Anchorage Assembly to weigh $77,220 sole-source upgrade of fire dispatch system

The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 20, to consider a $77,220 sole-source purchase that would move the Anchorage Fire Department's emergency dispatch software onto current, supported technology.

The software is the department's computer-aided dispatch system, known as CAD. It identifies and dispatches the closest available emergency resources and gives responders real-time incident information, according to the Assembly memorandum. The memo says the system runs on an aging version of CAD and SQL Server 2016, "creating increasing support compatibility and reliability risks." Microsoft's extended support for SQL Server 2016 ended July 14.

The work would go to TriTech Software Systems, a Central Square company, without competitive bidding. The memorandum says TriTech is the sole developer, copyright holder and authorized provider of maintenance, licensing and support for VisiCAD, the system the department uses. Purchasing Director Chris Hunter determined the city's needs reasonably limit the work to one vendor. Fire Chief Doug Schrage recommended approval. The money comes from the 2026 operating budget.

In a Sept. 18 department memo, fire department Contract Administrator Steven Brister wrote that the upgrade is needed to keep the system operating as needed. He wrote that the vendor's quote is valid through Nov. 14.