To approve the purchase of 364 Cradlepoint mobile routers with six (6) years of support and licensing, antennas, and installation services for Technology Solutions in the total estimated amount of $1,173,631 from GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. through an existing contract; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. (DIR Contract No. DIR-CPO-4751) Approved

On August 12, 2019, City Council approved a contract between the City of Plano and CDW-G in the amount of $620,158 for the purchase of mobile routers, antennas, and accessories to support network connectivity in Public Safety vehicles.

On October 12, 2020, City Council approved the purchased annual maintenance for the mobile routers purchased on August 12, 2020 from CDW-G in the amount of $54,317.

On July 28, 2021, Neighborhood Services purchased twenty-one (21) mobile routers, antennas, and accessories from GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $19,178.

On July 24, 2023, City Council approved a contract between the City of Plano and GTS Technology Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $322,701 for one hundred sixty (160) Cradlepoint mobile routers, support, and installation services to replace end of support mobile routers that support fire stations and traffic intersections as part of the first phase of the Mobile Network & Standardization project.

The City’s current mobile routers, which support our public safety vehicle fleet, are approaching their “end of support” date on June 30, 2025. To address this, Technology Solutions has initiated the second and final phase of the Mobile Network & Standardization project to replace this hardware. Simply stated, the standardization process involves transitioning to a single vendor with three identified models—each designed for specific needs—to better manage costs and improve supportability.

The first phase, which involved the replacement of traffic and fire station routers in 2023, has already been completed, with those devices now operating on the new, standardized solution. This proposed purchase, if approved, will begin the second phase to replace the 2019 purchase for public safety and the 2021 purchase for Neighborhood Services. It will include the replacement of mobile routers and antennas in vehicles used by the Police, Fire Department, Animal Services, Neighborhood Services, and the Library's community outreach van. Additionally, it will refresh the hardware for the mobile routers that provide connectivity to the City’s irrigation controllers.

These mobile routers provide our public safety fleet connectivity to vital technology resources while in the field assisting the City’s citizens. If the City of Plano does not approve this purchase, the current routers used in public safety vehicles and irrigation controllers will reach end of support which would increase risk security and operations. Technology Solutions would not be able to ensure consistent and reliable communications for the mobile routers providing connectivity to these vehicles which could directly impact emergency response to its citizens.

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 Contract No. DIR-CPO-4751 / City of Plano Internal Contract No. 2025-0316-O).

Funding for this item is available in the 2024-25 Technology Improvements CIP.  This request is to approve the purchase of (364) Cradlepoint mobile routers with licensing and support, antennas, and installation services, in the total estimated amount of $1,173,631, which will leave a remaining balance of $903,360 for other project expenditures.

Approval of this item will support the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of being an Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government.