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 Security Grant funds.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process, but allows for awards without a competitive bid process if accompanied by a Resolution adopted by the City Council. As the first radio was purchased and installed by Hangar One Avionics, Inc., it would be in the City’s best interest to utilize the same vendor to ensure the same equipment specifications, quality of work, and maintenance and warranty service for both radios.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah E. Green on October 10, 2019, Purchasing Agent Tara Yeats on October 21, 2019, and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on October 20, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 5, 2019, to ensure the agreement is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the contract with Hangar One Avionics, Inc., will not exceed $236,250. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $236,250 in the General Fund Group in the Police Department, offset by previously collected Department of Justice (DOJ) Asset Forfeiture funds. This purchase complies with the DOJ’s Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement agencies, which governs the spending of such funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER