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Meeting Date:	10/22/2018
New Cell Phone Line for Fire Department
Submitted for:	Joe Lopez	Submitted By:	Cesar Guerra
Department:	Purchasing

Subject:

Discussion and possible action authorizing the Purchasing Agent to add a new cell phone line including data service in accordance with the current approved AT&T FirstNet Plan for the Webb County Fire Department pursuant to Sections 271.101 and 271.102, Texas Local Government Code, Cooperative Purchasing program DIR Agreement TSO-3420 at a monthly rate of $49.99 plus surcharges and other fees; and subject to annual budgetary appropriation. [Requested by Ricardo A. Rangel, Fire Department Chief, GL Account #1001-3140-001-441010 (Cell Phone Cost)]

Issue: A cellular phone with FirstNet access is needed for the communciation with the Assistance Fire Chief who travels regularly to rural areas of the county and is on call after hours and on weekends to respond to emergency incidents.

Solution: A county issued cell phone will ensure that the Assistant Fire Chief is available at all times.

Result: The Assistant Fire Chief will be easily accessible on a 24/7 basis.

Background:

FirstNet is the nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders

First responders on FirstNet also get access to key capabilities like:

Improved location services that allow incident commanders to track, in near real time, the location of police, fire and EMS personnel on the ground at large events.
Data sharing to enhance public safety’s situational awareness. Used at large events, it’s sped up first responders’ ability to reunite lost children with their families.
Always-on priority and preemption across voice and data to stay connected despite network congestion.
Access to near real-time information to help emergency managers and first responders coordinate their action plans and make critical decisions.
Increased security through FirstNet’s physically separate, dedicated core. Built to public safety’s objectives and standards, FirstNet isn’t a virtual core.

Previous Court Action:

Commissioners' Court approved the current AT&T plan for Webb County on 07-23-2018.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	1001-3140-001-441010
Funding Source:	General Fund
Balance:	$1,800
Financial Impact:
Current funding available for an additional cellular phone line

Attachments
Fire Department Cell Phone Quote