Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Motorola Electronics of San Mateo for thirty-four vehicular radio modem systems for the Information Technology Department (ITD).

As part of the Department of Public Safety radio system upgrade, the existing mobile data terminals in Public Safety patrol vehicles are to be replaced with notebook computers. The notebook computers will communicate with the City’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system via vehicular radio modems.

The existing CAD base system controller is a Motorola NCP500. Staff has determined that the use of Motorola VRM650 vehicular radio modems is required to achieve problem-free communication between the notebook computers in the Public Safety patrol vehicles and the City’s CAD system.

Section 2.08.030 of the Purchasing Ordinance establishes exceptions to the competitive bidding process where the City’s requirements can be met solely by a single patented article or process.

Total cost to the City will be $112,352 (tax and freight included). This price includes thirty-four VRM650 dual channel units, cabling, software, system configuration services, training and a rebate of $4,590 on three single-channel VRM600 units the City purchased for test and evaluation purposes. Installation will be done by Public Works Fleet Maintenance staff. Funds are available in ITD account #021200-6030.

It is recommended that Council award a contract in the amount of $112,352 to Motorola Electronics of San Mateo for vehicular radio modem systems and authorize the Purchasing Officer to issue a purchase order to that effect.

Prepared by:

Elaine Wesely
Purchasing Officer

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley
Director, Finance

Reviewed by:

Shawn Hernandez
Director, Information Technology

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager