HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 57351 CSC No.57351
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AGREEMENT
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS ACCESS (SINGLE USE)—PRIVATE 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[Extent Systems,LLCI ("USER"),acting
herein by and through its duly authorized Jeff Alexander individually-referred to as a.46 party",
collectively referred to herein as the "parties." 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, 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, USER is a private entity that employs or contracts with one or more
companies or individuals to provide security, fire protection, and/or other public-safety type
services; and
WHEREAS,USER's public-safety service providers employ a radio system; and
WHEREAS,in an emergency or under certain other urgent circumstances,Fort Worth may
be called on to provide public safety assistance on USER's property; and
WHEREAS, the parties may need to coordinate their efforts and response in such
circumstance; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and
conditions pursuant to which USER will be able access and utilize CFW's radio systems in
connection with responding to an emergency or other urgent circumstances; and
WHEREAS, each parry 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 parry for
the services or functions under this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, Fort Worth and USER agree as follows:
OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TX
Communications System Agreement Page 1 of 11
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 emergency or
urgent-circumstance 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. The Agreement shall become effective upon the signing of the Agreement
by an Assistant City Manager of the City of Fort Worth(the "Effective Date") 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 parry 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 Fort Worth other than for claims for which the Texas Tort Claims Act may impose
liability.
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 other operational
issues involved in responding to an emergency or urgent circumstances; coordination of
emergency/urgent-response activities and chain-of-command issues shall be governed by the
separate agreement of the parties or legal provisions under which assistance is being provided.
5. Non-Appropriation of Funds. Fort Worth 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 CFW's governing body, and as a result, Fort Worth is unable to
fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, CFW (i) shall promptly notify USER in writing and
(ii)may terminate this Agreement, effective as of the last day for which sufficient funds have been
appropriated.
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,
Communications System Agreement Page 2 of 11
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, the CFW does not waive or surrender any of its governmental powers or
immunities.
10. Amendments. No amendment to this Agreement shall be binding upon either parry
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
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.
Communications System Agreement Page 3 of 11
14. Immigration Nationality Act. City activity supports the Immigration&Nationality
Act(INA)which includes provisions addressing employment eligibility,employment verification,
and nondiscrimination. USER shall verify the identity and employment eligibility of all employees
who perform work under the Agreement. USER shall complete the Employment Eligibility
Verification Form(1-9),maintain photocopies of all supporting employment eligibility and identity
documentation for all employees, and upon request, provide City with copies of all 1-9 forms and
supporting eligibility documentation for each employee who performs work under the Agreement.
USER shall establish appropriate procedures and controls so that no services will be performed by
any employee who is not legally eligible to perform such services. USER shall provide City with
a certification letter that it has complied with the verification requirements required by the
Agreement. USER shall indemnify City from any penalties or liabilities due to violations of this
provision. City shall have the right to immediately terminate the Agreement for violations of this
provision by USER.
15. No Boycott of Israel. USER acknowledges that in accordance with Chapter 2270
of the Texas Government Code, City is prohibited from entering into a contract with a company
for goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it:
(1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract. The
terms"boycott Israel" and"company" shall have the meanings ascribed to those terms in Section
808.001 of the Texas Government Code. By signing this Addendum, USER certifies that USER's
signature provides written verification to City that USER: (1)does not boycott Israel, and(2)will
not boycott Israel during the term of the Agreement.
16. 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 Extenet Systems, LLC
Attn: Kevin Gunn, Director of IT Solutions Attn: Jeff Alexander
200 Texas Street Address: 901 Main St., Ste 2600
Fort Worth TX 76102 City, State,Zip: Dallas TX 75202
Facsimile: (817) 392-8654 Facsimile: N/A
With Copy to the City Attorney
At same address
17. 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.
Communications System Agreement Page 4 of 11
18. 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.
19. 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
Communications System Agreement between the parties shall be terminated simultaneously with
the final execution of this Agreement by both parties.
20. 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 5 of 11
Agreed and Accepted:
NAME OF PRIVATE ENTITY:
By: Q)1 "
Name: JFFF ACXA�D�7L-
Title: S" - p P C--/L,4rdNs
Date: 011116/ 2vx-z
APPROVED TO LEGALITY:
By:
Name:
Title:
ATTEST:
By:
Name:
Title:
Form 1295: 2022-841112 1/18/2022
OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TX
Communications System Agreement Page 6 of 11
City of Fort Worth Contract Compliance Manager:
By signing I acknowledge that I am the person
responsible for the monitoring and administration
y„k� of this contract,including ensuring all
By: Valerie Washington(Apr4,202216:20 CDT) performance and reporting requirements.
Name: Valerie Washington
Title: Assistant City Manager
Date: Apr 4,2022 By:
Name: Alan Girton
Approval Recommended: Title: Senior IT Manager
Approved as to Form and Legality:
By:
Name: Kevin Gunn
Title: Director By:
Name: Taylor Paris
Attest: Title: Assistant City Attorney
Contract Authorization:
M&C: 22-0140 3/8/22
Bette S.Good aII(Apr 4,202216: DT)
y:
Name: Janette Goodall
Title: City Secretary oagt`4FORp�q��"a
'ry 0_k'0-00!--4'
000000 ��
cp �
jj_o �
000 �° �d
0°
°00000000 Ay
a�nixO" '
OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TX
Subscriber Services Agreement Page 6 of 7
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:
DEFMTIONS
"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.gov/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 8 of 11
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 9 of 11
9. For as long as this Agreement remains in effect, in instances in which the parties are engaged
in responding to an emergency or urgent circumstances, 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. This Agreement does not authorize regular use of the Radio System
in situations that do not involve an emergency or urgent circumstances.
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 10 of 11
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 11 of 11
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/08/22 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 22-0140
LOG NAME: 04EXTENET COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AGREEMENT
SUBJECT
(ALL)Authorize Execution of a Communications System Agreement with Extenet Systems, LLC, for Participation in the City of Fort Worth's Public
Safety Radio System 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 Extenet Systems, LLC, for
participation in the City of Fort Worth's Public Safety Radio System.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fort Worth(City)operates a public safety radio system called the North Texas Interoperable Radio Network(NTIRN).
To ensure adequate coverage for public safety agencies responding in City-owned buildings, signal boosters and amplifiers are sometimes
used. Extenet Systems, LLC, (Extenet) provides support for such devices at Dickies Arena. To assist in troubleshooting and maintenance
activities, Extenet requires access to NTIRN. Extenet will have access only to radio channels specific to maintenance and testing. They will not
have access to public safety radio channels, including those used by the Fort Worth police and fire departments.
In January 2022, Extenet approved a communications system agreement with the City of Fort Worth to operate on the NTIRN when required for
troubleshooting and maintenance operations only. Extenet will not utilize NTIRN for daily operations. Extenet's use of the system will not
increase costs for the City.
This contract is exempt from competitive bidding as it does not involve an expenditure of City funds.
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 W. Valerie Washington 6192
Originating Business Unit Head: Kevin Gunn 2015
Additional Information Contact: Kevin Gunn 2015
Donlen Ruffin 2017