HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10f - Grant for Purchase of Mobile Radios
STAFF REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Roy Nakamura, Chief of Police
By: Amber Abeyta, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: PURCHASE ORDER WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR THE
PURCHASE OF MOBILE RADIOS IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,546; AND
ACCEPT THE GRANT AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY – STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM
(“SHSP”) FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE MOBILE RADIO COSTS
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Approve and Accept
SUMMARY
The Arcadia Police Department has applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security to implement communications improvements. The grant is from
the State Homeland Security Program (“SHSP”) and will reimburse the cost of mobile
radio equipment, in an amount not to exceed $33,546. The Department’s funding
request has been approved, and the Grant Agreement has been finalized. With City
Council approval, the Department will be able to purchase three mobile radios. It is
recommended that the City Council approve the purchase order with Motorola
Solutions, Inc. for the purchase of mobile radios in the amount of $33,546 and accept
the grant award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – State Homeland
Security Program for reimbursement of the mobile radio costs.
BACKGROUND
The Police Department purchases portable handheld radios and mobile radios
through the City’s Equipment Replacement Program. To reduce the overall impact on
the City’s budget, and to ensure a supply of modern, reliable equipment on hand, a
portion of the Department’s radios are replaced each year.
State Homeland Security Program Radio PO
December 16, 2025
Page 2 of 4
Many police and fire agencies utilize the SHSP to help offset the extensive cost of
upgrading communications equipment. For the 2023 grant period (grant period is
two years behind the current calendar year), the Police Department was approved
as a sub-recipient of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association (“LACPCA”)
grant for three mobile radios, under a larger Interoperable Communications
Equipment Project.
The Department is in need of new mobile radios, as the existing Kenwood models
are outdated and fail to meet the Department’s current operational requirements.
These radios have surpassed their service life and lack compatibility with Wi-Fi
updates via Motorola Radio Management, which hinders the Department's ability to
keep them up to date with necessary firmware and programming modifications.
Investing in newer mobile radios will guarantee:
• Reliable communication
• Enhanced audio quality
• Consistent functionality throughout the vehicle fleet
The mobile radios will be installed in vehicles utilized by the Detective Bureau. This
upgrade is vital for maintaining a dependable system and ensuring that officers are
equipped with tools that facilitate safe and effective operations. Additionally, the
Department will purchase the Motorola APX8500 model, which is P25 compliant. P25
is a set of standards for federal, state, and local public safety agencies to provide
interoperable emergency communication within a jurisdiction, as well as between
agencies and mutual aid response teams. The selected model provides unlimited
mobility and interoperability, along with integrated Wi-Fi, data connectivity, and
robust information security.
DISCUSSION
The grant is managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (“Cal
OES”). Cal OES mandates that the City use its own documented procurement
procedures, which reflect applicable federal, state, and local standards, in the award
of any subcontracts. As such, the Department was required to conduct a Formal
Request for Bids to comply with the grant’s purchasing guidelines.
State Homeland Security Program Radio PO
December 16, 2025
Page 3 of 4
In November, the Department published a Notice Inviting Bids in the Arcadia Weekly
newspaper and on the City’s RFP/BID webpage. The Notice listed the equipment
needs for three mobile radios. After a two-week submission period, one bid was
received from Motorola Solutions (Attachment No. 1) in the amount of $33,546
($10,119.26 per radio plus sales tax). The quote includes a 27.5% discount on the list
price and is derived from the contract price for Los Angeles County. Following a
thorough evaluation, it has been concluded that Motorola Solutions is a responsive
bidder, with their bid meeting the necessary specifications.
By purchasing the mobile radio equipment from Motorola Solutions, Inc., the
Department will ensure compatibility with existing radio infrastructure, P25
compliance, and realize significant cost savings.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA
Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds in the amount of $33,546 for the mobile radio purchase have been
allocated in the FY 2025-26 General Fund Operation budget, under the SHSP Special
Fund. The cost of the project will be offset by reimbursement at the end of the grant
period, in an amount not to exceed $33,546.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action is not a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); approve a Purchase Order
with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the purchase of mobile radios in the amount of
$33,546; and accept the grant award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
– State Homeland Security Program (“SHSP”) for reimbursement of the mobile radio
costs.
State Homeland Security Program Radio PO
December 16, 2025
Page 4 of 4
Attachment No. 1: Motorola Solutions, Inc. Quote
Attachment No. 1