HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0025) M&C 21-0565City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/17/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0565
LOG NAME: 04TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMM SYSTEM AGREEMENT
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize Execution of a Communications System Agreement with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts 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
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of a communications system agreement with the Texas Comptroller of Public
Accounts 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 City of Fort Worth operates a public safety radio system called the North Texas Interoperable Radio Network (NTIRN). The implementation of
the radio system included the development of a comprehensive interoperable communications plan for first responders from multiple agencies.
Participation in the plan is open not only to agencies that use NTIRN as their primary communications system, but also to other mutual aid partners,
such as the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, who own and maintain their own radio systems for their daily operations but require the ability to
communicate with other agencies in mutual aid situations or other multi -agency operations.
The plan provides a common group of communications channels that first responders in Tarrant, Johnson, Dallas, Denton, Parker, and Ellis
counties may access when multiple agencies respond to a single incident. These channels are used only for communications with other agencies
during joint operations. They are not used for an agency's day-to-day operations. These channels are accessible to the users of any radio system
connected to the NTIRN. More than 160 agencies are able to communicate with one another via these common channels.
In July 2021, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts approved a communications system agreement with the City of Fort Worth to operate on
the interoperable communications channels when required for mutual aid operations only. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will not utilize
NTIRN for daily operations, but only when required to communicate with public safety agencies in Fort Worth or other agencies using NTIRN during
joint operations.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Valerie Washington 6192
Originating Business Unit Head: Kevin Gunn 2015
Additional Information Contact: Kevin Gunn 2015
Donlen Ruffin 2017