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Marion County approves procurement plan for climate‑controlled radio enclosures funded by ARPA
Summary
Marion County authorized a contract-specific special procurement April 9 to buy climate-controlled radio equipment enclosures for seven sites as part of a county public safety radio system, with American Rescue Plan Act funds covering the bulk of the project and an ARPA expenditure deadline at the end of 2026.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on April 9 approved staff’s request to pursue a contract-specific special procurement for climate-controlled radio equipment enclosures to support a county public safety radio system that will cover areas outside the cities of Salem and Keizer.
Brian Nicholas said the county needs new or replacement enclosures at seven radio sites: the county lacks radio presence at four sites and three sites require replacement. He told the board ARPA is the largest funding source for the project and that the ARPA expenditure deadline is the end of 2026. Nicholas said prefabricated, all‑steel insulated buildings met the county’s timetable and budget better than pre‑cast concrete alternatives, noting "well maintained enclosures can last 100 years" and that typical lead times exceed one year.
Staff told the board there are only four U.S. steel enclosure fabricators that provide proprietary systems and that staff plan to solicit commercial pricing quotes and select the manufacturer offering the best quote that meets county specifications. Commissioners discussed solicitation expectations, including the county’s plan to include specifications and anticipate at least three qualifying quotes.
Commissioner Kevin Cameron moved to approve the contract‑specific special procurement; Commissioner Danielle Bethell seconded. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
