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Commission approves purchase of 9 KSICS-compliant portable radios for Fire/EMS
Summary
Arkansas City authorized buying nine APX 8000 portable dual-band radios to meet Kansas State Interoperable Communications Systems (KSICS) 800 MHz requirements; the purchase was described as budgeted and the price presented in the packet was approximately $67,715.10 (excluding shipping).
Arkansas City commissioners authorized the purchase of nine APX 8000 dual-band portable radios to comply with Kansas State Interoperable Communications Systems (KSICS) 800-megahertz requirements.
The Fire/EMS representative explained the state mandate (implemented in 2022) requires agencies to have radios capable of 800 MHz operation and encryption for interoperability. The city's existing radios operate on 400 MHz UHF; the new radios will support both bands and encryption to maintain interoperability with state systems and mutual-aid partners.
Staff said the purchase is budgeted. The packet listed a not-to-exceed amount of $67,715.10 excluding shipping; during discussion a different figure was mentioned in the motion language but the transcript did not resolve the discrepancy. The fire representative said continuing with Motorola equipment avoids additional costs for batteries and chargers and preserves compatibility with existing gear.
Commissioners voted by voice to approve the purchase; staff indicated the radios will be procured through Motorola Solutions as budgeted.
