REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 3, 2015
FROM: BRYON HORN, Assistant Chief Information Officer
Information Services Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Authorize a contract for a radio system needs assessment and communications operations review in the amount of $126,900 with CDX Wireless Technology Consulting, Inc. (Bid File 070115) (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the Assistant Chief Information Officer, or designee, to execute a contract with CDX Wireless Technology Consulting, Inc. (CDX) in the amount of $126,900 for public safety communications consulting services for a public safety radio system infrastructure needs assessment and maintenance operations review.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 1, 2015, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on the City’s website and advertised in the Fresno Business Journal seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a public safety radio system infrastructure needs assessment and maintenance operations review for the Fresno Fire, Police, and Public Utilities Departments. On August 4, 2015 the City received proposals from six consulting firms. After a comprehensive review of the proposals and interview of the three firms considered best qualified for this project, staff recommends CDX is selected and that Council authorize the Assistant Chief Information Officer, or designee, to execute a contract with CDX for $126,900 to begin this project. CDX was selected due to their impressive credentials, experience with public safety communications, excellent demonstration of their understanding of our RFP, and the detail of their plan to complete the assessment and review.
BACKGROUND
On July 1, 2015, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on the City’s website and advertised in the Fresno Business Journal in which Fresno Fire Department sought proposals for a radio system needs assessment and communications operations review. The RFP identified a particular concern for improved public safety radio system coverage and reliability serving the operational needs of the Fresno Fire, Police, and Public Utilities Departments. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules requiring narrow band operation has seriously impaired our existing radio system. Parts of our radio infrastructures are at the end of their operational life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. New technology exists to resolve all current issues. A wireless technology consultant is necessary to guide us in the process of selecting, acquiring, and maintaining the correct new technology to meet the needs of the City.
The RFP Scope of Work requested is as follows:
Ø Prepare a report evaluating the condition of our current public safety and public utilities two-way voice radio systems
Ø Work with City Staff preparing a comprehensive plan to refresh our two-way voice radio technology and supporting infrastructure to meet current and future public safety and public utilities needs for the next ten years
Ø Prepare a report giving options to maintain the City two-way voice radio technology for the next ten years
Review of the items above will give us recommendations that will help us improve our radio infrastructures to meet the operational needs of first responders and maintain radio communications interoperability with those supporting the first responders. The items will also give us a plan to maintain the radio system in the future.
On August 4, 2015, Fresno Fire Department received six proposals from wireless technology consulting firms as follows:
Ø AECOM Lynchburg, VA - $98,857
Ø CDX Wireless Technology Consulting, Pleasanton, CA - $126,900
Ø CDI L.R. Kimball, Ebensburg, PA - $130,638
Ø ACD Telecom, Lake Mary, FL - $139,000
Ø CSI Telecommunications, San Francisco, CA - $150,000
Ø Federal Engineering, Fairfax, VA - $358,816
After a comprehensive review of the six proposals by a committee composed of members from Fire, Police, and Information Services departments, the top three proposals were identified and the firms were interviewed. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because there were no local bidders.
FISCAL IMPACT
General Fund appropriations will fund this project as each of the departments affected have been approved funding in the FY 2016 budget.
Attachments:
Agreement - City of Fresno, California Consultant Services
Exhibit A - CDX Wireless Technology Consulting, Inc. Scope of Service
Exhibit B - Insurance Requirements
Exhibit C - Project Schedule (with dates)