Commissioners approve use of sole source procurement for GATRRS improvements

Gonzales County commissioners unanimously approved the use of sole source procurement for the Greater Austin/Travis Regional Radio System (GATRRS) radio communication system improvements that will finally complete the revamping of the county’s emergency communications system.

According to the sole source procurement justification approved by commissioners, the move is needed due to the proprietary nature of GATRRS and the need to designate them as the only vendor to provide equipment, software and other services to ensure compatibility and interoperability.

“Procuring from any other source would result in duplication of costs, technical incompatibility and disruption of critical emergency services,” the procurement justification notes. “GATRRS is essential for emergency response, disaster recovery and compliance with federally funded programs. Any delay, failure or mismatched solution would jeopardize public safety. Procuring through sole source prevents duplicative expenses, avoids retraining and replacement costs, and ensures efficient use of County and HUD funds.”

Gonzales County approved an interlocal agreement in August with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that allows TxDOT to use the county’s P25 digital trunking radio system. The county agrees to maintain the county radio system and perform all site facility maintenance and operations.

In return, TxDOT will provide technical support for the radio system through FCC radio frequency coordination services, system upgrade agreement (SUA) sustainment, master core backhaul services and improvements to sites and infrastructure as well as operational oversight. TxDOT also will provide upgrade support to the sites in Smiley, Gonzales, Belmont and Waelder.

The seven-year contract is a zero dollar contract as each party assumes responsibility to provide the services they are providing.