DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With AVI Systems, Inc. dba FORT? To Upgrade Boardroom AudioVisual Equipment
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the Deputy County Manager to execute a contract with AVI Systems, Inc. dba FORT? to upgrade boardroom audiovisual (AV) equipment and redesign AV control room.
SUMMARY
The current AV equipment in the boardroom does not support the latest audiovisual technology and has become outdated.
The proposed audiovisual upgrade will replace the existing hardware with a modern, integrated system designed to support operations for the Board of Commissioners meetings as well as committee meetings and work sessions.
It will provide seamless in-person and remote participation through integration with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar interactive technology, including modern video streaming and audio capture.
The upgrade will enable the AV system to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will also be fully complaint with Minnesota Open Meeting Law requirements for meeting conducted with interactive technology, including:
1) all members of the governing body participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, can hear and see one another and can hear and see all discussions and testimony presented at any location at which at least one member is present;
2) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the governing body can hear and see all discussion and testimony and all votes of members of the governing body; and
3) allows a person to monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location.
In July 2025, Dakota County published a request for proposal for upgrading the audiovisual equipment of the boardroom. The County received three proposals, of which all three vendors were brought in to provide product demonstrations (Attachment). The project team selected Forte's proposal to imp...
Click here for full text