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Jones County approves request-for-proposals for new digital VHF radio system
Summary
The county authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a VHF digital radio upgrade to replace aging equipment, include partner agencies for joint purchasing, and set service/response expectations to inform bidder requirements.
Jones County commissioners on Jan. 17 authorized staff to solicit competitive proposals to upgrade the county's radio communications to a digital VHF system and to solicit pricing that could allow other local agencies to purchase radios through the same procurement.
County officials said the procurement will focus on replacing aging portable and mobile radios, adding repeaters and coax where needed, and using several existing towers already in place. Sheriff and fire interoperability and serviceability were cited as driving factors for the upgrade; staff provided a line-item list of portables, mobiles, repeaters and other equipment to guide bidders.
The decision follows a presentation from county staff explaining that a full new system could cost roughly $200,000–$300,000 if components are reused, but launching a completely new, ground-up bid could climb toward $500,000. Staff recommended using a request for proposals/quotes process tailored to the county's needs so commissioners could review specific equipment lists, warranties and response commitments before awarding work.
Commissioners discussed vendor service expectations. The draft specifications included a requirement that a contractor maintain a service facility within 50 miles of Jones County and a 90-minute on‑site response time; commissioners questioned whether those limits would narrow competition and suggested adjusting response expectations (comments suggested 60–90 minutes or a 75–90 mile service radius depending on availability). Commissioners also asked staff to confirm any applicable county bid thresholds and procurement rules before issuing the solicitation.
The RFP as approved will explicitly allow other local entities to participate or “piggyback” on pricing (the county clerk and staff described including the county water authority, parks and the city fire department in the solicitation), with each participating agency responsible for funding its own radios. Commissioners asked that technical evaluation include fire and EMA representatives and county staff so proposals receive multiple reviewers' input before a recommendation returns to the board.
The board approved issuing the solicitation by voice vote. Staff said they will verify procurement thresholds and return vendor responses and recommended awards to the commission for final action.
