ESBD_559829_1789661509404_HSD202609141129.pdf

HSD202609141129

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Request for Information

Omnidirectional Long-Range High-Gain Antennas

1. INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), Homeland Security Division (HSD) is seeking current information to perform market research to gather information on omnidirectional, long-range, high-gain antennas capable of enhancing remote operational capabilities along the

Texas/Mexico border to identify commercially available antenna solutions that can integrate with existing cell-enabled, motion-activated camera systems to ensure reliable, multi-carrier cellular connectivity in deep fringe and low-coverage areas without requiring manual directional alignment.

1.1 Agency Liability and Confidential Information

This RFI is only a request for information and no contractual obligation on behalf of the TXDPS whatsoever shall arise from the RFI process. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Offer (RFO), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or other solicitation, nor does it constitute the commitment to issue any solicitation in the future. Therefore, those choosing to respond to this RFI will, merely by virtue of submitting such a response, NOT be deemed to be “bidders” in any sense, and no such respondent will have any preference, special designation, advantage or disadvantage whatsoever in any subsequent procurement process related to this RFI.

This RFI does not commit the TXDPS to pay costs incurred in the preparation or submission of any response to the RFI. It is the responsibility of the potential respondent to monitor the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) for additional information pertaining to this RFI.

Pursuant to §552.301(c) of the Public Information Act (PIA), the Director has designated the following portal for public information requests: Public Information Center | Texas Department of Public Safety (govqa.us) or by emailing publicrecords@dps.texas.gov . Respondents are advised that materials contained in their response are subject to the aforementioned section of the PIA. Note: A request must be sent directly to that address or through the Department’s Public Information Request Page on our public website, found at Public Information Requests | Department of Public Safety (texas.gov). A request emailed to any other Department email address does not trigger the requirements of the PIA.

If Respondent asserts that any material in the response is confidential or proprietary information, Respondent must clearly mark the applicable pages of respondent’s submission in boldface type to indicate each claim of confidentiality and include the words “confidential” at the top of the page. Additionally, Respondent must include statement on company letterhead identifying all Response section(s) and specific pages(s) that have been marked as confidential and explain why the information is marked as confidential and excepted from public disclosure under the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (the Act). Merely making a blanket claim that the entire Response is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable and will make the entire Response subject to release under the Act.

https://txdps.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(azq2qqquvzbenphwksx2ufsd))/supporthome.aspx https://txdps.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(azq2qqquvzbenphwksx2ufsd))/supporthome.aspx mailto:publicrecords@dps.texas.gov https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/general-counsel/public-information-requests https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/general-counsel/public-information-requests

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION/HISTORY

The HSD maintains and monitors a motion-activated camera system arrayed along the Texas/Mexico border. This system transmits encrypted messages across commercial cellular networks. To ensure real-time alerts and responder safety, the HSD requires omnidirectional high-gain antennas capable of maintaining stable connections to multiple carrier towers simultaneously in deep fringe, low-coverage border regions.

2. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND TIMELINES

RFI issue date: 09/17/2026

Deadline for questions/clarifications to the RFI (Close of Business)

10/09/2026

Deadline for responses to questions/clarifications (Close of Business)

10/20/2026

Deadline for submission of RFI: 11/03/2026

To maintain the integrity of the RFI process, all communications with respondents pertaining to this RFI must be referred to and/or coordinated with the TXDPS point of contact referenced below.

Instructions to Recipients

1. All respondents responding to this RFI may be required to make a demonstration/presentation of products/services following the deadline for submission upon request by TXDPS. TXDPS shall not be responsible for expenses incurred by a respondent in the preparation and submission of Information. This provision also includes any costs involved in providing an oral presentation/demonstration of product/services.

2. Please list the question (included in the enclosed questionnaire) before each response.

3. All questions/clarifications must be submitted via the Online Bid room Portal on or before

10/09/2026.

Responses for this RFI are to be submitted electronically using the TXDPS Online Bid Room.

Submitting a response in the TXDPS Online Bid Room is a two-step process Step 1: Register as a vendor for the Online Bid Room at TXDPS Vendor Management *NOTE: It can take up to two business days to receive a username and password

Step 2: Log in to your account. Select the Opportunities tab, enter the RFI number in "Search Opportunities," and click "Search." Select the "Mark As Interested" button, and under the Proposals tab, upload and tag the documents for your submission of the RFI to the Online Bid Room.

TXDPS Point of Contact for RFI:

Relationship Manager: Lori Melcher, CTCD, CTCM Email: Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov https://texasdps.appianportalsgov.com/vendor-management mailto:Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The omnidirectional, long-range, high-gain antenna hardware should be compatible with outdoor cellular-enabled surveillance equipment. Ideally, the response will include:

• Detailed technical literature on decibel gain (dBi), omnidirectional radiation patterns, and limitations.

• Itemized parts list, including mounting brackets, low-loss RF cables, and connectors.

