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Contract No.: 15-16-034
Current Term: N/A
Expiration Date: N/A
Title: PVP Communications Wireless Motorcycle
Helmet Communication Kits
Recommendation:
G. Sole Source Contract
❑ Solicit Competition
❑ Access Contract
❑ Other
Senior Procurement Contracting Officer:
Charles Johnson
Background:
The Police Dept. is seeking to purchase 25 "Motor One" Wireless Motorcycle Helmet Communication Kits
manufactured by PVP Communications, Inc. ("PVP"), based in Torrance, California. These kits are sold by
PVP Communications through Shannon Dieringer d/b/a Blue Line Communications ("Blue Line"), its sole
Florida Distributor.
These communication Kits employ PVP's patented "Autoswitching System"(US Patent No. 5,790,947). The
system wirelessly connects the helmet headset to the motorcycle helmet and to his/her portable radio upon
dismount of the motorcycle, automatically. The system allows the rider to use both the police radio and public
address system from the helmet -mounted microphone while operating the motorcycle without removing
his/her hands from the handlebars.
There is no existing contract. This will be an agreement for a one-time purchase.
Research Conducted:
Market research was conducted to source the industry and investigate the requesting department's claim
that PVP / Blue Line are the sole manufacturer and distributor for these Kits respectively. Procurement staff
received a letter from PVP identifying Shannon Dieringer d/b/a Blue Line Communications, based in Ft.
Lauderdale, FL, as the sole authorized vendor for this product within the State of Florida.
Blue Line provided a list of public entities that have purchased these communication kits within the State of
Florida to include the City of Ft. Lauderdale Police Dept., Broward Sheriff's Office and the City of Sunny Isles
Police Dept.
Upon being contacted by Procurement Staff, each of these agencies verified that the PVP kits were
purchased via Sole Source and provided positive feedback about the performance of the products and the
level of support offered by the vendor. No other products were found that make use of PVP's patented
technology.
Recommendation:
A sole source contract for the purchase of this equipment is in the best interest of the City because:
• No other products exist that employ the use of the technology protected by PVP's Patent listed above.
• This is the only product on the market that meets the needs expressed by our Police Department's
Traffic Division, allowing for the combination of increased functionality and officer safety.
• Shannon Dieringer d/b/a Blue Line Communications is the sole area distributor of this product.
The benefit of this recommendation to the City is that it will end the current situation which requires motor officers
to operate a police motorcycle with one hand in order to utilize the police radio. This creates an unnecessary risk
to the safety of the officer and public sine he t 2inology exists for 100% wireless push -to -talk communications.
Procurement Contracting Officer:
Procurement Contracting Manager:
Director/Asst. Director:
Date:
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