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Council approves Superior Fire Department radio purchase using FEMA port‑security grant
Summary
Council approved purchase of base and portable radios for the Superior Fire Department to meet p25/WISCOM requirements using FEMA port security grant funds; the grant requires completion by Nov. 30 and carries a 20% local match drawn from the city's hazmat account.
The council approved a request to purchase base‑station and portable radios for the Superior Fire Department under a FEMA port‑security grant that requires equipment purchase and closeout by Nov. 30.
Councilor Olsen moved to approve the purchase; Nancy Brown, who worked on the procurement review, told the council the city issued an RFP in April and received two proposals. Brown said one vendor met P25 requirements; the recommended vendor’s negotiated price totaled $9,545.28 for base units and $82,718.75 for 35 portable radios, reflecting discounts below earlier manufacturer quotes.
Why it matters: The radios include additional features beyond a basic model — such as out‑of‑range indicators, knob/keyboard locks, and software features that support firefighter accountability and interoperability — that presenters and firefighters said are important for safety in IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) environments.
Funding and deadline: Chief Riggshead and others explained the equipment purchase is funded through a 2009 FEMA port security grant with a required 20% local match. Chief Riggshead said the hazmat account — established through the city’s contract to provide hazmat services in the region — will supply the match and that the grant period ends Nov. 30. “This grant period ends November 30. So we have to have whatever we're doing purchased and paid for and turned into the grant people by November 30,” the chief said.
Council action: After discussion about procurement process and equipment features, the motion to approve the radio purchases carried.
Ending: The council approved the purchase and staff will proceed to finalize procurement and complete the FEMA grant closeout requirements before the deadline.
