HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 52933 CITY SECRETARY
CONTRACT NO. 5aq33
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AGREEMENT
MUTUAL AID ACCESS (SINGLE USE)— GOVERNMENT ENTITY
This COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into by and between the City of Fort Worth ("Fort Worth" or "CFW") acting herein by
and through its duly authorized Assistant City Manager, and City of DeSoto
("USER"), acting herein by and through its duly authorized Interim City Manager, individually
referred to as a "party," collectively referred to herein as the "parties." The CFW or Fort Worth
shall include all employees, directors, officers, agents, and authorized representatives. USER
shall include all employees, directors, officers, agents, and authorized representatives.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, this Agreement is made under the authority of Sections 791, Texas
Government Code; and
WHEREAS, each governing body, in performing governmental functions or in paying for
the performance of governmental functions hereunder, shall make that performance or those
payments from current revenues legally available to that party; and
WHEREAS, each governing body finds that the subject of this Agreement is necessary
for the benefit of the public and each has the legal authority to perform and to provide the
governmental function or service which is the subject matter of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, each governing body finds that the performance of this Agreement is in the
common interest of both parties and that the division of costs fairly compensates the performing
party for the services or functions under this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Fort Worth owns, operates, and maintains Trunked Voice Radio Systems for
the purpose of providing Public Safety voice radio communications and is the sole license holder
of the CFW Trunked Voice Radio Systems with all privileges and responsibilities thereof, and
WHEREAS, Fort Worth and USER may, in an emergency or under certain other
circumstances, provide each other with public safety support or other mutual aid or emergency
assistance; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and
conditions pursuant to which USER will be able access CFW's radio systems in connection with
the provision of mutual aid assistance between the parties.
NOW THEREFORE, Fort Worth and USER agree as follows:
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Communications System Agreement Page 1 of 9
1. Grant of License. Fort Worth hereby grants the USER specific permission to
operate USER's owned or leased field radio equipment or equipment attached and/or interfaced
to the CFW Trunked Voice Radio Systems (the "Radio System") infrastructure in mutual aid or
emergency situations, provided, however, that such use must comply with the specific details and
requirements for use as set forth in "Exhibit A, Terms of Use,"which is attached hereto,
incorporated herein, and made a part of this Agreement for all purposes. Failure to comply with
these specific details and requirements may result in the immediate withdrawal of the specified
permissions.
2. Term. This Agreement shall begin upon the last day executed by all authorized
parties and shall continue in full force and effect unless terminated in accordance with the
provisions set forth herein and in Exhibit A.
3. Liability. With respect to the use of the Radio System, each party agrees to be
liable for any damages or loss that may be caused by its own negligence, omission or intentional
misconduct. For purposes of this Section 3, the term party shall include employees, directors,
officers, agents, authorized representatives, subcontractors, consultants, and volunteers of the
respective party. Nothing in the performance of this Agreement shall impose any liability for
claims against either party other than for claims for which the Texas Tort Claims Act may
impose liability. Further, this Agreement is not intended to affect the allocation of liability
between the parties in connection with the provision of mutual aid assistance; liability for such
mutual aid assistance shall be governed by the separate mutual aid agreement or state law
provisions under which the assistance is being provided.
4. Independent Contractor. It is expressly understood and agreed that USER shall
operate as an independent contractor as to all rights and privileges granted herein, and not as
agent, representative or employee of the CFW. Subject to and in accordance with the conditions
and provisions of this Agreement, USER shall have the exclusive right to control the details of
its operations and activities with respect to the use of the Radio System and shall be solely
responsible for the acts and omissions of its employees, directors, officers, agents, authorized
representatives, subcontractors, and consultants. USER acknowledges that the doctrine of
respondeat superior shall not apply as between the CFW, its employees, directors, officers,
agents, and authorized representatives, and USER and its employees, directors, officers, agents,
authorized representatives, subcontractors, and consultants. USER further agrees that nothing
herein shall be construed as the creation of a partnership or joint enterprise between CFW and
USER. This Agreement is not intended to affect the roles of the parties in connection with
providing mutual aid assistance; coordination of mutual aid activities and chain-of-command
issues shall be governed by the separate mutual aid agreement or state law provisions under
which assistance is being provided.
