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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Bryan Handell, Commander, Bureau of Administrative Services
Mike Kaufman, Assistant Chief of Support Services
Jason Bauer, Director of Public Works
Jeff Anderson, Deputy Chief Information Officer
DATE: July 16, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to purchase radio equipment, installation services and support from L3Harris, Lynchburg, VA for $2,409,905.06.
PURPOSE:
This resolution is requesting the purchase of mobile radio, radio accessories, installation services and support for the L3Harris radio system utilized by Public Safety and Public Work departments.
BACKGROUND:
Resolution R23-384 authorized the purchase and implementation of the P25 radio system. Transitioning to the P25 standard upgrades the City to a system that delivers proven interoperability with other Public Safety partners-including all state and federal agencies-and provides improved scalability and significantly enhanced coverage.
This purchase completes the required number of in-vehicle (mobile) radios and includes the remaining accessories needed for previously acquired hand-held (portable) radios.
DISCUSSION:
Throughout 2025 and into 2026, city staff and L3Harris continued to negotiate the type of and number of mobile radios needed by city departments. These discussions resulted in right-sizing the equipment needed for Public Works and moving to a centralized storage of spare equipment. These discussions resulted in an overall 25% reduction in costs over the original estimates provided in 2025.
Funds are available in accounts 211-1280-419.38-03 for this purchase.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Public Works relies exclusively on in-vehicle radios. These radios also provide Public Safety personnel with substantially broader coverage when traveling outside City limits to support other agencies.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request the proposed resolution 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 radio equipment, installation services and support from L3Harris, Lynchburg, VA for $2,409,905.06.
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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 radio system currently; and
WHEREAS, in-vehicle radios are the only radios utilized by Public Works. These radios also provide a much wider coverage area for Public Safety personnel when traveling outside the City limits to assist other agencies; and
WHEREAS, funds are 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.