The City of Carlsbad, N.M., Council approved on March 26 the purchase of a $50,000 GPS vehicle tracking system for its fleet units, according to the Carlsbad Current-Argus. The GPS system will most likely be installed on Public Works Department vehicles first, and may be added to all vehicles in the future.

City Council documents state that the City solicited proposal for a GPS tracking system to be utilized by all City Departments; it received 29 proposals. The evaluation committee consisted of five individuals representing the Police, Fire, Public Works, Garage, and IT departments.

International Road Dynamics (IRD) of Berryville, Va., was selected from five finalists via scoring system. The rubric consists of four criteria: the ability to meet specifications, the ability to provide installation and post-installation training and support, the ability to complete the project in a timely manner, and the overall cost of the system including installation and shipping.

The cost is $175 per unit plus a monthly service fee of $30.12 per unit. IRD recommended that mechanics install the devices, with the company providing training for $4,500. This would save the City money on installation charges.

The City plans to phase in the installation of the GPS devices. While the number of units to be installed in the current budget year has yet to be decided, the City could potentially install 280 devices for all active City vehicles, Council documents state.