200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #643
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5195
Fax: (714) 765-5260
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2026
FROM: FINANCE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND UPGRADE CELL
PHONE SITE SIMULATOR SYSTEMS, AND RELATED
LICENSING, MAINTENANCE, WARRANTY, SUPPORT AND
TRAINING
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 08
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion:
1. Waive Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue Purchase Order #309-408229 to Tactical Support Equipment, Inc., in the amount of $1,702,500, plus applicable tax, for the purchase of NyxCell, a cell phone site simulator, an upgrade to the existing cell phone site simulator system, licensing, maintenance warranty, support and training for a three-year period, for the Anaheim Police Department; and
2. Increase the Anaheim Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget by $1,834,444, to cover the purchase cost of the cell phone site simulator, licensing, maintenance, warranty, support, and training.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed purchase will provide an upgrade of the Police Department’s existing 4G cell site simulator (CSS), and add a new, complete CSS system to be installed in a department vehicle. Upgrading the current 4G CSS system will enable 5G functionality and advanced locating capabilities. The existing equipment, purchased in 2020, does not support 5G networks, resulting in reduced effectiveness and limited operational value.
This purchase also includes all licensing, maintenance, warranty, support and training for both systems.
Cell site simulator technology allows law enforcement to locate and track targeted cellular devices by functioning as a simulated cell tower. CSS deployment will be conducted exclusively in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Specifically, Authorization To Purchase and Upgrade Cell Phone Site Simulator Systems and Related Licensing, Maintenance, Warranty, Support and Training
October 13, 2026
CSS technology will only be deployed: (1) pursuant to a valid search warrant issued by a magistrate upon a showing of probable cause, or (2) in exigent circumstances involving imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, with a warrant application to be submitted to a magistrate within 72 hours of use. All use of CSS technology will be governed by Anaheim Police Department Policy on Cellular Site Simulator Usage and in conjunction with this acquisition as required by California Government Code Section 53166.
This technology has a variety of investigative uses including locating missing persons, locating at-risk individuals/victims, apprehending violent felony suspects/fugitives, and assisting with search and rescue efforts. In addition, CSS can support major drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime investigations.
CSS technology intercepts data that is registered to unique device identifiers, which alone, are unattributable to a person. It does not intercept the content of communications, including voice calls, text messages, emails, or application data. All data collected does not contain any personally identifiable information and per policy is purged at the conclusion of the investigation. A warrant is required to obtain the subscriber information related to the unique device identifier.
The NyxCell equipment in this proposal provides a comprehensive, mobile, deployable CSS solution that addresses all of the investigative needs of the department. This particular system offers technical capabilities that distinguish it from all other providers on the market.
Additionally, acquiring and upgrading NyxCell equipment will provide the department with interoperability and compatibility with several local law enforcement partners, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Per Council Policy 4.0 (5), this purchase requires City Council approval due to special circumstances for the waiving of sealed bid requirements for purchases over $50,000. The Purchasing Agent is requesting approval to waive this requirement for the current procurement, as Tactical Support Equipment, Inc. is the sole direct distributor of the NyxCell platform in the United States.
The acquisition of a new CSS system from Tactical Support Equipment, Inc., combined with the upgrade of existing equipment, will provide the department with a fully modern, 5G-capable, integrated platform that meets all current and projected investigative needs.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The Police Department’s FY 2026/27 budget will be increased by $1,834,444, Funding for this procurement is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of the Treasury Equitable Sharing Programs (asset forfeiture) and the County of Orange’s 2011 Public Safety Realignment (AB 109) program.
Authorization To Purchase and Upgrade Cell Phone Site Simulator Systems and Related Licensing, Maintenance, Warranty, Support and Training
October 13, 2026
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Ed Segura Manny Cid
Purchasing Agent Chief of Police
Attachment:
1. Standard Terms and Conditions of Sales
2. Draft Purchase Order #309-408229