HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 TAIT Radio Survey Communications TRUCKEE DONNE
- AGENDA ITEM # 12
Public District
MEETING DATE: April 5, 2023
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Roe Vernon, IT/SCADA Engineer
Scott Crow, IT Director/CIO
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Professional Services Contract with TAIT
Communications for the District's Radio Survey and Design
APPROVED
Brian C. Wright, General Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the General Manager to execute a professional services contract with TAIT
Communications to conduct a radio survey and system design in the amount of $24,300,
plus a ten percent change order allowance of $2,430 for a total contract not to exceed
$26,730.
BACKGROUND:
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District utilizes an existing digital mobile radio (DMR)
system to securely communicate to field service personnel during switching orders and
during outages. When cellular phones become unavailable this system is a critical safety
mechanism allowing operations management to coordinate the actions and activities of
field service personnel. Utilizing this system has exposed limitations in the current
configuration and the District is interested in getting a professional assessment of our
service area with an eye towards improving system performance to enhance crew safety.
ANALYSIS:
During switching orders it has become readily apparent to the users of the system that
the reliability of the DMR system is less than is needed to safely and efficiently allow the
switching orders to be completed. Staff has consulted with and is recommending that a
professional survey by TAIT experts take place so that the District is equipped with the
critical information that is needed to enhance system usability and reliability. The DMR
system in use is produced and manufactured by TAIT Communications.
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In granting this contact a TAIT Systems Engineer will develop an appropriate architectural
design and specification of the system behavior and performance (preliminary design).
Included in this contract a TAIT Systems Engineer will conduct a coverage verification in
the Districts licensed FCC bandwidth. The deliverable is a report which clearly illustrates
achieved coverage and how that compares with the District's coverage needs.
OBJECTIVES & GOALS:
This item is in support of the following goals and objectives:
District Code 1.05.020 Objectives:
1. Responsibly serve the public.
2. Provide a healthy and safe work environment for all District Employees.
3. Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet current
and future needs.
4. Provide reliable and high quality electric supply and distribution system to meet current
and future needs.
6. Manage the District in an effective, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
Strategic Goals:
4. Take the best of private sector thinking to modernize the utility and add value to our
communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This cost will be charged to IT Professional Services (GL account '/2.9.923.00.736) which
has an annual budget of $145,145. The budget is sufficient to fund the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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