Item 4G Memo
M E M O R A N D U M
th
October 13, 2015
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Michael Starr, Fire Chief
Subject: Item 4G, Mobile Outdoor Warning Sirens
Action
Requested:
Council approval of the purchase of two mobile outdoor
warning sirens for a total cost not to exceed $80,000
Background
Information:
The purpose of this item is to seek Council approval of the
purchase of two mobile outdoor warning sirens. According to
mass notification at outdoor gatherings is one of our major
vulnerabilities. The mobile outdoor warning sirens will help
address this vulnerability by adding another layer to our
comprehensive warning capabilities. This is critically
important since Southlake has become a destination in the
region for the multiple special events we host throughout the
year including Art in the Square, Stars and Stripes, major
sporting events, Green Fest, and Country Music in the
Square to name a few. These sirens feature:
The ability to be dropped at any location or event for
autonomous use; for example, they can be parked at
a sporting event without a power source.
This sirens will not be connected to the in-ground
outdoor warning system which requires winds of 70+
means we can activate the mobile outdoor warning
system for any situation that could adversely affect a
large outdoor event.
They have a NOAA weather radio built in and can be
set to activate for weather events or lightning
detection without the presence of an operator.
The mobile warning sirens utilize our existing radio
system which allows for easy setup and use.
The mobile warning sirens are voice capable through
our current radio system.
Financial
Considerations:
The mobile outdoor warning sirens cost is no more than
$40,000 each for a total of no more than $80,000. The sirens
were
Financial Impact:
The mobile outdoor warning sirens are anticipated to have
an annual maintenance cost of $1,000 after they exit the 2-
year warranty period.
Citizen Input:
We utilized the demo for the mobile outdoor warning siren at
Stars and Stripes to test the functionality of the system and
solicit feedback from internal and external stakeholders. The
demo was well-received by the public when they inquired
about the system and its warning capability.
Legal Review:
The mobile warning sirens meet the spirit of the Americans
with Disabilities Act by providing both audio and visual
warnings (via strobe light on top) to everyone in proximity to
the mobile warning siren.
Alternatives:
The mobile warning sirens are a unique product without a
true comparable in terms of application and use.
Supporting
Documents:
Proposal from DFW Communications.
Staff
Recommendation:
Approval of the proposal from DFW Communications to
purchase two mobile outdoor warning sirens with a cost not
to exceed $80,000.
September 30, 2015
City of Southlake
Outdoor Public Alert System
Budgetary Proposal
Data Restrictions
This proposal is considered DFW Communications confidential and restricted. The proposal is
submitted with the restriction that it is to be used for evaluation purposes only, and is not to be
disclosed publicly or in any manner to anyone other than those employed by the City of Southlake
requiredto evaluate this proposal without the express written permission of DFW Communications
Inc.
Section 1.System Description
1.1 System Overview
LAWS
is stand alonepublic hazard alerting system specifically designed to provide
official “Common Alerting Protocol” (CAPv1.1) All-Hazard notifications as delivered by
the National Weather Service through NOAA Weather Radio (NWR).
LAWS
uses existing NOAA and FEMA infrastructurethrough the National Weather
Service including the significant (1000+) network of NOAA Weather Radiotransmitters.
NWR is an important part of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS),
and is Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) v1.1compliant.
LAWS
The system provides an excellent way to reach at-risk citizens in an outdoor
setting, thus helping to mitigate the risk during times of hazardous weather and other
public emergencies. Throughput is essentially real time based on NWR broadcast
reception. NOAA / NWS warning lead times are well documented (measured in
minutes)and represent a desirable degree of function.
LAWS
is by design a very straight forward approach to hazard notification, void of any
complexity and “learning curves” for the end user. Each LAWS unit comes
preprogrammed to operate in the area of in which the unit will be deployed. Service is
basically component replacement “plug and play” for quick service times as needed.
LAWS
requires no additional functions or decoding/coding to provide direct broadcasts
of official NOAA hazard.It is a Self-standing operation.
LAWS
is not designed to replace traditional outdoor warning system, but to work in
LAWS
conjunction as part of a multilayered system. Combined with other systems will
help agencies provide a higher level of protection for the citizens of any community.
