Title
Purchase from Motorola Solutions, Inc. for Two-Way Radios for Regional Transit System (B)
Explanation
The City of Gainesville’s public safety and public services agencies have utilized a trunked radio system operated by the Communications Division of Gainesville Regional Utilities for day-to-day operability and event based interoperability since 1999. The backbone of this system is comprised of Motorola equipment. All departments requiring two-way radios, both portable and mobile, must utilize Motorola radio equipment to ensure local inter-agency interoperability during emergencies.
For the last several years RTS has been upgrading two-way radios that are no longer supported by the manufacturer due to age and obsolescence with new P25 compliant radios. After completing two phases of updates there are thirty three (33) two way radios remaining in the bus fleet to be replaced. RTS started buying P25 compliant two-way radios starting in 2015 with all new bus orders. In addition, the radio upgrades were included in the plan of projects for 2016, 2017 and 2018 Section 5307 Federal Grant applications.
RTS obtained pricing for the final phase of project and desires to replace thirty three (33) two-way radios. For compatibility purposes, RTS seeks approval of the City Commission to approve Motorola Solutions Inc. as the specified source for this purchase. This will ensure that the new radios will be compatible and function with the existing equipment and software utilized to manage the trunked radio system.
Fiscal Note
Funds in the amount of $150,000 have been provided by federal grants and are available in the RTS budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the purchase with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for thirty three (33) P25 compliant two-way radios for the Regional Transit System, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.