10/13/97 Board of Public Works Minutes

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429 REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 1997 and Data Radio (Exhibit 2). D & L Communications did not supply the Board of Public Works with any RF coverage studies for a conventional single channel RF data system. D & L Communications did supply a coverage study for an EDACS system using Ericsson's MDX data/voice radio. An EDAC system does not meet the specifications as outlined in RFP2 in several ways including the lack of modems and required serial port (both of which are mandatory). A coverage study was also mandatory in RFP2 for any proposal submitted to the Board of Public Works. D & L Communications submitted a coverage map for an EDACS system only, not a conventional data system. In contacting D & L Communications, the Police Department was informed by John Ritten that the EDACS study should not be used for a conventional data site, but instead use the one submitted by Data Radio (Exhibit 2) for the Ericsson/Data Radio proposal. As it can clearly be observed, coverage from one site comparing Motorola 35 watt radio modems to Data Radio and D & L Communications coverage is remarkably different. Based on this lack of coverage by both D & L Communications and Data Radio, only Motorola meets the required specifications. Motorola is the only vendor that has both mounted mobile and portable data radios as part of their total solution. A portable system was requested in the RFP and at the mandatory vendor meeting. Using Motorola's VRM 600 (vehicle installed) for primarily uniform and PRM 660 (portable) primarily for the Detective Bureau, both specifications from the RFP have been met. Both Data Radio and D & L Communications did not offer this sort of solution to the RFP request. Motorola is the only company running data via RF at 19.2, all other vendor modem speeds are 9600 (half as fast). Fast transmission rates are necessary to send lengthy reports, and photos. In the RFP, both modem speeds were listed for consideration. In order to meet the cities short and long term goals, the wireless computing network installed today must not be five (5) year old technology (such as 9600 baud rates). The wireless computing network should support state of the art technologies and support raw, over the air data rates of at least 19.2 Kbs. Only Motorola supports this advanced technology. High speed data transmission rates are required to transmit color mug shots and fingerprints as outlined in RFP2. Only Motorola has a qualified service facility within thirty minutes of South Bend. Police - Fire - EMS is mission critical and requires this sort of timely response. D & L Communications EDACS System (Bid#2) does not meet the RFP specifications requiring the use of a mobile radio modem (6.2). Both D & L Communications and Data Radio propose the use of 7/8" heliax cable at the base station and tower selected by the City. Motorola has proposed the use of 1 1/4" LDF heliax antenna line. Based on studies conducted by the City of South Bend Radio Shop, Mr. Al Miller and staff have concluded that the use of 7/8" heliax cable is totally inadequate due to its loss of signal and feel that at a minimum, only 1 1/4" antenna cable should be considered. Shearer Communications only bid on mobile Motorola data radios. Data Radio's alone cannot be used in conjunction with the Motorola bid since their proposals involves the use of a combined unit (PRM 660 or VRM 600). Shearer's proposed radios alone are more expensive than Data Radios or D & L Communications Ericsson 25 watt mobile radios. D & L Communications did not furnish the Board with a coverage study using a conventional data/Rf network. D & L Communications did supply the Board with a coverage study using a EDACS System which does not meet many of the specifications outlined in the request for proposal. Motorola's bid of $601,983.50 was not the lowest bid proposed, but it is the only bid that met all specifications as outlined in RFP2. Motorola is the only company that proposed County -wide coverage without the need for several additional towers and base stations. As it can clearly be observed, County -wide coverage is essential for Public Safety (Police -Fire -EMS) as well as for other City departments (Water Works, Planning and Waste Treatment) that are required to work both in the City and County on a number of essential projects and calls for service. These purchases will be funded through a Department of Justice COPS:MORE Grant of $799,999 and City of South Bend Computerization/Lease Purchase fund of approximately $1,645,000.