Title/Name/Summary
Purchase of EMA Radio Equipment from Gencomm
History
The Village of Orland Park is in the process of establishing and expanding its Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to enhance preparedness, response, and coordination capabilities for emergencies, disasters, and large-scale special events. To effectively utilize these resources and ensure operational readiness, a reliable and interoperable communications system is required.
Purpose & Justification
This request seeks approval for the purchase of:
• Sixty (60) handheld Kenwood radios for EMA personnel
• Five (5) mobile Kenwood radios for installation in EMA response vehicles
• Two (2) Handheld Harris Radios for EM Coordinator for Cook County Inter-operability
This equipment will provide consistent, real-time communication capabilities across all EMA personnel during incidents, planned events, training exercises, and day-to-day operations. Effective communication is the foundation of safe and coordinated emergency response. The proposed radio purchase is necessary for the following reasons:
• Operational Readiness: Ensures every EMA team member is equipped with a dedicated communication device, eliminating gaps during incidents and events.
• Responder Safety: Reliable radio communications improve accountability, situational awareness, and responder safety in dynamic environments.
• Interoperability: Kenwood radios are compatible with regional public safety communication systems, allowing coordination with police, fire, public works, and mutual aid partners. Harris radios allow for further coordination with cook county partners.
• Vehicle Integration: Mobile radios installed in EMA trucks will provide enhanced range and reliability for field command and operational support.
Financial Impact
The total cost for the purchase of sixty (60) Kenwood handheld radios, two (2) Harris Radios, and five (5) mobile radios, including necessary accessories and installation, will not exceed $149,225.40. Radios will be procured through Gencomm, a known sole-source vendor with an existing contract with the Village for radio communications equipment and services. This investment represents a critical, one-time capital expense that establishes foundational communications capability for the EMA program.
Approval of this request will:
• Enable full deployment of EMA personnel during emergencies and planned events
• Improve coordination between EMA and other Village departments
• Enhance the Village’s ability to manage large-scale incidents safely and efficiently
• Support compliance with national emergency management standards
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the purchase of sixty (60) handheld Kenwood radios, two (2) Harris handheld radios, and five (5) mobile radios from Gencomm, including necessary accessories and installation, at a cost not to exceed $149,225.40.