• Suggested deployment strategies for optimal multi-carrier signal penetration in rugged terrain.

3.1 RFI QUESTIONS

TXDPS is requesting responses to the following questions. Additional explanation and/or capabilities can also be provided:

1. Does your agency hold any active contracts under the following programs? If so, please provide the corresponding contract number(s): (Put N/A if not applicable)

• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA):

• Texas Department of Information (DIR):

• Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) Term:

• Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS):

2. Carrier & Band Compatibility

• Is the proposed equipment natively optimized for use on AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile cellular networks?

• Which frequencies are supported?

• Does the equipment support Band 14 (FirstNet™ or equivalent)?

• Does the equipment support both 4G LTE and 5G networks?

• Can the vendor provide a complete list of supported LTE and 5G bands?

3. Visual & Tactical Profile

• Is the equipment available with a low-visibility or low-visual-profile design?

• Does the equipment have a non-reflective or matte exterior coating?

• Are desert, camouflage, or other environment-matched color options available?

• Does the equipment contain any exposed or reflective metallic surfaces that could compromise a covert or low-visibility deployment?

• Can the vendor provide photographs or technical documentation demonstrating the equipment's visual profile and finish?

4. Electrical & RF Signal Performance

• What is the antenna's peak gain, and how is the gain distributed across the 360-degree/Omni pattern?

• What is the antenna's VSWR specification across each supported frequency band?

• What is the antenna's impedance rating?

• What are the antenna's performance characteristics in low-signal or weak-signal environments?

• Can the vendor provide radiation-pattern charts and RF performance test data?

• What are the antenna's efficiency and gain specifications for each supported band?

• What is the antenna's maximum effective range, under nominal circumstances?

5. Physical & Environmental Ruggedness

• Does the equipment have an IP67 or higher ingress-protection rating?

• What is the certified operating-temperature range?

• Is the equipment rated for continuous operation at temperatures of 120°F or higher?

• What wind-load or wind-speed survival rating does the equipment have?

• Has the equipment been tested for high-velocity wind conditions or desert environments?

• Are the wiring and cables resistant to environmental exposure, including heat, dust, moisture, mud, and UV radiation?

• Are the cables and wiring protected against damage from animals or other environmental hazards?

• What environmental or military/industry testing certifications are available?

6. Portability & Deployment

• What is the total weight of the equipment, including standard mounting hardware and cabling?

• Can the equipment be transported and deployed by a single operator?

• What is the typical setup/deployment time?

• Does the equipment provide a toolless mounting system or quick-connect bracket?

• Is the equipment compatible with mounting on masts, trees, utility poles, or similar structures?

• What mounting hardware is included as standard, and what additional hardware is required?

7. Connectivity & Cabling

• Does the equipment include integrated low-loss RF cabling?

• What type of cable is provided?

• What is the cable's attenuation/loss specification per foot at each supported frequency range?

• What is the maximum recommended cable length while maintaining specified RF performance?

• The RF connector provided must be Male to Female. (Antenna Connection= Male / Our

Camera=Female)

• Are SMA, N-Type, or other common RF connectors available?

• Can the equipment connect directly to standard cell-enabled game camera or communications arrays without additional adapters?

• Are connector adapters, weatherproofing components, and cable assemblies available if required?

8. Documentation & Verification

• Can the vendor provide current technical data sheets for the proposed equipment?

• Can the vendor provide independent test results or certification documentation supporting the stated RF, environmental, and mechanical specifications?

• Can the vendor identify any requirements above that the proposed equipment does not fully meet?

• For any requirement that is not met, what alternative configuration or product would satisfy it?

• Please provide the specific model number, revision, and manufacturer documentation for the equipment being proposed.

4. TIMETABLE

The respondents’ response shall include a timetable that will include product configuration deployment, testing, and acceptance.

5. LIMITATIONS

Changes may occur between the publishing of this RFI and any subsequent RFIs. There also may be differences between this RFI and other relevant documents.

Respondent’s staff must be able to pass requisite background checks in order to gain access to:

DPS Data for either server or cloud-based installation and maintenance.

6. INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS

TXDPS representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential respondents. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and certification risks. Oral presentations and product demonstrations may be requested from the Respondents.

7. SUMMARY

THIS IS AN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide omnidirectional high-gain antennas capable of maintaining stable connections to multiple carrier towers simultaneously in deep fringe, low-coverage border regions. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding by the TXDPS. The TXDPS has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become TXDPS property and will not be returned.

8. RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Respondents must provide the following:

Company Name:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

RFI Point of Contact:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

Company Web Page Address:

NOTE: The respondent acknowledges that they have read all instructions carefully. Complete all requirements as outlined in this RFI, sign and submit in accordance with Section 2 Schedule of Events and Timelines.

RESPONDENT SIGNATURE(S)

Signature of Authorized Representative Name - Printed Date