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.
RTS currently has one hundred and seventy-eight (178) of these radios deployed of which fifty-five (55) are no longer supported by the manufacturer due to age and obsolescence. 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 and 2017 Section 5307 Federal Grant applications.
RTS obtained pricing for the second phase of a two-phase project and desires to replace fifty-five (55) two-way radios. For compatibility purposes, RTS seeks approval to purchase fifty-five radios from Motorola Solutions Inc. (the specified source for this equipment). 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 $267,000 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 fifty-five (55) P25 compliant two-way radios for the Regional Transit System, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.