5. Non-Appropriation of Funds. Fort Worth and USER will use best efforts to
appropriate sufficient funds to support obligations under this Agreement. However, in the event
that sufficient funds are not appropriated by either party's governing body, and as a result, that
party is unable to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, that party (i) shall promptly notify
the other party in writing and (ii) may terminate this Agreement, effective as of the last day for
which sufficient funds have been appropriated.
Communications System Agreement Page 2 of 9
6. Right to Audit. USER agrees that the CFW shall, at no additional cost to the
CFW, during and until the expiration of three (3) years after termination of this Agreement,
have access to and the right to examine at reasonable times any directly pertinent books,
documents, papers, records, and communications of the USER involving transactions relating
to this Agreement. USER agrees that the CFW shall have access during normal working hours
to all necessary USER facilities and shall be provided adequate and appropriate work space in
order to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this section. The CFW shall give
USER reasonable advance notice of intended audits.
7. Assignment. USER shall not have the right to assign or subcontract any of its
duties, obligations or rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the CFW.
Which such right shall be granted solely at the discretion of the CFW. Any assignment in
violation of this provision shall be void.
8. No Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon the performance of any
provision or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right granted herein shall not
constitute a waiver of that party's right to insist upon appropriate performance or to assert any
such right on any future occasion.
9. Governmental Powers/Immunities. It is understood and agreed that by execution
of this Agreement, neither CFW nor USER waives or surrender any of its governmental powers
or immunities.
10. Amendments. No amendment to this Agreement shall be binding upon either
party hereto unless such amendment is set forth in writing, dated subsequent to the date of this
Agreement, and signed by both parties.
11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
12. Confidential Information. To the extent permitted by law, USER for itself and its
officers, agents and employees, agrees that it shall treat all information provided to it by the
CFW as confidential ("City Information") and shall not disclose any such information to a third
party without the prior written approval of the CFW, unless such disclosure is required by law,
rule, regulation, court order, in which event USER shall notify CFW in writing of such
requirement in sufficient time to allow CFW to seek injunctive or other relief to prevent such
disclosure. USER shall store and maintain City Information in a secure manner and shall not
allow unauthorized users to access, modify, delete or otherwise corrupt City Information in any
way. USER shall notify the CFW immediately if the security or integrity of any City Information
has been compromised or is believed to have been compromised.
13. Force Majeure. The parties shall exercise their best efforts to meet their
respective duties and obligations hereunder, but shall not be held liable for any delay in or
omission of performance due to force majeure or other causes beyond their reasonable control,
including, but not limited to, compliance with any state or federal law or regulation, acts of God,
acts of omission, fires, strikes, lockouts,national disasters, wars, riots,material or labor
Communications System Agreement Page 3 of 9
restrictions, transportation problems, existing contractual obligations directly related to the
subject matter of this Agreement, or declaration of a state of disaster or emergency by the
federal, state, county, or City government in accordance with applicable law.
14. Notices. Notices required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be
conclusively determined to have been delivered when (1) hand-delivered to the other party, its
agents, employees, servants or representatives, (2) delivered by facsimile with electronic
confirmation of the transmission, or (3) received by the other party by United States Mail,
registered, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
City of Fort Worth City of Desoto
Attn: S �ianis, Assistant City Manager Attn: M. Renee Johnson, Interim
I(?Y n `>G"nn City Manger
200 Texas Street 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd
Fort Worth TX 76102 DeSoto, TX 75115
Facsimile: (817) 392-8654 Facsimile: 972-230-5817
With Copy to the City Attorney
At same address
15. Governing Law/Venue. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for any action brought on the basis of this Agreement shall
lie exclusively in state courts located in Tarrant County, Texas or the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Texas—Fort Worth Division. In any such action, each party shall
pay its own attorneys' fees, court costs and other expenses incurred as a result of the action.
16. Signature Authority. The person signing this Agreement hereby warrants that
he/she has the legal authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of his or her respective party,
and that such binding authority has been granted by proper order, resolution, ordinance or other
authorization of the entity. The other party is fully entitled to rely on this warranty and
representation in entering into this Agreement.
17. Entirety of Agreement. This written instrument, including all Exhibits attached
hereto, contains the entire understanding and agreement between Fort Worth and USER as to the
matters contained herein. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby
declared null and void to the extent in conflict with this Agreement. Any previously executed
Communication System Agreement between the parties shall be terminated simultaneously with
the final execution of this Agreement by both parties.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and
each counterpart shall, for all purposes, be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature Page Follows]
Communications System Agreement Page 4 of 9
EXECUTED IN MULTIPLE ORIGINALS on this thel_&o�20
CITY OF FORT FORTH: City of Desoto:
By: ` �.T By: .
