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Richland County weighs radio upgrade, grant application as DMR licensing uncertainty rises
Summary
County staff reported two vendors responded to an RFP for a countywide radio/repeater system; one vendor said DMR licensing for a first-responder entity may no longer be available, which would force a switch to costlier P25 equipment; the county has applied for grant support and will review bids June 2.
Speaker 2 (role not specified) briefed the board on the county’s radio project and a May 2 pre-bid meeting that drew two vendors, including an incumbent contractor. He said a vendor reported the county may be unable to obtain DMR licenses for first-responder entities going forward, which would require the county to pivot to Project 25 (P25) radios and infrastructure.
Speaker 2 explained the cost difference: “The license for a p 25 radio is $600. The license for a DMR radio is $60.” He said the P25 route would raise equipment and repeater costs, adding roughly a 100% markup because P25 is sold at government pricing.
Funding: Speaker 2 said the county has applied for a grant through "Congressman Bost's office" and currently has more than half of the needed funds identified through forfeiture money and 911 funds. Bids are due June 2; the board will review the bids at its June meeting and decide whether to proceed with DMR (if available) or P25.
Why it matters: The radio standard chosen affects interoperability, recurring licensing costs and capital expense for the county’s countywide fire and public-safety communications.
What’s next: Vendors’ bids are due June 2; the board expects to review them at the June meeting and choose a technical and procurement path.
