Plano Fire-Rescue has used Motorola APX radios for some time. All Department radios are APX models. The majority of our radios are single band radios (APX 6000 version). The APX 8000 version is a portable multi-band radio. A multi-band radio allows communication with jurisdictions that use a different radio frequency than the City of Plano. Additionally, these radios have built-in Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth technology allows the Fire Department to use a device that simplifies communication through our Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) without having to use the extended microphone on the radio. During field-testing, Bluetooth technology was proven to be a valuable asset in enhancing the quality of fire ground communications.
This is the fourth installment of a phased in replacement of all the portable radios in the Fire Department. APX 8500 Motorola mobile radios are also being purchased for new ambulances.
Funding for these radios comes from the Fire Department’s Equipment Replacement Fund.
The radios will be purchased from Motorola Solutions, Inc. Motorola Solutions, Inc. is a sole source vendor for thirty-two (32) APX 8000 and twenty-two (22) APX 8500 radios. Total cost for this purchase is $ 471,081.10
Failure to award the purchase will impede the advancement of clear communications on the fire ground. Ambulance communication with dispatch, medical control, and receiving hospital is reliant upon this purchase.
The City is authorized to purchase from the State Contract list pursuant to Chapter 271 Subchapter D of the Texas Local Government Code and by doing so satisfies any State Law requiring local governments to seek competitive bids for items. (DIR-TSO-4101, City of Plano Contract No. 2022-0358-O).