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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Bryan Handell, Commander, Bureau of Administrative Services
Mike Kaufman, Assistant Chief of Support Services
Jeff Anderson, Deputy Chief Information Officer
DATE: July 21, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to purchase services for Amendment 4 of the System Maintenance Agreement with L3Harris, Melbourne, FL for $544,624.70.
PURPOSE:
This resolution is requesting the continued support of the existing OpenSky radio system utilized by Public Safety and Public Work departments.
BACKGROUND:
In 2012, the City purchased and implemented the OpenSky radio system from L3Harris in a joint purchase with the City of Naperville. The OpenSky system has been sunsetted by L3Harris and has been replaced by the nationwide Program 25 (P25) standard. In 2024, the City of Aurora purchased and began implementation of the P25 radio system. By moving to the P25 standard, the City will upgrade to a radio system that provides proven interoperability with radios of other Public Safety partners including all state and federal agencies, improved scalability and significantly better coverage.
While the P25 system is being deployed, tested and implemented, the City needs to continue maintenance and support coverage of the current OpenSky system.
DISCUSSION:
Amendment 4 of the OpenSky contract signed in 2012 provides continued coverage of the OpenSky network and ensures that public safety operations will not be compromised due to hardware failures, software issues or failures of critical components.
Amendment 4 of the OpenSky contract extends through 12/31/2025. If city staff complete the P25 rollout prior to 12/31/2025, L3Harris will refund the City for the remaining time on the Amendment.
This purchase is eligible for Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) funds. A budget amendment has been submitted to make funds available in account 211-1280-419.38-03 for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not continuing support and maintenance of the OpenSky radio system carries significant risks that can impact public safety, system reliability, and failures of critical components.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request the proposed ratification be approved.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to purchase services for Amendment 4 of the System Maintenance Agreement with L3Harris, Melbourne, FL for $544,624.70.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City utilizes the L3Harris OpenSky radio system currently; and
WHEREAS, support and maintenance for the L3Harris OpenSky will ensure that public safety operations will not be compromised due to hardware failures, software issues or failures of critical components ; and
WHEREAS, This purchase is eligible for Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) funds. A budget amendment has been submitted to make funds available in account 211-1280-419.38-03 for this purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for services described in this resolution and as more fully set forth in the contract attached hereto.