CC MEETING: June 18, 2013
DATE: June 11, 2013
TO: Leonard Martin, City Manager
FROM: Lon Fairless, Information Technology Director
Title
Discuss Shared Purchase of New Public Safety Radio System.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The Metrocrest cites of Addison, Carrollton and Farmers Branch share an 800MHz trunked analog simulcast two-way radio system for Public Safety. The City of Coppell is currently served by a similar system operated by the City of Lewisville. The system equipment manufacturer, Motorola, announced the end of lifecycle for manufacturing equipment for the existing system in 2011, with support ending in 2018 as radio technology migrates from analog to digital.
The four Metrocrest cities have shared costs in engaging RCC Consultants, Inc. to evaluate, and provide options and recommendations for Public Safety radio communication services. The final report was provided in September of 2011 with a recommendation to replace the existing system with a new digital radio system that complies with a newly established nationally-recognized standard commonly referred to as a P25 system.
The four cities then engaged RCC to assist with an RFP process for a P25 radio system, including vendor selection and contractor negotiations. The City of Farmers Branch handled the RFP process. There were three responders to the RFP: EF Johnson Technologies, Harris Corporation and Motorola Solutions. Based on the RFP process and stated evaluation criteria, Harris and Motorola were considered finalists, with Harris selected to engage in contract negotiations to determine final system design and services with pricing.
The final pricing from Harris for a complete turnkey purchase and installation of a six radio antenna site P25 system with four separate 911 dispatch centers, including a point-to-point redundant microwave communication system with new mobile and portable radios is $10,850,000. Also included is functionality for interoperability communication between reg...
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