Flock Cameras Installed in Dozens of Towns Through No-Bid Contracts
A review by NBC News found that Flock, a company selling surveillance cameras to local governments, has secured no-bid contracts in at least 55 towns. These deals often bypassed public scrutiny and council votes by claiming the products were unique or priced just below thresholds requiring transparency. The contracts raise concerns about accountability and privacy as residents are typically unaware of their installation. Flock's approach relies on local procurement laws, which vary across jurisdictions. A company spokesperson stated that Flock provides 'sole-source letters' to help agencies determine if they meet the criteria for no-bid contracts. This strategy has enabled rapid deployment without public debate or competitive bidding processes in many municipalities. The lack of transparency and oversight highlights growing concerns about how private surveillance technology is being adopted by local governments, often with minimal resident input.
Topics: government contracts privacy surveillance technology