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Use or disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
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1.2 Operation
LAWS
is activated via NOAA/National Weather Service and willbroadcasta10-12
second“siren” alert tone, followed by a synthesized voice product representing the
impending threat (such as “TORNADO WARNING”), and finally the specific NOAA
Weather Radio voice hazard product. This broadcast series allows the end user several
opportunities to be alerted of an impending hazard or emergency. Additionally, a red or
amber beacon will flash for the duration of the event; REDfor warningsandAMBERfor
watches.
As an all-hazards public warning system,NOAA Weather Radio broadcastsforecasts,
warnings andemergency information 24 hours a day directly to the public.“All Hazards”
messages include:
Natural (e.g., tornado, hurricane, floods, earthquakes)
Technological (e.g., chemical release, oil spill, nuclear power plant emergencies,
maritime accidents, train derailments)
AMBER alerts
Terrorist attacks
Non-weather emergency messages will be broadcast over NWR when:
(1) publicsafety is involved,
(2) the message comes from an official government source,
(3)time is critical.
The National Response Framework assigns responsibility to NOAA’s National Weather
Service (NWS) to broadcast non-weather emergency messages.Non-weather
emergency messages will be broadcast over NWR at the request of local,state, or
federal officials. The NWS does not initiate the contact or the message.When officials
wish to broadcast a message on NWR, they provide textinformationabout the hazard
and the appropriate response directly to local NWS offices. NWSoffices have set up
pre-arranged agreements to facilitate and speed the process.NWR and the Emergency
Alert System (EAS) use the same digital protocols, andNWR is the primary means for
the NWS to activate the EAS.
DFW Communications Confidential Restricted
Useor disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
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1.3 Component Specifications*
1.3.1 Speaker Horns
Omnidirectional high performance environment resistant horn.Performance
engineered for maximum sound penetration and coverage over long distances in
outdoor signaling applications. Non-resonant fiberglassreinforced plasticconstruction.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):
Max 129db (A) at 1 meter(C weighting) Peak Siren Tone Output (Voice / Tone SPL will
vary due to potential differences in voice and frequency modulation as well as
environmental conditions).
Rated range @ 70 dB (nominal) 450 meters, 1000 Hz test tone
1.3.2 Signal Beacons:
Onehigh intensity redbeacon shallbe provided. The high profile design shall
incorporate 32 red Super-LEDs installed in sets of eight on four PC boards. The four red
PC boards will be installed on a LED ballast. The beacon shall have a red optic hard
coated polycarbonate lens, and a metalized reflector with clear optic collimators.
Amp Draw: 6.0 Amps Peak / 4.0 amps Average @12vdc
1.3.3Battery/Power Supply:
Battery Charged by 110 VACsolid state battery maintainer.
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Use or disclosure of this proposal is
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1.3.4Receiver:
Frequency user-selectable for all NWS / NWR channels.
Sensitivity:
0.5 uV for 20 dB quieting
Modulation:
Narrow Band FM, 5 KHz deviation
Power:
12 VDC
Standby current:
~ 70 milliamperes
NOAA SAME compliant. SAME and FIPS codes user programmable via internal serial
port and PC.
1.3.5Enclosure:
Trailer enclosure
1.3.6System Mount:
Telescopic Mast
1.3.7Environment:
Temperature--30 to + 60 c
*Specifications typical -subject to revision (5/11/2015)
DFW Communications Confidential Restricted
Useor disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
September 30, 2015
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Section 2.Equipment List
Mobile Outdoor Units–Solar Powered
QtyPart NumberEquipment Description
2
LAWS-500SRMobile Outdoor Warning System
includesOmniDirectional Speaker Array
Audio Amplifier Module
Controller Module
Red Lightning System
Lighting Controller
NOAA Weather Radio Receiver
Module
Power Supply
Radio Interface
Solar Panel and Charging system
Bubble Level
Battery array cover
Storage tray for trailer tongue
Ground lights
Vinyl Lettering for Trailer
2
TBDCompatible 700/800 MHz P25 Radio
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subject to the restrictions on the title page
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Section 3.FirmPricing
LAWS HAZARD ALERT SYSTEM
List Buyboard Buyboard
LineQtyDescriptionList ea.Extendedea.Extended
12LAWS-500R Mobile Outdoor Warning System$42,819.00 $85,638.00 $38,000.00 $76,000.00
22700/800 MHz P25 RadiosTBDTBD$2,000.00$4,000.00
Pricing is valid for 90 days from the date of this proposal.
