1. Voice Radio System Replacement Project
Tony Hughes
November 21, 2017

2. Overview
EMWD’s current voice radio system is approximately 25 years old and is obsolete
The equipment associated with this system uses old analog technology and is no longer supported by the manufacturer

3. Overview Continued Existing System Five channel, trunked radio system
Approximately 500 vehicle and handheld radios
50 base stations
Two dispatch consoles
Two bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) systems
Partial backhaul network (microwave and fiber)
Poor coverage in Moreno Valley, Temecula, and Murrieta
Poor voice security (encryption)
No texting or panic button features

4. Hatfield & Dawson Consulting Engineers
In October 2015, EMWD retained the services of Hatfield & Dawson to perform an assessment of the voice radio system and to provide alternatives and recommendations to improve coverage. Their findings included:
Verified poor vehicular coverage in Moreno Valley, Temecula, and Murrieta areas
Substantially less coverage with handheld radios
Fragmented communication paths to the District’s Integrated Operations Center (IOC)
Sky Mesa repeater site is well maintained, secure,
and in excellent condition
Additional repeater sites would be needed if
coverage improvements are desired

5. Poor Radio Coverage in Moreno Valley
Existing Analog Coverage
Vehicular coverage is 59 percent of EMWD’s service area
Handheld coverage is 30 percent of the service area
Minimum desired coverage for the service area is 90 percent for vehicle radios
Poor Coverage in
Murrieta and Temecula

6. Alternatives Considered
Join an existing regional system such as:
- Riverside County PSEC Network
- Metropolitan Water District or
Replace EMWD’s current system with new up-to-date digital technology

7. Proposed Solution
Maintain a District-Owned Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) System
Implement DMR technology designed for utility companies
Meets or exceeds all key requirements and has greater flexibility
EMWD currently owns some of the required radio frequency spectrum and sites
Easily modified and customizable
Significantly lower cost
Best suited to utility industry, with durable, high quality equipment
Conclusions cased on DMR technology.

8. coverage with digital radios coverage with two additional repeaters
DMR Coverage
Single repeater - 69 percent
Multiple repeaters - 95 percent
Area Coverage (Sq. Mi.) / Population (inside District)
10 percent increase in
coverage with digital radios
36 percent increase in
coverage with two additional repeaters

9. Additional Benefits of Proposed Solution
Improved clarity and reduced cross-talk/interruptions
Enhanced features:
Texting (PC-to-radio, radio-to-radio, group, etc.)
Panic/emergency button, man down, lone worker alarms
Encryption/message privacy
Integration with smart phones and cellular systems
Communication with MWD’s MARS radio system
Optional voice recording/logging during emergencies
Texting may include SCADA-to-Radio messages (optional)

10. Proposed Voice Radio System Replacement Project
Issued RFP #EG2933 for the Voice Radio System Replacement Project on August 9, 2017
Received proposals on September 26, 2017
Three qualified proposals received
Bear Communications, Inc. was selected as the successful bidder through a competitive, qualifications-based process
Projected start date, January 15, 2018
Projected project completion, August 10, 2018

11. Summary of Project Costs
No.
Item
Cost 1
Consultant Services - Hatfield and Dawson Consulting Engineers
$128,980 2
Contractors Bid
Equipment and WAVE5000
$1,099,415
Additional Sites, Features, Warranties, Services and Costs
$940,442
FCC Extension Filing
$1,800
Total Bid – Bear Communications, Inc.
$2,041,657 3
District Labor (Electrical Services and Information Systems)
$160,000 4
Support Services – Hatfield and Dawson Consulting Engineers
$20,000
Subtotal
$2,350,637
Contingencies ~ 20 percent
$469,363
Total Project Cost
$2,820,000

12. Recommendation
Approve and authorize a contract with Bear Communications, Inc. to design, furnish, and install a new digital voice and radio communications system in the amount not-to-exceed $2,041,657 and appropriate $2,820,000 for the total project cost.

13. Project Schedule Execute Contract with Bear Communications, Inc.
Construct Tower and Backhaul Network Improvements
Install New Radios in Fleet Vehicles and IOC
Complete System Commissioning
January 2018 March 2018 July 2018 August 2018

14. Contact information
Tony Hughes
Director of Maintenance
(951) Ext. 6326