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C. 85

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Julia R. Bueren, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Date:	June 21, 2016

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Purchase of Portable and Mobile Radios

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 06/21/2016

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

ABSENT:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor

Contact:

Joe Yee, (925) 313-2104

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 21, 2016
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute, on behalf of the Public Works Director, a purchase order with Motorola, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $366,000 for the purchase of one hundred portable/mobile radios and accessories, Countywide.

FISCAL IMPACT:

100% General Fund (Technology Innovation Grant)

BACKGROUND:

The Public Works Department is responsible to maintain 670 miles of roads and 75 miles of flood control channels. During routine maintenance activities and emergency responses, field staff relies on a private radio system (Fisher Wireless) for their radio communication needs. The radio system is essential and the only means of communication in areas of the County where cellular phone coverage is inadequate or during times of major disasters when cellular service is not available or reliable.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

The current private radio system does not allow Public Works staff direct contact to and from emergency responders such as the Sheriff’s Office and Fire which use the East Bay Regional Communications Radio System (EBRCS). In the event of a major disaster, it is important that Public Works is on the same radio system as other first responders. In addition to field staff taking care of road closures and repairs after a disaster event, office staff is assigned to evaluate critical infrastructures such as bridges and dams and communicate their findings of any damage so the information can aide in determining routes available for emergency responders.

Road Maintenance crews are often called out during after work hours to respond to traffic accidents, flooding, fallen trees, and other emergencies. EBRCS will provide direct and reliable communication between our crews and emergency responders to ensure their safety and timely critical care response.

This request is to purchase, program, and install equipment so Public Works can migrate to the East Bay Regional Communications Radio System (EBRCS).

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Public Works Department will not migrate to the East Bay Regional Communications Radio System.