HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemo1CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO
FROM :
Joe Arriola
Chief Administrator/City Manager
s, Di ector
en • Officer
DATE : December 21, 2004 FILE
SUBJECT : AM Emergency Advisory Radio
System and Mobile Emergency
Broadcast System
REFERENCES:
ENCLOSURES:
An investigation was conducted by staff to determine whether Information Station Specialists (ISS), Inc.,
located at 3368 88t Avenue, Zeeland, Mi. 49464, is the sole source manufacturer and provider of three (3) Alert
AM Emergency Advisory Radio Systems with accessories, and one (1) Responderl Mobile Emergency
Broadcast System, for the Department of Fire -Rescue.
According to the Department of Fire -Rescue, the Alert AM Emergency Advisory Radio System will decrease
the emergency public information gap within the City by providing its residents with up-to-date information
before, during, and after any man-made or natural disasters when other viable sources of information are not
available. During emergencies, residents will be able to receive continuous and reliable information from the
Division of Disaster Management, including how to prepare for and respond to disastrous events; traffic and
road conditions, including evacuation routes, hazards, and other advisories; shelter locations and their
availability; disaster relief; and other notices. These broadcasts will be heard on the residents' regular AM radio
reported solely from the City, without any interference from other media and without commercial interruption.
This continuous loop of information can be changed at any time via remote location, and has the option of
reporting live. The system can also be used to for routine messages for the City to inform its residents of
community events, criminal alerts, traffic reports, and other services.
According to ISS, it is the sole provider in the United States of the exclusive ALERT AM® Radio System. Its
system is the only AM advisory radio system that can change to new message patterns, when the NOAA
Weather Radio System or Emergency Alert System (EAS) send warnings; has the ability to synchronize with
other stations creating larger coverage areas; offers flexible installation styles to allow antennas to be located on
building roofs; and comes with message -recording service by professional announcers. Its Vertical Profile
Antenna System product is patent pending. Contact with Mr. Steve Whitcomb from Escambia County Public
Safety revealed that they had also purchased a component of the system from ISS as a sole source because of its
patent -pending antenna system. No other AM emergency advisory radio system could be located which
comprises these same types of emergency notification features and services.
Accordingly, I am recommending that the requirements for competitive bidding be waived, and these findings
be approved: Information Station Specialists (ISS), Inc., a non-local/non-minority vendor, located at 3368 88th
Avenue, Zeeland, Mi. 49464, is the sole source manufacturer and provider of three (3) Alert AM Emergency
Advisory Radio Systems with accessories and one ' esponderl Mobile Emergency Broadcast System, for
the Department of Fire -Rescue. Fu' • in an am%unt , of to exceed $127,655.00, is available from the Urban
Areas Security Initiativ- "UASI" Grant Progra , P oject No. 110111, Account Code No. 280910.6.840.
APPROVED BY:
Joe Arriola
Chi dministrator/City Manager
JA/LMH/GM/PEB
DATE:
JAN - 7 2005