NS - Grant - Approve Grant Purchase of Radio Communications Equipment for Emergency Responders

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reduce the cost to the County for 800MHz radio infrastructure. County staff continue to seek grant funding opportunities and other revenue sources to minimize the remaining costs to the County of the 800 MHZ communications interoperability project (for replacement of the 14 year old consoles at the 9 -1 -1 center and portable and mobile radios for County agencies). This grant program will enable the County and its municipal and volunteer emergency response partner agencies to purchase a number of 800MHz compatible radios. These 147 portable radios that are to be purchased are compatible with the VIPER system and will include a charger, extra battery, and lapel microphone. They are also on State contract, resulting in a 15% savings over list price. The total price will not exceed $471,000. As described in the attached radio allocation table, emergency response agencies will receive a quantity of radios that will provide a base level of communications interoperability during incidents. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no County match required in the use of the grant funds in this manner. Also, the grant does not require the County in any way to expend further funding towards this project. The equipment requested is on State contract under contract number 725 - G, so no bid is required. The $471,000 for this project is well within the grant budget. The County will file for reimbursement from the State pursuant to terms of the grant. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the purchase of the portable radios; authorize the Purchasing Director to execute paperwork as may be appropriate; and direct staff to file for reimbursement pursuant to terms of the grant.