4 8
1 1
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Police
Meeting Date: December 15, 2025
Report #:2510-5323
TITLE
Approval of a Professional Services Contract Number C26196324 with Santa Clara County Communications in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000 for Public Safety Radio Maintenance and Support for a Period of Five (5) Years; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Contract No. C26196324 (Attachment A) with Santa Clara County Communications for the maintenance and support of multi-band portable and mobile radios and accessories for a term of five (5) years and a total amount not-to-exceed $100,000.
BACKGROUND
In 2010, the Palo Alto City Council approved an agreement to join and form the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA)—a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established in collaboration with other Santa Clara County municipalities and agencies. The goal of the SVRIA is to enhance, coordinate, and govern regional public safety data and radio communications systems to improve interoperability among agencies.
In June 2015, the Council further approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)1 for the City’s participation in a multi-year project with other SVRIA members to fund, construct, and deploy a new county-wide public safety radio communications network, formally known as the Silicon Valley Regional Communications System (SVRCS).
1 City Council, June 19, 2017; Agenda Item #7, SR#8157, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports- cmrs/year-archive/2015/id-5811.pdf
4 8
1 1
ANALYSIS
The SVRCS is a trunked, digital communications system designed to meet nationally recognized specifications for unified public safety communications. It integrates multiple communication technologies, including:
Dual-band radio frequencies
Microwave transmission systems
A wired wide-area network (WAN)
This infrastructure connects Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), such as 9-1-1 dispatch centers, with key public safety facilities and radio sites throughout Santa Clara County. The system delivers secure, reliable voice and data communications for mission-critical operations involving police, fire, emergency medical, and other public service agencies.
As a fully integrated member of the SVRCS, the City of Palo Alto benefits from improved interoperability with regional and neighboring jurisdictions, enhancing public safety responses during routine operations and large-scale emergencies.
Radio Maintenance and Support Services: The City has an inventory of more than 750 two- way radios used by public safety and field personnel that operate under the SVRIA JPA and has contracted with Santa Clara County since 2020 to maintain and repair this equipment. Prior to 2020, maintenance, inspection, and operational support of this equipment were handled by a Communications Technician FTE. The agreement ensures timely service, replacement, and updates to critical radio communication assets. This contract was exempt from solicitation in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code 2.30.360(j), Cooperative purchases, with one or more other public agencies or through a cooperative purchasing agency, provided: (i) the services are solicited using methods substantially similar to those required by this chapter, as determined by the Procurement Officer; and (ii) the contract is consistent with the requirements specified in this municipal code. The city entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with all the Joint Powers Authority members in Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority(SVRIA). An RFP process selected Motorola for the radio system and the County of Santa Clara to operate and maintain the system. Department recommends continuing work with Santa Clara County because of their experience, capacity, and skill maintaining equipment for other county agencies on the same system and the history the City has had with their service.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
These services are funded through the Police Department’s Technical Services Division operating budget. Funding for the first year of this contract was budgeted as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget. Funding for this contract in subsequent fiscal years is subject to annual appropriation of funds. Technical rates are the discretion of Santa Clara County and for subsequent fiscal years will be published annually in June and effective July 1. 4 8
1 1
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
This contract was reviewed and coordinated with internal departments including legal, procurement, and financial functions to ensure alignment with City policies and procedures.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
These services do not constitute a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A : SCC and CPA Technical Services Agreement APPROVED BY: Andrew Binder, Police Chief