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DATE: |
October 08, 2024 |
01 |
SUBJECT
Title
SHERIFF - REQUEST APPROVAL FOR A MANUFACTURER’S SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT OF A PORTABLE SILVUS TECHNOLOGIES INC. RADIO SYSTEM (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff) Special Enforcement Detail (SED) is a tactical unit tasked with responding to critical incidents and crisis situations within the region. SED plans to enhance and strengthen operational communication capabilities and situational awareness within San Diego County, specifically in the rural and remote locations, through a manufacturer’s single source procurement of a portable Silvus Technologies, Inc. Radio System.
On January 6, 2021, Sheriff’s Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) through a competitive procurement chose Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios to create a high-definition video downlink and data transmission radio mesh network system. Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios use advanced radio technology and a unique wireless communication network not compatible with other radios due to proprietary software that does not allow cross communication. Near the United States-Mexico international border, communication issues are exacerbated by aggressive terrain and the lack of repeater antennae for the 800-megahertz (MHz) system due to property constraints. The procurement of a portable Silvus Radio System will provide a mobile communication network for deployment at scale in remote regions locations, such as rural areas, and locations with reinforced concrete structures that severely weaken radio signals such as parking structures, shopping centers, and schools. This enhanced network is particularly critical for operations near the international border, where effective communication can significantly impact the success of enforcement and security efforts.
This is a request to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Contracting to issue a manufacturer’s single source competitive procurement for a portable Silvus Technologies, Inc., Radio System, to include Silvus radios, original equipment manufacturer parts, repairs, services, installation, accessories, supplies, and extended warranty. The Request for Bids (RFB) is anticipated to be posted on BuyNet by November 2024. The purchase order will be issued by the end of the year.
RECOMMENDATION
SHERIFF
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, D.5 Standardization, approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to issue a manufacturer’s single source competitive procurement for the purchase of additional Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios, original equipment manufacturer parts, repairs, services, installation, accessories, supplies, and extended warranty; and, subject to successful negotiation and a determination of a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for up to six years and an additional six months if needed, and to amend the contract as needed to reflect changes to requirements and funding, subject to the approval of the Sheriff.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Today’s request for the procurement of a portable Silvus Radio System is essential in providing the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) unit with the necessary tools to deliver a timely and accurate public safety response. The ability to access real time information and provide a clear image of situation assessments is critical for the safety of our communities. The primary purpose and benefit of a manufacturer’s single source procurement of the portable Silvus Radio System is to prevent disruption or gaps in communication and access to relevant information when delivering law enforcement services.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action to pursue a manufacturer’s single source procurement of the Silvus Technologies Radio System will allow the Sheriff’s SED unit to improve communication interoperability and shared situational awareness between members of the unit and other San Diego County law enforcement and public service agencies. This request aligns with the County of San Diego’s sustainability goals of providing just access to underserved communities. Having a robust, uninterrupted communication system and access to information, especially within remote areas of the County, is critical for the Sheriff’s Office to ensure the public safety of all communities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operational Plan for the Sheriff’s Office. If approved, this request will result in current year estimated costs of $352,380 and revenue of $350,000. The revenue recovers Sheriff's Office direct costs but does not reimburse all costs associated with administrative overhead and support estimated at $2,380. The funding source is grant revenue from the Fiscal Year 2023 Operation Stonegarden grant program ($350,000) and existing General Purpose Revenue ($2,380). Costs for ongoing maintenance of the radios, estimated at 1% annually ($3,500) after the one-year warranty ends, and remaining contract years will be included in future years operational plans for the Sheriff's Office. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staffing.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
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BACKGROUND
On January 6, 2021, a Request for Bids was conducted for a high-definition video and data transmission system to facilitate transmission between the Sheriff’s helicopters and Sheriff’s terrestrial sites, leveraging the Sheriff’s existing internal network to distribute, display, and store video, images, and mapping data. Silvus Technologies, Inc. was awarded the contract and radios, and equipment were purchased for this project.
Silvus utilizes a proprietary Mobile Networked - Multiple Input Multiple Output system, which is not compatible with other radios. Signals sent by Silvus radios are not interpretable by other radio systems, and may operate on different frequency bands, further hindering compatibility. Moreover, Silvus radios support encryption features which other radios cannot decode, ensuring secure communication channels. These features require standardization of Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios for the Sheriff’s Office to expand their use. Near the United States-Mexico international border, the challenging terrain and property constraints severely limit 800-megahertz (MHz) radio connectivity, making the deployment of Silvus radios crucial for maintaining effective communication. These radios can also provide voice and data services to units in remote areas where cellular service is unavailable and where traditional patrol radios fail to connect to the Regional Communications System, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the Sheriff’s efforts in these regions. The Department of Homeland Security, and the San Diego Police Department have Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios. They have proven to work in the San Diego area.
Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios are designed to enhance communication capabilities in regions where traditional 800Mhz radio systems are ineffective, providing a crucial mesh network for communication, robotics operation (the Special Enforcement Detail (SED) is purchasing a new robot that comes with Silvus Technologies, Inc. communications), and data transfer without reliance on radio towers. 800Mhz radios do not operate in areas with reinforced of concrete structures, such as parking structures, shopping centers, and schools. The radios will be issued to Sheriff’s deputies for tactical operations, with additional units available for tactical dispatchers, the Unmanned Aerial System Unit, and required command staff. The goal is to establish a "tactical bubble", ensuring uninterrupted communication in remote areas or during a countywide crisis when conventional communications systems may fail or become overloaded. The enhanced radio communication system and its capabilities will further support the network’s resilience during blackouts or mass casualty events. Ultimately, the Sheriff seeks to ensure the readiness of SED by equipping them with a robust communication system to better respond to critical incidents. Without the Silvus Technologies radio system, the County could face significant communication challenges, impacting its ability to respond effectively during high-stakes scenarios. During times of emergency, such as active shooters, natural disasters, and manmade disasters, if traditional communications systems fail, the portable Silvus radio system can prevent disruption or gaps in vital communications among Sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement agencies and staff.
The primary consideration for equipment purchases in law enforcement are safety, standardization, and interoperability. The Sheriff is requesting Silvus Technologies, Inc. radios under Board Policy A-87, D.5 Standardization, the procurement is for goods and/or services where standardization is beneficial for reasons including maintenance, repair, training, and interoperability. Standardization of the Silvus Technology radios in the Sheriff’s Office for all units enhances the safety of deputies and the public by ensuring equipment familiarization, improved communication, and interoperability among deputies. The SED and Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) Silvus radio systems would operate independently but can work together thus expanding the capabilities of the system. This would not be possible if a different system was purchased. Effective communication, especially in challenging areas near the border, is paramount to operational success and security. This enhanced network will expand connectivity and capabilities among the Sheriff’s units, to allow for the sharing of video or data feed, assist with the apprehension of suspects, provide situational awareness to on-scene personnel and command staff, and protect both residents and property against border security threats and hazards.
This is a request to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Contracting to issue a manufacturer’s single source competitive procurement for a portable Silvus Technologies, Inc. Radio System, to include Silvus radios, original equipment manufacturer parts, repairs, services, installation, accessories, supplies, and extended warranty. The Request for Bids is anticipated to be posted on BuyNet by November 2024. The purchase order will be issued by the end of the year.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to authorize the manufacturer’s single source procurement of portable Silvus Technologies, Inc. Radio System supports the Justice Initiative of the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by supporting safety for all communities, including protection from crimes and violence, prevention of border security threats, community preparedness, regional readiness, communication interoperability and situational awareness.
Respectfully submitted,
KELLY A. MARTINEZ
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
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