TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents to enter into an agreement with Hangar One Avionics, Inc., of Carlsbad, CA, for the purchase and installation of a helicopter radio, in the amount of $225,000, with a 5 percent contingency in the amount of $11,250, for a total contract amount not to exceed $236,250; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Police Department by $236,250, offset by Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds received. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with Hangar One Avionics, Inc., for the purchase and installation of a tri-band radio and audio system in one of the Long Beach Police Department’s (LBPD) helicopters.
The LBPD operates two Eurocopter AS350B-2 AStar helicopters, units N28LB and N29LB, to support field operations. These helicopters were purchased in 2011 from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Due to limitations in the helicopter radio bandwidth, the helicopters lacked functioning interoperable capabilities to communicate with partner agencies. Replacement of these radios aid in improving regional communication, strengthen coordination and information sharing, and improve regional prevention and response to emergency incidents.
Through funding from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Homeland Security Grant and purchasing authority through section 2.84.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, LBPD contracted with Hangar One Avionics, Inc., to replace the helicopter radio in unit N29LB. The installation on the first unit was completed in March 2019. To maintain crucial aerial resources, helicopter unit N28LB was kept in service while unit N29LB was grounded for the radio installation. With unit N29LB now back in service, LBPD recommends moving forward with the installation of a new tri-band radio for unit N28LB. The second unit will not be funded with UASI Homeland S...
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