In July 2011, the City of Billings awarded the bid for replacing the 800 MHz radio system to Cassidian Communications.  The Cassidian radio infrastructure will support the operation of the City's current inventory of portable and mobile radios once each radio has its internal firmware upgraded.  EF Johnson Technologies is the sole source for the P25 upgrade for the City's EF Johnson radios.  Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a contract with EF Johnson for this work. 

The Analog to P25 Common Air Interface and Multi-Net Analog to P25 Trunking Field Upgrade are proprietary products of EF Johnson Technologies.  No other alternatives are available.

EF Johnson has offered the City of Billings a substantial discount on this upgrade: $650 per radio X 845 radios in inventory = $549,250. Administration proposed that excess SID Revolving Loan Fund money be transfered to the General Fund and those funds be used for this purchase.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed upgrade of the City's mobile and portable radios in the amount of $549,250 and that the SID Revolving Loan Fund be used as the source for this payment.