Background:
The City of Sunrise Police Department was awarded the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 2024 grant funding in the total amount of $318,247.00, and the acceptance of this grant funding was approved by the City Commission under Resolution No. 25-100. The Police Department is seeking to utilize a portion of these funds, $288,247.00, for the purchase of twenty-seven (27) APX™ NEXT Smart Connect Radios, accessories, and service. In addition, the Police Department is seeking to utilize additional budgeted funds in the amount of $249,071.79 for the purchase of twenty-four (24) additional APX™ NEXT Smart Connect Radio’s, accessories and service.
These radios are designed to military standards for ruggedness and have a toughened glass touchscreen, which works with gloves in rain or other inclement weather. They also have digital mics and high-power speakers for excellent audio and the SmartConnect software allows you to stay connected beyond radio coverage and keep you powered up to 18 hours. All applications are built on a secure, extensible platform which allows you to add capabilities as the needs evolve. These radios have provisions which provide updates in minutes, not months. APX™ NEXT radios have a cloud-based programming platform which prepares radios before they arrive. Remote updating keep radios up to date in the field with zero downtime and the smart Programming updates can be accepted anywhere. These radios are all compatible with the upgraded BDA System in place at the Public Safety Building which was finalized last year, also with the assistance of grant funding.
The Police Department and the Purchasing Office recommend award of the purchase of twenty-seven (27) APX™NEXT Smart Connect Radio’s, in the amount of $288,247.00, as approved by the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management UASI Grant Administrators and twenty-four (24) additional APX™NEXT Smart Connect Radio’s with budgeted funds in the amount of $249,071.79.
The fifty-one (51) units will be compatible with the recently upgraded BDA (Bi-Directional Antenna System) installed in the Public Safety Complex. This system was upgraded as part of the County’s plan to update all radio towers in Broward County to the digital P25 standard which enhances communication clarity, safety, reliability, and interoperability among various agencies. Staff is seeking approval of Cooperative Agreement 25-29-09-WL for these purchases and potential future purchases of this type of equipment, as needed. The Cooperative Agreement is valid through December 31, 2026, unless terminated or renewed by the lead agency.
Because these purchases will be made using an existing governmental contract, it is requested that the City Commission waive the City’s formal bidding procedures pursuant to Section 5-173(c)(4) of the Code of the City of Sunrise, Florida.