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Approve a contract with CellSite Solutions, LLC, for $154,068, for a public safety radio site DC battery backup and system installation for the Benicia Southampton radio tower site; and Approve a contract with Aviat Networks, Inc., for $185,093, for a new microwave backhaul transport system and installation, connecting public safety radio system sites at Vallejo Fairgrounds and Cummings Peak in Contra Costa County; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to sign the contracts and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to 10% of the contract amounts within annual appropriations
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract with CellSite Solutions, LLC, for $154,068, for a public safety radio site DC battery backup and system installation for the Benicia/Southampton radio tower site; and
2. Approve a contract with Aviat Networks, Inc., for $185,093, for a new microwave backhaul transport system and installation, connecting public safety radio system sites at Vallejo Fairgrounds and Cummings Peak in Contra Costa County; and
3. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to sign the contracts and any subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence, up to 10% of the contract amount within annual appropriations.
SUMMARY:
In June 2024, the Board approved a contract with Motorola Solutions to build out the Solano South Simulcast P25 radio system. Responsibilities of the County under this contract include providing for suitable power and microwave backhaul systems to accommodate the new P25 equipment at various sites. The CellSite Solutions and Aviat Networks contracts will provide the required equipment and installation services to meet the needs of County obligations under the Motorola Solutions contract.
The CellSite Solutions contract will cover the new DC battery backup system and installation at the Benicia/Southampton radio tower site. The Aviat Networks contract will provide a new Eclipse microwave backhaul system and installation at the Vallejo Fairgrounds and Cummings Peak radio tower sites.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
To date, the P25 public safety radio expansion project has a total of $7,000,000 dedicated from a variety of sources: a $2,750,000 state earmark; $4,000,000 in capital projects dedicated funding; and $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
On June 11, 2024 the Board approved two contracts: Motorola Solutions for $5,547,613 to complete a Solano South Simulcast P25 public safety radio expansion; and CellSite Solutions, LLC for $172,446 to purchase a public safety radio shelter for the Benicia Southampton tower site.
These two contracts totaled $5,720,059 and leaving remaining project funding of $1,279,941 for the additional CellSite Solutions, LLC and Aviat Networks contracts. If approved, there will be $940,780 in funds left for the P25 public safety radio expansion project which will be utilized for additional equipment and expansion as the project progresses.
DISCUSSION:
DoIT is currently proceeding under an executed contract with Motorola Solutions to build out the Solano South Simulcast P25 radio system. Responsibilities of the County under this contract include providing for suitable power and microwave backhaul systems to accommodate the new P25 equipment that will be installed by Motorola Solutions at various sites.
As the installation of the new shelter and its required systems impacts the P25 expansion project timeline for Vallejo and Benicia, it is necessary for the order to be placed immediately.
Benicia/Southampton DC Battery Backup
DoIT received a State earmark to demolish and replace the existing Southampton Radio Tower Building in Benicia. In concert with the Department of Resource Management, this project is proceeding. As the existing DC battery backup is both outdated and insufficient to power the new P25 equipment that will be installed in the new building, it is necessary to purchase and install a new battery backup system. This new system will meet the requirements of County obligations under the Motorola Solutions contract regarding providing suitable power for the new P25 equipment at radio sites.
This replacement will also provide the opportunity to install standardized equipment that matches the rest of the existing P25 radio sites throughout the County, reducing maintenance workload, increasing reliability, and reducing spares inventory costs.
Vallejo Fairgrounds-Cummings Peak Microwave Backhaul
As part of the P25 expansion project, the Cummings Peak radio tower site will become part of the P25 radio system. To link this site to the others per the system design, a new microwave backhaul path must be established. The recommended system is the Aviat Networks Eclipse platform, which is the standardized platform installed at all other exiting P25 sites throughout the County. This system will meet the requirements of County obligations under the Motorola Solutions contract with regard to providing suitable backhaul between radio sites.
This installation will also provide the opportunity to install standardized equipment that matches the rest of the existing P25 radio sites throughout the County, reducing maintenance workload, increasing reliability, and reducing spares inventory costs.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the DC battery backup and microwave backhaul systems purchases. This is not recommended since it will prevent the Solano South Simulcast P25 radio system project from proceeding and subject the County to increased costs associated with delaying the project by not meeting contractual obligations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION