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DATE: |
December 9, 2025 |
02 |
SUBJECT
Title
SHERIFF - REQUEST APPROVAL FOR SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT OF STANDARD RADIO EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Sheriff's Office Wireless Services Division (WSD) manages the radio communications equipment and the wireless radio networks used by the County of San Diego (County). As the County’s subject matter experts in radio equipment, WSD provides guidance to the Sheriff's Office and other County departments during the procurement process. This ensures that all radio equipment is configured consistently and appropriately to meet the operational needs of County users. This includes the Regional Communications System, a wireless radio communications network utilized by the County and by public safety and public service agencies throughout the region. These networks provide users with a reliable communication method for use in performance of their duties to efficiently serve the public. Due to the need for consistency of configuration, training, efficiency, safety, and interoperability, the procurement of radios and accessories from specific manufacturers is necessary.
Today’s actions authorize the Director of Purchasing and Contracting to issue manufacturer’s single source competitive procurement(s) for P25 phase 2 portable and mobile radios and related accessories from manufacturers including L3Harris, Kenwood, Bendix-King, and Tait. If approved, the Sheriff's Office and other County departments or offices will have access to these contracts on an as needed basis.
RECOMMENDATION
SHERIFF
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to acquire brand named equipment manufactured by L3Harris, Kenwood, Bendix-King, and Tait, through manufacturer’s single source competitive procurement(s) for various radio equipment in specific configurations for use on the Regional Communications System and other County networks; and, subject to successful negotiations and a determination of fair and reasonable price, award contracts for up to five years, with an additional six months if needed, and to amend the contracts as needed to reflect changes and enhancements in product models, service level requirements, and funding.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Regional Communications System (RCS) radio network is a critical infrastructure that supports most public safety and public service agencies across the San Diego region. Approval of this request ensures the continued reliability and effectiveness of regional operations and communications, enabling uninterrupted, high-quality services for all residents. The County of San Diego serves a diverse range of communities, many of whom depend on seamless communication between agencies for their safety and well-being. Maintaining continuity of communications across jurisdictions is essential to equitably support these communities and uphold public trust. This investment reinforces the County’s commitment to inclusive, responsive, and coordinated service delivery throughout the region.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action to acquire specific standard issued radio communications equipment for public safety and public service agencies throughout the region contributes to County of San Diego Sustainability Goals related to equity and waste reduction. Delivering public safety communications services with a consistency of configuration, training, safety, efficiency, and interoperability for everyone in San Diego County fosters trust and increases transparency. Approval of this request aids the County in pursuing its Sustainability goal of providing just and equitable access to programs and services and protecting the health and well-being of residents. The County would be able to procure proven equipment that allows staff to provide for the residents who rely on public safety and public service programs provided by the County.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the requested action in the current fiscal year. The contracts that will be issued to different manufacturers or distributors to purchase radios and accessories will be used as needed. Estimated contract costs up to $260,000 are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operational Plan for the Sheriff's Office. Subsequent year costs will be included in future Operational Plans for the Sheriff's Office. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. The resulting contracts may be used on an as-needed basis by other County departments or offices. Funding will be from charges to participating County departments' or offices' respective budgets that use this equipment.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
The Regional Communications System (RCS) Board of Directors is the regional policy and advisory board that oversees the RCS. The RCS Board is comprised of nine members including Chief/Department Head level personnel from Fire, Law, Office of Emergency Services and Public Service entities, representing their peer agencies. In recent years, the RCS Board has approved various manufacturers as providers for radio equipment that may be used on the RCS.
• On July 8, 2020, the RCS Board of Directors approved the manufacturer L3Harris (Harris) as a provider for radio equipment, specifically radios from their Harris XL-200 series.
• On February 9, 2022, the RCS Board of Directors approved the manufacturer Kenwood as a provider for radio equipment, specifically radios from their NX series.
• On October 11, 2023, the RCS Board of Directors approved the manufacturer Bendix King (BK) as a provider for radio equipment, specifically radios from their BKR series.
• On May 8, 2024, the RCS Board of Directors approved the manufacturer Tait Communications (Tait) as a provider for radio equipment, specifically radios from their TP series.
BACKGROUND
The Sheriff's Office Wireless Services Division (WSD) provides critical operational, tactical and emergency communications to public safety agencies and is tasked with the administration, licensing, operation, and maintenance of wireless (radio) communications systems owned by the County of San Diego. This includes the Regional Communications System (RCS); National, State, and Local Mutual Aid radio networks; County-owned wireless voice and data networks used in County facilities; and the County paging system.
On June 9, 2015 (1), the Board of Supervisors authorized the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to issue a request for proposal and award a contract or contracts for the procurement, implementation, support and optional financing of a Next Generation Regional Communications System (NextGen RCS). On June 27, 2016, the County awarded the contract to Motorola Solutions, Inc. which included an as needed blanket purchase agreement for Motorola radios and accessories. Since then, different manufacturers have developed P25 phase 2 portable and mobile radios and accessories that are suitable for use on County radio networks. Through testing and evaluation, WSD staff has determined that manufacturers L3Harris, Kenwood, Bendix-King, and Tait can provide radios that are compatible with County systems. Additionally, the RCS Board of Directors has provided final approval for radio equipment from these manufacturers for use on the RCS.
Radio equipment is evaluated to certify standards or needs like compatibility, functionality, and configurability. To start, equipment must be compatible with the intended network or networks to use. Long-term or additional compatibility may also be considered due to potential for changes in network requirements or policies. Some users may need radios with enhanced security capabilities to protect sensitive information that may be transmitted. Other users may need enhanced physical durability for reliability while operating in dangerous or harsh conditions. Acceptable equipment should have features and configurations that guarantee proper and reliable operation on the network, among other possible needs.
Justification for Single Source Procurement
Authority for manufacturers’ single source procurements for radios and accessories is established to ensure Standardization, pursuant to Board Policy A-87 3(A). WSD’s selection of approved radio equipment supports operational efficiency through standardization and enhances interoperability among County departments and regional partners, including state and federal agencies. Standardization also improves user training and equipment familiarization, while enabling WSD to more effectively service radios for setup, testing, repairs, and maintenance.
Today’s actions include authorizing the Director of Purchasing and Contracting to award manufacturer single source contracts and solicitations with select manufacturers of radio equipment, for up to five years, with an additional six months if needed. This is also a request to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Contracting to amend the contracts as needed to procure various models as available in the event a manufacturer ceases support for or discontinues an existing accepted model. Competitive procurement is maintained as these manufacturers may have multiple authorized distributors. These distributors would still be able to submit quotes, proposals, or bids. The procured radio equipment will meet standards or requirements as determined by WSD. As the County’s designated subject matter expert for radio equipment, WSD oversees the procurement of radios to ensure compliance with established standards. This centralized approach promotes standardization, consistency, and optimal functionality across all County operations. Approval of this request supports WSD’s commitment to service uniformity and enhances interoperability for users throughout San Diego County. Additionally, it enables other County departments to leverage existing contracts on an as-needed basis, streamlining procurement and maximizing efficiency.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports the County of San Diego's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan Initiatives of Community (Safety) accomplished in partnership with the Regional Communications System, which allows for interoperability among numerous public safety agencies within the San Diego region to support their ability to respond to events, emergencies, and disasters, thereby strengthening county-wide efforts to provide safety for all communities.
Respectfully submitted,
KELLY A. MARTINEZ
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
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