Title
Resolution Authorizing the Emergency Purchase of a Replacement VHF Radio System for Fire Services from Motorola Inc. and the Appropriation of Funds for the Purchase ($48,751.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes approval of the emergency purchase of a replacement Fire Safety VHF Radio System. The VHF Radio System is Fire Safety's sole means of communication. It provides radio coverage to our firefighters within buildings and is compatible with local township fire departments. The VHF system is also utilized for knox box entry and dispatch tones and paging.
The current VHF radio equipment, which consists of six satellite receivers and one transmitter, cannot be repaired. This equipment has failed resulting in the removal and relocation of one of the receivers leaving five of the six operational. This configuration does not provide adequate coverage essential for the safety of our firefighters and citizens. In addition, any further failures will result in the system being inoperable.
This equipment replacement was considered during the budget process as part of the general fund budget request; however, it was not included as the expectation was that the system replacement could wait an additional year. Unfortunately, the recently failure proved that expectation to be wrong. To ensure the safety of our citizens and firefighters, on November 26, 2007, the City Administrator exercised his authority under Section 1:316 of Chapter 14 of the City Code to authorize the emergency purchase of a Replacement VHF Radio System from Motorola Inc. and staff proceeded with the purchase.
Motorola Inc. sets minimum pricing to all of its distributors; therefore, it is considered to be a sole-source provider for the replacement. The City was granted a governmental rate, which is below the minimum pricing established. The amount of the purchase was $48,751.00.
Motorola Inc. received Human Rights approval on June 6, 2007.
Your ratification of this emergency purchase is requested.
In addition, because this purchase was not included in the FY 08 budget, an appropriation of funds in the amount of $48,751.00 from the General Fund Reserves to the Central Stores/Radio Internal Service Fund is required to fund the purchase and establish depreciation for future equipment replacement.
Staff
Prepared by: Michael Bergren, Assistant Field Operations Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor's Fire Services utilizes a VHF Radio System for communication services and the current system has failed;
Whereas, The City was granted a governmental rate and Motorola is the sole-source provider for the equipment replacement;
Whereas, Motorola Inc. received Human Rights approval on June 6, 2007; and
Whereas, The emergency purchase of a VHF Radio System replacement was authorized by the City Administrator on November 26, 2007, in accordance with Section 1:316 of Chapter 14 of the City Code;
RESOLVED, That the purchase order to Motorola Inc. in the amount of $48,751.00 for the emergency purchase of a replacement VHF Radio System for Fires Services be ratified and authorized; and
RESOLVED, That $48,751.00 be appropriated from the General Fund Reserves to the Central Stores/Radio Internal Service Fund to fund the purchase and establish depreciation for future equipment replacement.