September 22, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Request for Information (RFI) to Gather Recommendations on First Responder Technology
RFI will evaluate City of Chicago options for ensuring quick responses by first responders in emergency situations
Mayor's Press Office 312.744.3334
CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that a Request for Information (RFI) has been issued to gather recommendations on reliable and efficient forms of first responder technology to ensure immediate attention from first responders in emergency situations. The City of Chicago, as previously announced in February 2024, will decommission the use of acoustic gunshot detection technology from SoundThinking, Inc. on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
RFI submissions are encouraged from qualified vendors with extensive experience in first responder response technology.
“The ultimate goal is to deploy resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. We have to explore better options that save more lives,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through this RFI process, the City of Chicago will be able to aggressively look at equitable alternatives to help first responders acquire the absolute best community safety resources to aid them in reaching and responding to emergency scenes.”
In preparation for today’s decommission of the SoundThinking, Inc. contract, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety launched a working group that has led months-long efforts in addressing concerns and developing alternative options to continue increasing safety for Chicago residents and communities. Participants in the initial meetings of the working group include a diverse group of City and non-City employees who have worked directly with the current technology, are deeply involved in communities impacted by violence and have extensive experience in law enforcement, violence interruption and prevention.
RFI submissions are encouraged from qualified vendors with extensive experience in first responder response technology.
“The ultimate goal is to deploy resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. We have to explore better options that save more lives,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through this RFI process, the City of Chicago will be able to aggressively look at equitable alternatives to help first responders acquire the absolute best community safety resources to aid them in reaching and responding to emergency scenes.”
In preparation for today’s decommission of the SoundThinking, Inc. contract, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety launched a working group that has led months-long efforts in addressing concerns and developing alternative options to continue increasing safety for Chicago residents and communities. Participants in the initial meetings of the working group include a diverse group of City and non-City employees who have worked directly with the current technology, are deeply involved in communities impacted by violence and have extensive experience in law enforcement, violence interruption and prevention.
“This working group has been and will continue to gather feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders and community leaders to assess tools and programs that effectively increase both safety and trust,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “Chicago is not the first or the only big city to move away from this form of technology. We have been in communications with Seattle, Houston, San Antonio, and Portland – cities that have explored other options for technology – to discuss the strategies they are employing as alternatives.”
The working group is exploring options such as:
The working group is exploring options such as:
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Investing in victim prevention and victim assistance programs in schools and hospitals
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Improving the monitoring capabilities and response times of first responders
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Investing in first responder personnel to work with communities to help resolve crimes
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Increasing funding for street-level outreach programs and hiring violence interrupters
“This Request for Information will allow the city to receive the most innovative ideas that will help us continuing moving in the right direction with community safety and provide more options for violence prevention resources,” said Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts.
The City of Chicago is committed to building a safer city for all through this RFI process. Please visit the City’s iSupplier portal to view and respond to the solicitation. Please note that vendor registration is required to engage the iSupplier eProcurement system.
The City of Chicago is committed to building a safer city for all through this RFI process. Please visit the City’s iSupplier portal to view and respond to the solicitation. Please note that vendor registration is required to engage the iSupplier eProcurement system.
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