Oct. 11, 2010
Police Radio Upgrade Debate Turns on Brand Name, Local Purchase Versus State Contract Bid
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – A discussion concerning the upgrading of the Huntington Police Department radio system has emerged as a brand name controversy similar to Chevrolet vs. Dodge or differences in quality between a mid-level and an upscale department store.
However, the Public Safety Committee learned that the state bid for Kenwood radios would be about $91,000 lower than the so-called Motorola “gold” standard. What remains a little murky --- whether some concessions from the Huntington Motorola dealer would offset the price differential?
During the meeting, city attorney Scott McClure opined that opting for the state bid price negated putting the radio purchase out for an advertised local bid.
In fact, Frank Scarberry, owner of Huntington’s F & L Electronics conceded that “state contract pricing is the best choice.” Under that option, the contract would go to a Cross Lanes firm.
Still, he offered various incentives for re-consideration of his company and Motorola, such as no installation charges and less travel for servicing.
By calculation, though, the radios would have to have daily defects for over two years to come close to the $91,000 difference.
Charleston’s fire department has used the Kenwood radios. The only one requiring replacement was one run over by a fire truck.
Council member Nate Randolph declared, “If this [the state price] is the best price, it’s a moot point.” HPD Lt. Albers had already stated that the “money is not there” in the grant or otherwise to afford the more expensive system.
The grant does not cover installation and servicing of the equipment which would be put out for a separate advertised bid.
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Police Radio Upgrade Debate Turns on Brand Name, Local Purchase Versus State Contract Bid
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – A discussion concerning the upgrading of the Huntington Police Department radio system has emerged as a brand name controversy similar to Chevrolet vs. Dodge or differences in quality between a mid-level and an upscale department store.
However, the Public Safety Committee learned that the state bid for Kenwood radios would be about $91,000 lower than the so-called Motorola “gold” standard. What remains a little murky --- whether some concessions from the Huntington Motorola dealer would offset the price differential?
During the meeting, city attorney Scott McClure opined that opting for the state bid price negated putting the radio purchase out for an advertised local bid.
In fact, Frank Scarberry, owner of Huntington’s F & L Electronics conceded that “state contract pricing is the best choice.” Under that option, the contract would go to a Cross Lanes firm.
Still, he offered various incentives for re-consideration of his company and Motorola, such as no installation charges and less travel for servicing.
By calculation, though, the radios would have to have daily defects for over two years to come close to the $91,000 difference.
Charleston’s fire department has used the Kenwood radios. The only one requiring replacement was one run over by a fire truck.
Council member Nate Randolph declared, “If this [the state price] is the best price, it’s a moot point.” HPD Lt. Albers had already stated that the “money is not there” in the grant or otherwise to afford the more expensive system.
The grant does not cover installation and servicing of the equipment which would be put out for a separate advertised bid.
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