TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jon Gjestvang, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services
REPORT BY: Elena Guzmán, Staff Services Analyst II
SUBJECT: Authorization to purchase Capital Assets and approval of Budget Amendment for radio communications equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
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Authorize the purchase of capital assets for radio equipment with appropriation authority for Information Technology Services, Communications department. (Fiscal impact $508,000, Information Technology Services Fund Balance, Not budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
Radio Base Stations:
This purchase is for the replacement of (15) radio base stations that are at end of service (EOS)/ end of life (EOL) for County local government departments, back-up public safety channels and gateways to dispatch. All replacements allow increased power management under emergency incidents either planned or from natural disasters. The current base stations will no longer have support or replacement parts from their respective manufacturer and pose risk to two-way communications of the department they serve becoming inoperable. The replacement base stations consolidate variations of products on the network and allow for additional command and control capabilities as well as power input options increasing operational resiliency during natural disasters or extended power outages. Currently the EOS/EOL base stations identified for replacement are not connected to the emergency power back up system at remote sites due to their limited power input options. The radio base stations further robust the network and provide the capabilities of P25 Digital communications which have shown increased coverage. P25 technology is a standard for interoperability between agencies and helps immensely during disasters and emergencies.
Microwave Link:
Purchase is to replace (1) microwave link between the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) and Mt. St. Helena. at end of service (EOS)/ end of life (EOL). This is the final node of the radio network that is not compatible with the remaining network. This upgrade allows for further data throughput and command and control of the existing radio network. The current microwave link is a critical component of Napa County Fire dispatch. Should the link suffer irrecoverable damage, County Communications would be unable to repair the node resulting in an extended period of loss in radio communications for County Fire. The current microwave allows no command and control of the existing network. The new microwave link will provide all these capabilities needed and allow additional data throughout for additional and future applications.
Receiving Combiner:
This purchase is to replace (1) receiving combiner for filtering radio transmissions for public safety agency channels. The receive combiner mitigates the unwanted signals from mixing or interfering with radio channels operating on the radio network located at the Hall of Justice. The Hall of Justice serves as the front end of the public safety radio network. There is sustained risk for the current filtering equipment not supporting future development or allow additional modifications. The newly engineered filtration system protects current law and County fire channels from interference due to intermodulation and supports grown capacity for additional base station receivers.
Approval of request to surplus outgoing equipment will be brought back to the Board at a later date, after new equipment is put into production and expected performance is confirmed.
Requested Actions:
1. Authorize the purchase of the following radio communications equipment for a grand total of $508,000:
a) TB9400 Radio Base Stations (Qty 15) - $356,000
b) Microwave Link (Qty 1) - $141,000
c) Receiving Combiner (Qty 1) - $11,000
2. Approve a modification of budget appropriations for the purchase of capital assets in the amount of
$508,000 within Fund 4200, Information Technology Services, subdivision 4200013, offset by use of available fund balance.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Due to end of life/end of service and existing limitations for current equipment, Communications will be unable to repair or service equipment. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
No fiscal impact beyond the current fiscal year. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If not approved, County Communications will not be able to replace or support end of life/end of service equipment critical to the countywide communications network. Additionally, there will be sustained risk of current equipment not supporting future development or allow additional modifications necessary. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State of CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.