Technology Services proposes purchasing nine (9) Whelen siren outdoor warning speaker heads to include equipment and installation services. An award to SafetyCom will be in the estimated amount of $235,379.
It is important to note this will replace nine speaker heads to existing outdoor warning sirens. The City of Plano has 43 outdoor early warning sirens to alert the public of severe weather events so they can seek shelter in case of emergency. The City's equipment replacement life cycle for these devices is every 15 to 20 years in the interest of public safety.
This purchase, if approved, will replace speaker heads that are 20 years old and pose a public safety concern both for continuity of service and for structural integrity due to 20 years of constant exposure to the sun and weather extremes.
Due to the age and the method of maintenance this replacement is a critical public safety issue. If the City of Plano does not purchase the equipment and installation of the replacement siren heads, Technology Services would not be able to ensure the continuity of a safe and effective outdoor warning system that supports the whole of Plano’s citizens.
The City is exempt from the competitive bid process for this purchase as allowed by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 252 Subchapter B Section 252.022 (a)(2). (City of Plano Internal Contract No. 2022-0243-X)