HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2i: Purchase of Handheld Radios for Police Department.
DATE:
March 5, 2013
TO:
Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Robert Guthrie, Chief of Police
By: Adriana Garcia, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF 16 MOTOROLA HANDHELD RADIOS
AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM DAY
WIRELESS SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,915.78; AND WAIVE
THE FORMAL BID PROCESS.
Recommended action: Approve
SUMMARY
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the purchase of 16 handheld radios in
the amount of $73,915.78 from Motorola Vendor of Record, Day Wireless Systems.
Funds for this purchase have been budgeted in the FY 2012-13 Capital
Improvement/Equipment Replacement budget (Account 619-2103-8806).
BACKGROUND
In 2002, the City received $900,000 in Federal grant funding to completely update the
Department’s aging radio network. The life expectancy of the radios was approximately
five to seven years. The City began upgrading the radios in 2010 by purchasing 27
radios. The radios, base stations, repeaters, and accessories have since been placed
on a perpetual annual replacement program. By purchasing the portable radios under
this contract, the Department will have completed the replacement of all the 2002-era
radios, which will allow for consistent and uniform radios throughout the Department.
DISCUSSION
Handheld, vehicle, and dispatch radios are the Police Department’s primary means of
communication, including responses to 9-1-1 calls, emergency responses,
investigations, and traffic enforcement. Motorola radio equipment is currently being
utilized and will continue to be selected because of compatibility with existing
equipment, such as radio identifiers, battery chargers, batteries, microphones,
handsets, and peripherals. Dissimilar radios will create officer safety, training, logistic,
Replacement Handheld Radios
March 5, 2013
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and support issues. This replacement is part of a long-term, Police Department radio
replacement program.
Currently, Los Angeles County has a contract with Motorola for radio communications
equipment, which local agencies may utilize for the purchase of radio equipment at
deeply discounted prices. The City’s purchasing policy allows the Department to use
such contracts to facilitate purchases, otherwise known as piggyback contracts.
The Department also explored using the San Diego County Regional Communications
System contract with Motorola, which it has used in past years for similar purchases.
After reviewing both contracts, however, it was determined that the City would save
more money with the Los Angeles County contract.
By purchasing the equipment under this contract, the Department will ensure uniformity
and compatibility with existing radio infrastructure and realize significant savings. Since
Day Wireless Systems is the City’s Vendor of Record for Motorola purchases, it is
recommended that the radios and accessories be purchased through Day Wireless
Systems, and under the Los Angeles County contract, in the amount of $73,915.78.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of 16 radios will be $78,915.78. Funds for the purchase of the radio
equipment have already been allocated in the FY 2012-2013 Capital
Improvement/Equipment Replacement Fund (Account 619-2103-8806).
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the purchase of 16 Motorola handheld radios and accessories for the Police
Department from Day Wireless Systems in the amount of $73,915.78; and waive the
formal bid process.