Item Coversheet
  CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: 3/28/2022
DEPARTMENT:Fire
DIRECTOR:Chris Biggerstaff, Fire Chief
AGENDA ITEM:Approve the purchase of thirty-two (32) Motorola APX 8000 portable radios and twenty-two (22) Motorola APX 8500 mobile radios.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:Purchase from Existing Contract

ITEM SUMMARY

To approve the purchase of thirty-two (32) Motorola APX 8000 portable and twenty-two (22) APX 8500 mobile radios for the Fire Department in the amount of $471,081 from Motorola Solutions, Inc. through an existing contract; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. (DIR Contract No. DIR-TSO-4101) Approved

BACKGROUND

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).

FINANCIAL SUMMARY/STRATEGIC GOALS

Funding for this item is available in the 2021-22 Fire Equipment Replacement Fund.  The purchase of thirty-two (32) multi-band portable radios and twenty-two (22) mobile radios, in the total estimated amount of $471,081, will leave a current year balance of $28,919 for future equipment replacement expenditures. 

 

Approval of this item will support the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factors of being an Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government with Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods.