PCS Bus Radio 2025-TECH-001

Pender County Schools is seeking bids for a comprehensive bus radio communication system through Invitation for Bids (IFB No. 2025-TECH-001), targeting the procurement and installation of a robust radio solution to support county-wide bus operations. The procurement involves a turnkey system requiring 120 bus radios, 15 vehicle radios with mobile handheld capabilities, 25 office dispatch radios, and 60 handheld radios. Sealed bids are due by March 3rd, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST, with a public bid opening scheduled for March 4th, 2025 at 1:00 PM. The selected vendor must provide new equipment, complete installation, programming, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, with a mandatory installation completion date of August 18th, 2025 to align with the 2025-2026 school year. The communication system must deliver reliable coverage across Pender County, featuring at least two dedicated talk channels with potential expansion to four channels. Vendors are expected to demonstrate system compatibility with the current UHF infrastructure, which includes Motorola VX-261, BPR40d, and XPR 7550e radios, and existing UHF Motorola repeaters across 19 school sites.

While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed in the available documentation, the current infrastructure suggests potential integration requirements with existing Motorola radio systems. The vendor must provide a minimum two-year warranty covering equipment defects, repairs, and replacements, with pricing expected to comprehensively include hardware, software, installation, support costs, ongoing leasing expenses, and tower space lease pricing. The existing technology environment consists of 8 digital and 11 analog UHF Motorola repeaters across school sites, indicating a preference for vendors who can seamlessly integrate with this current system. Although a specific budget range is not stated, the comprehensive nature of the procurement—covering 195 total radio units, installation, training, and support—suggests a significant investment. Shipping charges must be included in bid prices, with applicable sales tax to be added upon purchase order issuance. Vendors should be prepared to demonstrate technical capability, system reliability, and comprehensive support infrastructure to meet the county's communication needs.