8 kAoji et M. R&de Johnson
Assistant Cj,';ty anaget. hpte m City Manager
Date: ld/�y �v/q Date:
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CONTRACT COMPLIANCE MANAGER:
By signing, I acknowledge that I am the person
responsible for the monitoring and administration
of this contract, including ensuring all
performance and reporting requirements.
By: -
Name•
Title: As&ietmrt-btmctor `jam SoLo-I -a,-S MC6v ?f—
APPROVED TO FORM APPROVED TO LEGALITY:
AND LEGALI Yf
By: By: J
J.B. Stu ng Poe Got da
Assistant City ttorney City Attorney
ATTEST - F� T,a ATTEST:
By: o By:
M ry J s r d j•' "Kisha Morris-Perkins
City Secretary * �- City Secretary
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Forth 1295: Pt '4
Contract Authorization:
M&C: kA - O l S'k EFT
AL RECORD
Date Approved: C\-k*-M 5 ECRETARY
ORTH,TX
Communications System Agreement Page 5 of 9
EXHIBIT A
CATEGORY 1,TERMS OF USE
The following definitions shall have the meanings set forth below and apply to this Agreement
and the Terms of Use set forth herein:
DEFINITIONS
"Console System" shall mean all hardware and software associated with any dispatch console or
set of consoles operated by the USER that are connected to the CFW Master Switch.
"Interoperable Communications Governance Committee" ("Governance Committee") shall mean
that group of individuals tasked with maintaining and administering the Interoperable
Communications Plan. The Governance Committee shall consist of ten to fifteen individuals
with CFW selecting at least one representative and each classification of users selecting at least
one representative. The Governance Committee shall determine and may periodically adjust the
number of members and the method for selecting members for each classification of users with a
goal of ensuring that the Governance Committee reflects the full range of user types.
"Interoperable Communications Plan" (the "Plan") means the plan developed and established by
CFW and the Governance Committee to facilitate, enhance and simplify radio communications
among all agencies utilizing the Radio System or connecting their Site Repeater Systems or
Console Systems to the CFW Master Switch, The Plan is available upon request from CFW or
can be found on the CFW website at http://fortworthtexas.g_ov/itsolutions/cfwradios/.
"Master Switch" shall mean the primary processing and network infrastructure to which all
Console Systems and Site Repeater Systems must connect in order to operate on the Radio
System. The Master Switch is currently located at the CFW Eagle Mountain facility.
"Over The Air Rekeying" ("OTAR") shall mean the management and support of Subscriber
Radio encryption keys via over-the-air, radio channel transmission.
"Private Call" shall mean a feature that reserves channel resources specifically for conversations
between two Subscriber Radios.
"Site Repeater System" shall mean the base stations, shelter, tower and all site-specific hardware
and software infrastructure associated with the provision of a radio site connected to the CFW
Master Switch.
"Subscriber Radio" shall mean a radio that has a unique identification number and is
programmed to operate on the Radio System. The term shall include, but not be limited to,
control stations (desk top radios), mobile radios, and portable radios.
"Talk Group" shall mean a specific group of Subscriber Radios allowed to communicate
privately within that group over shared infrastructure resources.
Communications System Agreement Page 6 of 9
TERMS OF USE
1. The installation and maintenance of the Radio System infrastructure equipment is the
responsibility of CFW unless otherwise stated in this Agreement.
2. The CFW is the holder of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license(s) that the
Radio System uses for its operation. This Agreement shall not be construed or interpreted to
grant, convey, or otherwise provide USER with any rights whatsoever to the CFW FCC
license(s) or to the Radio Frequency spectrum used by the Radio System.
3. The CFW makes no guarantee, either express or implied, as to radio signal strength or a
specific level of radio coverage in a particular location. The USER is responsible for conducting
appropriate and applicable in-building and geographical coverage testing to determine the
expected radio coverage level for USER's equipment.
4. USER will be responsible for the acquisition, programming, and maintenance of all
equipment USER will be utilizing in connection with the Radio System infrastructure, including,
but not limited to, Subscriber Radios, consoles, and special equipment.
