City selects Novoa Global for affordable camera systems contract

The City of Hartford's Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee convened on June 13, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding the installation of camera systems aimed at enhancing public safety. The meeting focused on the selection of Novoa Global as the preferred vendor following a request for proposals issued in August 2024.

The review panel, which included representatives from various city departments such as public works, police, and fire, received six responses to the proposal. Novoa Global was chosen due to its competitive pricing and high ratings from the panel. The company has a solid track record, having operated in multiple states and serving as the principal vendor for Washington, D.C. Notably, Novoa has never faced litigation or failed to renew a contract with a customer.

The proposed contract outlines a cost of $2,500 per camera system, with an additional fee of $10 for each violation processed. Comparatively, New Haven's contract with Novoa includes a higher camera cost of $3,500 but a lower violation fee of $4, due to an additional surcharge from their parking authority.

A key aspect of the contract is the "cost neutral provision," ensuring that the city will not incur costs if no revenue is generated in a given month. The initial contract term proposed is three years, which is longer than the standard one-year term, to accommodate the upfront installation costs estimated between $60,000 and $150,000. The payback period for this investment is projected to be around two years, assuming a revenue of $2,500 per month.

In addition to the camera installation, Novoa will provide various uncompensated services, including planning and setting up the processing system. The turnkey system offered by Novoa includes all necessary equipment, software for processing violations, and training for municipal staff.

The committee also noted the experience of other towns, such as Washington, Connecticut, which recently installed similar cameras and generated approximately $21,000 in fines within just two weeks of operation.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction towards finalizing the contract with Novoa Global, emphasizing the potential benefits for public safety and city revenue. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the city moves forward with this initiative.