HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Radio System Repeaterenda Item #
CONSENT
To: Board of Directors
From: Ian Fitzgerald
Date: June 01, 2016
Subject: Consideration of the Purchase of a Radio System Repeater
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board approval is required for expenditures in excess of $15,000.
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2. HISTORY
In July of 2015, the District commissioned a new DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) system.
The system has performed very well in most areas of the District's service territory,
however, as envisioned, there are small pockets that have some radio signal
weaknesses. These areas of signal weakness provide the potential for safety issues,
particularly with electric lineman during switching operations.
The original design of the radio system called for 4 repeater stations. Two of these
stations were built in the initial deployment. District staff believes adding a third
repeater station will fill in the signal holes that currently exist.
3. NEW INFORMATION
The third repeater station will be located at Beacon Hill. Studies show that this
location's elevation, and northern position in the District's service territory will increase
radio penetration, and increase redundancy and reliability. A new microwave link will
be required to provide network services to this location, which will be presented to the
Board of Directors as a seperate agenda item.
The State of California has competitively bid equipment from Tait as part of the
Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) programs. Local governments, including
the District, are eligible to take advantage of State bids through WSCA. Section
3.08.060 of the District's code (Joint Purchasing with the State of California and other
public agencies) permits the District to take advantage of other agencies low bids
providing that competitive procurement procedures were followed. Tait has provided
us a quote based on WSCA (Attachment 1) of $56,156 for the following.
• One repeater site / three radio channels per site, to be installed at Beacon Hill;
• 2 radios to be installed at Tahoe Donner and Donner Lake Substations, due to
building material interference within the control building,
• 2 year support and software maintenance;
• Engineering design services; and
• Three days of commissioning;
4. FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds exist in the FY16 Budget for the purchase of the radio repeater.
There is also a 10% contingency allowance for any potential change orders.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Approve the purchase of the WSCA procured radio system with Tait Communications
for the amount of $56,156 plus a 10% contingency, not to exceed $61,771 a
Assistant General Manager
Michael D. Holley
General Manager