom with redundancy and fault tolerance. The recorder shall initially record 4-channel audio to a local hard drive with optional archiving to removable media, external hard drive, optical media, or network location. The software must be non-proprietary, support at least two audio sampling-rate options, and automatically capture date, location, and time metadata. Recording modes must include 1-, 2-, and 4-channel configurations. Playback software must be provided at no cost, available via the internet, and compatible with Windows Vista, XP, and 2000 without interrupting ongoing recording. Recordings must be reformattable into open-market standards including Windows Media, MP3, and Audio CD formats and transferable via removable media or network. The system must operate on Windows XP or Vista with MPEG 2 AAC format or equivalent open-market standards. Optional requirements include sealing capabilities for sealed court recordings with redirection to separate media locations without encryption or database dependency. The vendor must supply an eight-input 4-channel output analog-to-digital matrix mixer with USB connectivity supporting dynamic, condenser, and line inputs. All hardware must be non-proprietary and commercially available, with minimum specifications of 450 MHz Intel Pentium II processor, 256 MB RAM, 800x600 display, and compatible sound and storage devices.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value, considering quality, specification conformance, delivery dates, and ultimate cost. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine sales taxes; bids must exclude these.