5. In order to ensure hardware and software compatibility with the Radio System infrastructure,
all Subscriber Radios and consoles intended for use by USER on the Radio System shall be
compliant with Project 25 standards established by the Telecommunications Industry
Association. The use of unauthorized radios on the Radio System may result in suspended
operation of the radios and/or termination of the Agreement.
6. USER agrees to exclusively utilize antennas specifically approved by the radio manufacturer
for use with the specific models of USER's radios. The use of short, broad spectrum, or
"stubby," antennas is not recommended. USER shall be solely liable for coverage gaps in the
event USER utilizes short broad spectrum or stubby antennas or other antennas not approved by
the manufacturer for use with the specific models of USER's radios.
7. No antenna gain greater than 3 DB will be allowed for mobiles and consolettes.
8. USER shall use due diligence in the maintenance and configuration of its Subscriber Radio
equipment to ensure that no USER radio or console causes a degradation to the Radio System
operation. The CFW shall have the right to remove from operation any field radio unit or
equipment owned or leased by USER that is operating on, attached and/or interfaced to the CFW
infrastructure, if CFW determines in its sole reasonable discretion that such equipment is causing
interference or harm to the Radio System in any way. The CFW reserves the right to request that
USER operated field radio units or equipment operating on, attached and/or interfaced to the
infrastructure be tested for proper operation and/or repaired by an authorized radio repair facility
approved by the CFW. The cost of such testing or repair will be the sole responsibility of USER.
Furthermore, the CFW shall have the right to deactivate, without prior notification to or consent
of USER, any field radio or other USER equipment suspected of causing interference,
intentionally or unintentionally, to any other radios on the Radio System or to the Radio
System's overall operation.
Communications System Agreement Page 7 of 9
9. In instances in which the parties are engaged in providing mutual aid assistance, USER's
radios may be used for voice radio communications over the Radio System infrastructure in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement for as long as this Agreement
remains in effect. This Agreement does not authorize regular use of the Radio System in
situations that do not involve mutual aid assistance between the parties.
10. The CFW will be responsible for managing infrastructure loading and demand. CFW
reserves the right, without notice to incumbent users, to enter into a similar agreement with other
entities or to deny the addition of new Subscriber Radio equipment to any user of the Radio
System. The CFW shall have sole discretion in determining whether to allow additional users or
radios based on CFW's determination of whether such addition to the Radio System can be made
without adversely impacting the Radio System.
11. USER is prohibited from utilizing telephone interconnect on the Radio System. This
prohibition shall include, but is not limited to, connecting to either the PSTN (Public Switched
Telephone Network) or USER's internal phone system(s) through a console patch into the Radio
System or to any Subscriber Radio on the Radio System.
12. Due to the radio infrastructure resource allocations required by "Private Call," USER is not
permitted to utilize "Private Call" on the Radio System.
13. USER is prohibited from utilizing data communications on the Radio System without
CFW's explicit written permission.
14. The use of OTAR in association with Subscriber Radio encryption is prohibited without
prior approval of CFW. Administration of encryption keys will be performed exclusively by
CFW. USER may utilize and administer other encryption methods as required.
15. The CFW will provide USER with an Advanced System Key (ASK) for use with the
USER's Subscriber Radios only. The ASK will expire annually, and USER shall be responsible
for requesting a new ASK following expiration if one is required. USER will be responsible for
safeguarding the security of the ASK to prevent theft and/or loss. USER agrees to notify CFW
immediately upon the theft or loss of the ASK.
16. The CFW has established a coordinated Interoperable Communications Plan to apply to
CFW and the users of its Radio System. USER agrees to comply with the Plan and include the
Plan's interoperable Talk Groups in the programming of its Subscriber Radios and Console
Systems.
17. Roaming to other systems or the use of USER's Talk Groups on other trunked systems that
are interconnected to the Radio System is prohibited without prior approval by CFW. Roaming
to other trunked systems will be limited to the Radio System's interoperable Talk Groups,
although this capability may be terminated by CFW if its use is determined to result in
performance degradation to either the Radio System or the interconnected trunked system.
