Document EFTA00036156 appears to be an email thread from August 2019 involving employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) discussing IT systems, specifically NICEVision, Avigilon, and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA). The discussion revolves around the implementation and standardization of camera systems within federal correctional institutions.
The document consists of a series of emails where BOP employees share their opinions and experiences with different camera systems like NICEVision and Avigilon. A central theme is FITARA and its impact on IT procurement and standardization within the BOP. The employees discuss the pros and cons of different systems, the challenges of standardization, and the potential benefits of a national support system. The document also reflects concerns about government overspending on IT and the role of FITARA in addressing these issues.

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From: " To:♦ > EFTA00036156
Subject Re: NICEVision Administrator Error Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2019 19:26:18 +0000 Importance: Normal Inline-Images: IMAGE.BMP; 7342097e-45b0-4a0e-8033-a573a634a66e EFTA00036157
YOU GUYS ARE A BUNCH OF CRY BABIES U.S Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons 1 success loop road Berlin NH 03570 > > > 8/13/2019 3:22 PM > » I see someone else took to time read it, too bad the bop didnt Federal Correctional Institution Danbury 33 Yi Pembroke Road Danbury, CT 06811 > » 8/13/2019 3:21 PM > » I've been saying that same thing from day one. The body of FITARA was simply to address gov overspending on IT, and was designed for mass purchases. > » 8/13/2019 6:28 AM > » I completely understand the reasoning behind the law that FITARA claims to fall under. Its just too bad that the BOPs FITARA memo has nothing to do with the 400 page law. Fitara has caused nothing but headaches for us here at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution Danbury 33 9i Pembroke Road Danbury, CT 06811 >>> 8/13/2019 6:22 AM >>> I agree Fitara was just a huge adjustment curve for everyone in the BOP Can we get a Kool Aid flavor ?? personality i like watermelon MMMMMM FCI Otisville Two Mile Drive Otisville, NY 10963 EFTA00036158
Never ask what someone does for a living; always ask what their chosen profession is. There's a difference. Think about that and may contain SENSITIVE information. It should be properly delivered, labeled, stored and disposed of in accordance with policy. >>> 8/12/2019 4:32 PM >» Thank you fellows. It just took a little push to get the right message out there. Not patronizing, just playing Devil's advocate. Just knew somebody would be a little more articulate explaining where the BOP is going with this. We personally like our NICE system, since 2006, and understand the reason behind Fitara. It just takes a while and patience for people to accept change. It happened with us. >» 8/12/2019 1:02 PM > » OH YEAH. Sorry couldn't resist. Always been a big fan of Mr. Kool Aid. I do like the idea of a national supported system that would standardize the FBOP. It only makes sense. We have Motorola, Medtel and CEIA as universally recognized systems. I think most would agree those three were good choices and we would probably all fight tooth and nail to keep them. I can't say that I'm a fan boy of putting our systems on BOPNet. Everyone being on a different system has been the comm tech's best defense against absorption by IPPA and keeping local authority over IP assignments and network infrastructure. I don't think hiring a contractor to provide third party multi-manufacture support was ever a good idea. Avigilon was purchased by Motorola a while back. They have a good camera selection with a Windows based recording system just like all major CCTV VMS manufactures these days. The problem with standardizing is if the selected system isn't what you cut your teeth on you probably won't like it. Great thing about Avigilon right now is few to none of us have it or have even seen it so everyone would get a new system and be on the same learning curve. If Motorola offered a direct customer support contract to the FBOP for Avigilon on a nation wide bases it would be a good contender for standardization in my book. Also any other system manufacture with direct national support and separate network infrastructure would get my vote also. Every system I've seen was plagued by the same problem and that's a windows OS so what does it really matter? >» MMM Kool Aid FCI Otisville Two Mile Drive Otisville, NY 10963 8/12/2019 1:52 PM >>> Never ask what someone does for a living; always ask what their chosen profession is. There's a difference. Think about that and may contain SENSITIVE information. It should be properly delivered, labeled, stored and disposed of in accordance with policy. EFTA00036159
