The Daviess County Fiscal Court is accepting proposals for an upgraded radio communication system for first responders to address ongoing equipment support issues.
The county released the 102-page proposal packet last week.
The county is seeking proposals from firms to provide equipment and services for a 700/800 MHz P25 trunking public safety grade radio to improve overall system coverage, capacity and interoperability.
“Upon submission, the County will evaluate the proposals and choose the solution that makes the most sense, both in terms of financial viability and service to the citizens and end-users,” said Jordan Johnson, purchasing agent for DCFC.
Daviess County currently operates on a variety of conventional radio systems in the VHF band. A majority of the county’s existing two-way radio infrastructure and user radio equipment is outdated and incompatible.
The City of Owensboro utilizes an 800 MHz P25 trunked radio system for all departments, and theirs is a separate system from the county’s VHF.
The new system will be expected to cover 99.9 percent of the county, Johnson said. In January, consultant firm Trott Communications Group estimated the total cost of the project was $5.7 million if run independently, a price that includes maintenance for 16 years of ownership.
“There will likely be several points of negotiation regarding site improvements and placement,” Jonhson said as well as leasing options if needed, and equipment configuration.
Sealed proposals are due by 4 p.m. June 29 when they will be publicly opened at the Daviess County Courthouse.
“Since this project entails so many variables, it is necessary to leave many of the decisions up to the vendor in proposing how to implement the desired system, rather than dictate those aspects with rigid bid specifications,” Johnson said.
The radio system would help Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch, which is jointly operated by the City and County.