Communications System Agreement Page 8 of 9
18. Either USER or CFW may terminate this Agreement for any reason, with or without cause,
upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. The CFW further reserves the right to
terminate this Agreement immediately, or deny access to the USER, upon notice of USER
misuse of the Radio System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the CFW, in its sole discretion,
reserves the right to immediately deny access to the USER if such action is required to prevent
the spread of a security breach or threatened security breach or due to an emergency, operational
issue, or other critical incident between the Master Switch and the USER's environment. The
CFW will use best efforts to restore access to the USER as soon as possible once the security
breach, emergency, operational issue, or critical incident is resolved.
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
19. The USER shall comply with all current and future Federal, State, and Local laws,
Ordinances, and Mandates, including Federal Communications Commission rules and
regulations regarding proper use of radio communications equipment. The USER will also
comply with the guidelines, or procedures set out in this Agreement. Furthermore, the USER is
responsible for enforcing such compliance by its employees, directors, officers, agents,
authorized representatives, subcontractors, and consultants for USER Subscriber Radio
equipment. Furthermore, the USER will be responsible for payment of any fines and penalties
levied against the CFW (as the license holder) as a result of improper or unlawful use of
Subscriber Radio equipment owned or leased by USER.
20. Modification, reconfiguration, or exchange of Subscriber Radio equipment may be required
in order for CFW to comply with Federal, State, and Local Laws and/ or Mandates imposed on
CFW as the license holder. Following reasonable notice from CFW, USER shall be responsible
for undertaking such modifications, reconfiguration, or exchange. In the event USER fails to
undertake any necessary action, such failure shall be considered "misuse" under Paragraph 19,
and CFW may terminate this Agreement immediately or deny access to USER.
[End of Document]
Communications System Agreement Page 9 of 9
M&C Review Page 1 of 2
Official site of the City of Fort Worth,Texas
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA FORT WORTH
REFERENCE **M&C 19- 04CITY OF DESOTO
DATE: 9/17/2019 NO.: 0159 LOG NAME: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
AGREEMENT
CODE: C TYPE: CONSENT PUBLIC NO
HEARING:
SUBJECT: Authorize Execution of a Communications System Agreement with the City of Desoto for
Participation in the City of Fort Worth's Public Safety Radio System for Interoperable
Communications in Mutual Aid or Other Multi-Agency Operations at No Cost to the City of
Fort Worth (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of a Communications System
Agreement with the City of Desoto for participation in the City of Fort Worth's Public Safety Radio
System for interoperable communications in situations involving mutual aid or other multi-agency
operations.
DISCUSSION:
The implementation of the Fort Worth Public Safety Radio System included the development of a A
comprehensive interoperable communications plan for first responders from multiple agencies. F(
ill
Participation in the plan is open not only to agencies that use the Fort Worth Regional Radio System is
as their primary communications system, but also to other mutual aid partners, such as the City of ni:
Desoto, who own and maintain their own radio systems for their daily operations but require the re
ability to communicate with other agencies in mutual aid situations or other multi-agency operations. bF
The plan provides a common group of communications channels that first responders in Tarrant, cc
Johnson, Dallas, Denton, Parker and Ellis counties may access when multiple agencies respond to a wi
single incident. These channels are used only for communications with other agencies during joint bF
operations. They are not used for an agency's day-to-day operations. These channels are wi
accessible to the users of any radio system connected to the Fort Worth Regional Radio a
System. More than 140 agencies are able to communicate with one another via these common g(
channels. er
st
In August 2019, the City of Desoto approved a Communications System Agreement with the City of ac
Fort Worth to operate on the interoperable communications channels when required for mutual aid or
operations only. pL
in
The City of Desoto will not utilize the Fort Worth Regional Radio System for daily operations, but only of
when required to communicate with public safety agencies in Fort Worth or other agencies using the hi,
Fort Worth Regional Radio System during joint operations. ec
Texas
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City funds.
TO
Fund Department Account Project I Program I Activity Budget Reference# Amount
ID ID Year Chartfield 2
FROM
http://apps.cfwnet.org/council_packet/me_review.asp?ID=273 0 7&coune i I date=9/17/2019 10/4/2019
M&C Review Page 2 of 2
Fund Department Account Project Program Activity Budget Reference# Amount
ID I ID ( I Year I (Chartfield 2)
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Kevin Gunn (2015)
Originating Department Head: Roger Wright (2230)
Additional Information Contact: Roger Wright (2230)
ATTACHMENTS
http://apps.cfwnet.org/council_packet/mc review.asp?ID=27307&Founcildate=9/17/2019 10/4/2019