DFW Communications Confidential Restricted
Useor disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
September 30, 2015
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Section 4.Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY
LAWS-Systems, LLC (LAWS) warrants each new LAWS manufactured product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of twenty four (24) months from
the date of sale to the end user. If any product proves to be defective during the first twenty four (24)
months of use, LAWS will repair or replace such product, at its option, free of charge. Suchreplacement
parts may be new or reconditioned, at the discretion of LAWS. The warranty covers parts replacement
and factory-performed labor only. This warranty does not cover travel expenses, the cost of equipment to
remove system components, and it does not cover labor charges for removal and re-installation of the
product.
Products manufactured by other companies that are components of the LAWS System shall be covered
by LAWS System “pass-through” warranty policy. This means the obligations of LAWS under the Limited
Warranty for such products shall be limited to that warranty offered by the equipment’s original
manufacturer.
All products returned to the factory for repair or replacementmust be shipped freight prepaid by the end
user or dealer/installer. Repaired or replacement products will bereturned, via ground transportation
freight prepaid, by LAWS.
This warranty does not extend to any unit which has been damaged in shipment or during installation,
improperly installed, misused, modified by anyone other than LAWS or LAWS authorized dealer/installer,
or to any system which has not been adequately maintained. Moreover, LAWS shall have no liability for
defects arising through any cause other than ordinary use, such as, accident, fire or damage caused by
severe weather.
THIS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY
BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE OBLIGATION OF LAWS-
SYSTEMS, LLC, TO YOU HEREUNDER.
THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OR SUITABILITY FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL LAWS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR
ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH DEFECT IN
MATERIAL WORKMANSHIP.
Public safety is our primary concern. Accordingly, we recommend that copies of the following warning be
prominently displayed in areas served by the LAWS™ System:
WARNING.
IF YOU HEAR OR SEE SIGNS OF SEVERE WEATHER OR HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS, LEAVE THIS AREA IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON
WARNINGS FROM THIS SYSTEM TO INSURE YOUR SAFETY. CONDITIONS MAY
EXIST WHICH DISRUPT NOAA/NWR TRANSMISSIONS OR PREVENT THIS SYSTEM
FROM RECEIVING AND BROADCASTING A WARNING. YOU CANNOT RELY
SOLELY ON THIS SYSTEM TO INSURE YOUR SAFETY. ”
“LAWS
-Local Area Warning System” is Patented-
USPTO Patent No.7,358,855
DFW Communications Confidential Restricted
Use or disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
September 30, 2015
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Section 5.Our Commitment
DFW Communications, Inc.
Your Complete CommunicationsSource
As technology continues to evolve, your communications should be evolving as well
Like the technology it sells and services, DFW Communications has evolved over the years.
Unlike many others in the two-way communications industry, DFW Communications has a
developed a burning commitment to be the best at what we do and we keep our attention and
efforts focused on doing just that! Our highly qualified sales staff is immediately and thoroughly
trained on any and all new technologies that hit the market. Our top-rated engineering and
service teams are constantly in training to remain current on all new products even beforethey
hit the market. Add to that the most up-to-date tools and test equipment in the industry, and you
have a team that’s hard to beat!
We understand that you have committed to a sizable investment in your communications
equipment and you deserve only the best when it comes to purchasing, servicing and maintaining
that equipment. At DFW Communications, we realize the importance of keeping you
communicatingand we will put all of our experience and resources to work to do exactly that!
Put your trust in an organization that is trustworthy! Call DFW Communications today. Let us
be your complete communications source.
DFW Communications Confidential Restricted
Useor disclosure of this proposal is
subject to the restrictions on the title page
September 30, 2015
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