THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PURCHASING DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Value of "Consistently delivering responsive, efficient, quality services to the public and internal customers"; and its Goal to "Build into every process and service effective checks and balances that do not cause inefficiency, but rather ensure consistency, continuity, and quality".
In 2002, Broward County voters amended the Charter to require the County, in cooperation with municipalities, to establish a countywide communications infrastructure for fire rescue services and provide funding for the communications infrastructure. One of the objectives of this Charter provision is to facilitate the establishment of a countywide Closest Unit Response capability.
Pursuant to the Board's approval on October 14, 2008, a standard form interlocal agreement for regional public safety system included improvements to facilitate Closest Unit Response capability through the installation of Panasonic Toughbooks and related equipment and software.
On January 8, 2019 (Item No. 7), the Board authorized the County Administrator to enter into Interlocal Agreement for Cooperative Fire Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Special Operations and Emergency/Disaster Relief Response through Mutual Aid, Automatic Aid and Closest Unit Response, to permit the parties to the agreement to provide services and facilities in a manner most consistent with the geographic, economic, demographic and other factors influencing their respective needs and the development of their respective and joint communities. Approximately 261 front-line vehicles in sixteen fire rescue agencies within Broward County utilize Closest Unit Response software and related Panasonic Toughbooks and related equipment that are reaching end of life and are in need of replacement.
Standardizing all of the related equipment permits the County to purchase upgrade parts, when applicable, minimizing downtime when replacing or upgrading equipment. Panasonic Toughbooks and Panasonic authorized equipment is military grade, ensuring the equipment can withstand high temperatures, constant vibration and other environmental factors in a fire rescue unit or engine. Standardization of Panasonic Toughbooks, equipment and accessories, Panasonic Toughbook certified vehicle docking stations and power supplies, vehicle antennas, wireless routers, installation and warranty services streamlines the process and allows for interchangeability, regardless of the municipality, while supporting Interlocal Agreements with Broward County municipalities.
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