>.>.> 8/12/2019 1:48 PM > » Just to add a different point of view on this. There are currently 2 systems approved for BOP use (more specifically for new purchasing). NICE and Avigilon. We got a lot of Avigilon products FITARA approved and added to the approved hardware list a few months ago. As I see it, the main issue is the contract with SIGNET. We have a BOP-wide maintenance contract with them for our DVR/NVR systems. Currently, that contract is set up for NICE, Pelco and Vicon. With only 1 manufacturer on both the approved hardware list and maintenance contract, we're in a bit of a pickle. I do not know when the contract is up for renewal. I can see Avigilon being added to the contract, and Pelco and Vicon remaining with only legacy support. On one hand, it seems the BOP is trying to relatively standardize camera systems nationwide. Along with radios and telephones, cameras are probably the most used system we have that has actual user interface; specifically for transferring staff. Having the same system across the board will benefit a lot of people. Also, having a standardized system also helps with staff assist visits. A tech from Yazoo would know how to work on a system in Marianna. Another consideration is the BOP Command Center and Backup Command Center are both NICE-centric platforms from what I understand. On the other hand, yes, someone in Central Office seems to have gotten the agency to jump head first in to the SIGNET/NICE pool. The main reason that I can think of as to why is the migration to IPv6. NICE was one of the first. Vicon and Pelco were way behind. I am not saying any of this to bolster NICE. I have my reasons for pushing to get Avigilon approved as I feel it is a far superior system. But, with seemingly 75-80% or more of the BOP already on NICE, it does make sense to go ahead and standardize across the board if possible. Personally, I would love to roll out a bunch of Avigilon systems. Like all of you, I have my personal takes on the equipment that I like to work on. I would love to standardize all of the systems we have from coast to coast. That would cut down on training expenses, spare parts packages, improve responses to emergencies and staff assist visits, etc. Unfortunately, there is too much bureaucracy with our purchasing guidelines and required approvals for purchases such as these. I have probably heard as many positive reviews as negative reviews from BOP techs regarding NICE. Personally I went to NICE training a few years ago to check it out and was entirely unimpressed. I am sure that there have been changes to the system since then that would alleviate many of my negative thoughts on the system. I'm certainly not championing or trashing NICE. I just wanted to lay out some other trains of thought as to why things might be going the way they are right now. There are many camera systems out there so very out of date that they are practically useless. It would seem money is finally being made available to rectify that situation. This was just my $.02. I'm not trying to get anyone to drink the Kool Aid. Take it for what it's worth. >> > 8/12/2019 1:09 PM >» Yes, and no. To each their own but I do agree with, "if ain't broke, why fix or replace it?" And If I do need to replace it, how about taking some input from the individual(s) who actually install and maintain the equipment. They just might know a little bit and surprise the people behind Fitara with what they know; the more options the better. Each Institution knows what works for them. > > > 8/12/2019 9:52 AM > » I don't know, but when everyone says the same things about something, can everybody be wrong?? FDC Miami 33 NE 4th Street Miami, FL 33132 EFTA00036160
> » 8/12/2019 9:44 AM > » Here in Victorville ECI 1 we have had Nice since 2006 and it has been amazing. We got an update in 2014 and it has been a really solid system. In 2017 they replaced a Viconet system at the ECI 2 that was in really bad shape. Since their upgrade they have been really happy. I did not have any of these problems you guys are experiencing now. I'm guessing it has to do with the Windows upgrade. Once these issues are ironed out I'm sure you guys will love your new Nice system like we do here in Victorville. It has been the best Camera system I have ever worked with. Just give it a chance! a ° Federal Bureau of Prisons FCC Victorville, CA 92301 >» 8/12/2019 4:11 AM >> > I am still waiting to hear someone say how awesome is nice vision. After all, there has to be a good reason why this is the way to go for the BOP FEDERAL DETENTION CENTER 33 NE 4TH STREET MIAMI, FL 33132 »> 8/12/2019 6:50 AM >>> pelco is the way to go am - Danbury 33 312 Pembroke Road Route 37 Danbury, Ct. 06811-3099 > > > 8/9/2019 6:53 AM > » Nothing to contribute here. Just an observation that this is the new system they are pushing down to us? FEDERAL DETENTION CENTER 33 NE 4TH STREET MIAMI, FL 33132 EFTA00036161
8/8/2019 12:13 PM >>> Hello, Looking for some help or advice from anyone using NICEVision. I just tried logging into Administrator to unlock an account and I get a pop up that states "Database Error" I click "ok," and it closes the application. I'mgetting the error on the AMS as well as a BOPNet computer that is running the NICEVision software. I reached out to but he is out of the office and I haven't heard back from anyone at the tech support number he left. If anyone has any ideas or has experienced this error, I'd appreciate any advice or guidance to fix it. Thanks in advance. FCI Otisville Two Mile Dr. Otisville NY 10963 EFTA00036162
