AI Monitoring, Weapons Detection and Screening System

The Schenectady City School District is procuring an A.I. Monitoring, Weapons Detection and Screening System through RFP #SCSRFP-25-011, targeting comprehensive security enhancements across multiple school locations including Mont Pleasant Middle School, Central Park Middle School, Oneida Middle School, and Schenectady High School. The procurement seeks a touchless, walkthrough weapons detection system capable of automatically identifying concealed weapons in containers like backpacks and purses while distinguishing between weapons and personal items. Bidders must demonstrate experience in the education sector, provide onsite training, complete installation, and offer ongoing maintenance and support. The proposal evaluation will use a 100-point system, with points allocated as follows: purchase price (20 points), vendor reputation (25 points), quality of goods/services (25 points), and solution alignment with district needs (30 points). Site visits are scheduled for October 24, 2024, at 12 PM, with proposals due by 10 AM on November 13, 2024. The contract term is 12 months with potential two one-year extensions, with anticipated implementation during the December holiday break. Technical requirements include a minimum passthrough rate of 700 middle school and 2,000 high school students within a 30-minute period, with portable systems needed for outdoor sporting events.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The system must be capable of detecting bladed weapons under 3" without comprehensive student screening, with a priority on maintaining student privacy and avoiding a "jail-like" environment. Current infrastructure includes existing administrative policies for backpack and personal searches, which will complement the new detection system. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the district emphasizes seeking the most comprehensive and effective solution rather than the lowest-price option. The proposed system must comply with state privacy laws, with all data required to remain on-site. Two portable systems are needed at the high school and one at Maple Park Middle School for outdoor events, with systems capable of being operational within 30 minutes of setup. The district's approach indicates a significant investment in school safety technology, focusing on non-invasive detection methods that prioritize student comfort and privacy.