Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 06-17-2024
Title:
title
Approval of and authorization to purchase Whelen NWS Software Server and RapidWarn system via a sole source contract
End
Background:
The purchase of the Whelen NWS Software and RapidWarn system is a joint venture between the E911 Emergency Communications Center and Emergency Management. The system is designed to monitor the National Weather Service's storm messages. The software monitors the NWS weather statements and watches for messages which include tornado warning. The warning is accompanied by a polygon for the warning area. In the setup of the software a polygon is drawn around the City of Broken Arrow. If the tornado warning polygon overlaps the city polygon, the software sends a command to activate the sirens. Additional features of the system allow for comprehensive programming commands to enhance warnings given through the outdoor warning sirens. The system also allows integration with mobile devices, social media platforms and automated alert systems. This will ultimately enhance the safety of the citizens of Broken Arrow. On top of these benefits, the automation of the warning and alert relieve the 911 Center from monitoring and/or siren activation during a storm event where appropriate personnel are not in place. This will be of great benefit in keeping 911 Dispatchers and Calltakers focused on their primary duties of answering and dispatching emergency calls. Whelen storm warning products are a sole source purchase from the vendor.
Cost: $21,762.50
Funding Source: E911 Fund 336 Project #2436040
Requested By: Brandon Berryhill, Chief of Police
Jamie Ott, Emergency Management Director
Approved By: City Manager's Office
Attachments: Whelen NWS Software Server and RapidWarn system
SafetyCom Dealer Letter
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve and authorize the purchase of Whelen NWS Software Server...
Click here for full text