Regular 1.J.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/25/2010
- TITLE
- Contract with GeoComm for Radio Implementation Plan
- PRESENTED BY:
- Paul Dextras
- Department:
- Fire
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
In 2009 the City of Billings contracted with GeoComm to study the current 800 MHz radio system and provide recommendations for future radio communications systems. The City of Billings Radio Assessment was completed in July 2009 and four options for radio system replacement were presented. GeoComm consultant Lex Rutter discussed these options with the City Council at a work session on November 16, 2009. The most cost effective proposal was to replace the existing 800 MHz radio system with VHF equipment that is part of the Interoperability Montana project , coordinated with other agencies, and operated as a digital, simulcast trunked radio system. The complexities of defining such a system in an RFP require professional and technical consultation. The City of Billings utilized the State of Montana Master Contract and Cooperative Purchasing arraignment when it selected GeoComm to perform the Radio Assessment and through that arraignment, we are authorized to continue to engage GeoComm for technical assistance in the development of an Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan will provide specific information that will enable the City of Billings to prepare a Request for Proposal for a VHF digital, simulcast radio system.
The Implementation Plan will provide detailed information pertinent to:
• System Design
• Radio Coverage
• Contingency Planning
• Radio Console Functionality
• System Recording
• Training Requirements
• Interoperability Considerations
• Technology Standards
• System Integration
• Funding Opportunities and Options
• Proposed Replacement Project Schedule
The Implementation Plan will provide detailed information pertinent to:
• System Design
• Radio Coverage
• Contingency Planning
• Radio Console Functionality
• System Recording
• Training Requirements
• Interoperability Considerations
• Technology Standards
• System Integration
• Funding Opportunities and Options
• Proposed Replacement Project Schedule
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve the contract with GeoComm for a radio system Implementation Plan; or
- Not approve the contract with GeoComm for a radio system Implementation Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
GeoComm has agreed to prepare an Implementation Plan for $37,840. These funds are available in a contingency line item in the 800 MHz Radio budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the contract with GeoComm for a radio system Implementation Plan for the amount of $37,840.