Approval is requested for the award of a contract to Special T Fire Equipment, Inc., of Carmichael, California, for fire apparatus and emergency vehicle intercom systems for the Information Technology Department.

Public Safety fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles are equipped with both VHF and UHF mobile radios. The VHF mobile radio is used for mutual aid communication, and the UHF mobile radio is used primarily for communication from apparatus to apparatus or with Public Safety Dispatch. Officers en route to a fire or other emergency are equipped with headphones which allow them to achieve radio communication without interference from equipment engine or siren noise or other environmental sounds.

The existing headphones were purchased in 1993 and are no longer sufficiently reliable to meet Public Safety’s needs.

While all of the City’s fire apparatus are similar, there are subtle differences that make it difficult to identify a single intercom system that provides optimum communication capabilities in every unit. In addition, there is a great difference in quality from one manufacturer to another.

Special T Fire Equipment, Inc., specializes in the creation of intercom systems that are custom designed for individual fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. At the City’s request, Special T inspected each of the City’s fire apparatus and designed an "airplane" style intercom system for each unit. The "airplane" style system enables Public Safety Officers to transmit and receive on both the UHF and VHF mobile radio at the same time without having to switch between the two frequencies.

In addition, the custom intercom systems designed by Special T use high quality David Clark components. David Clark components are superior to those of other manufacturers for the following reasons:

• David Clark headsets are noise attenuating with a noise reduction rating of 24dB.

• David Clark equipment has proprietary shielded wiring to reduce radio frequency and frequency modulation interference. This is important since the intercom systems interface with both UHF and VHF radios.

• The outer covering of components is resistant to the water and hydrocarbons to which the equipment is exposed during use.

Section 2.08.030 of the Sunnyvale Purchasing Ordinance exempts from competitive bid those situations in which the City’s requirements can be met solely by a single patented article or process. In this instance, Special T Fire Equipment, Inc., is the only source for "airplane" style intercom systems.

The City of Rio Vista has been using Special T’s custom intercom systems for approximately six months and is very satisfied with their performance.

Total cost to the City for fourteen fire apparatus and emergency vehicle intercom systems, including installation, will not exceed $46,000. Funds are available in Information Technology Account #021200-5030.

It is recommended that Council award a contract to Special T Fire Equipment, Inc., of Carmichael, California, for custom designed intercom systems for fourteen fire apparatus and emergency vehicles 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