https://urgentcomm.com/wp-content/themes/ucm_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • Commentary
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • All Things IWCE
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • IWCE
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Premier Partners
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • In the field
    • Back
    • In the field
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Internet of Things
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Call Center/Command
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Network Tech
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Operations
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Regulations
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • Organizations
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
Urgent Communications
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • All Things IWCE
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • UC eZines
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • newsletter
  • In the field
    • Back
    • Internet of Things
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Cybersecurity
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
acc.com

State & Local Government


News

Florida SLERS extension with L3Harris may be delayed until spring, state official says

Florida SLERS extension with L3Harris may be delayed until spring, state official says

  • Written by Donny Jackson
  • 10th November 2020

Florida public-safety entities may not know the terms of a contract extension with L3Harris to continue operation of the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) until next spring, an official with the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) said today.

Patrick Gillespie, DMS deputy secretary of business operations told board members of the Florida Joint Task Force (JTF)—the state entity that provides advice about SLERS—that DMS officials have been meeting with L3Harris representatives regularly, but an extension deal likely will not be reached until after the state legislature begins its session on March 2. A SLERS extension is needed by the end of June, which is when the current SLERS contract with L3Harris expires.

“We’re continuing to have conversations with L3Harris,” Gillespie said during the JTF meeting this morning. “We’re meeting every other week and continuing to talk through a couple of different scenarios related to continuing operations of the system moving forward. I do think these will be conversations that continue into [the Florida Legislature] session, just given the uncertainty of the budget.

“I think that’s something that we’re going to continue working on with the Legislature moving forward. I think we’re going to continue having these discussions and continue looking at different scenarios for the next several months.”

Gillespie did not provide any details about the budget “uncertainty,” but the Florida economy—particularly the portion dependent upon the tourism industry—has been impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida reportedly could be facing a $2 billion budget shortfall next year, depending on its access to federal funding.

Col. Gene Spaulding, chairman of the Florida Joint Task Force board and director of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), noted that DMS is “in a tight spot” and has been working “diligently” to negotiate an extension with L3Harris. But Spaulding also stressed that getting a deal done in a timely matter is important as public-safety entities formulate legislative budget requests [LBRs] to fund the replacement of aging EDACS radios.

“I just want to go back on record and reiterate how big of a concern this is for the agencies,” Spaulding said during the JTF meeting. “This is a law-enforcement and citizen-safety issue—having effective communications—and the timelines are running really, really short.

“I think we’re in a position that nobody anticipated. It’s really nobody’s fault. But we are here, and … [state lawmakers need to know] how critical these LBRs are, going for new radios for the agencies.”

Speaking on behalf of the Florida Highway Patrol, Spaulding said that the tight timelines associated with SLERS mean that the organization has less flexibility than it might have otherwise.

“Our LBR was very bare bones,” Spaulding said. “It got the basics in, and really, there’s no room for piecemealing or trying to put together different options. And even if an extension is awarded to L3Harris, I think there are still some issues with end-of-life radios.

“We have got to stand together as agencies and with DMS to go forward and pursue this collectively and make sure that our voices are heard at the Legislature and the governor’s office.”

Spaulding also noted that the $3 surcharge attached to legal citations—a significant component to the funding of SLERS—is scheduled to sunset, so agencies should urge state lawmakers to renew the revenue source.

“When you’re dealing with your legislators and out supporting your LBRs, … please put that on their radar, as well,” Spaulding said. “I think that’s a critical issue that could negatively impact [SLERS], if it doesn’t get renewed.”

Extending the SLERS contract with L3Harris is necessary because the state was unable to reach an agreement with Motorola Solutions—the winner of lengthy procurement—to build a new statewide LMR network that would upgrade the technology from EDACS to P25 Phase II.

In January, DMS announced that it ended talks with Motorola Solutions after the LMR giant declined to sign a contract based on the terms of its bid, according to a state official. At the time, Florida DMS Secretary Jonathan Satter wrote in a letter to Motorola Solutions that Florida DMS would “move toward the new procurement of a next-generation system”—language reiterated in today’s statement from DMS.

A $2.4 million item in the Florida state budget provides some guidance about the state’s current vision for SLERS II.

“[DMS] must release a competitive procurement and, thereafter, issue an award for the replacement of the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System,” according to the budget item. “At a minimum, future services must utilize the industry-standard Project 25 Phase II delivery methodology. The procurement must also consider emerging technologies to enhance interoperability, promote public safety, improve coverage and enhance audio clarity.”

Consulting firm Federal Engineering was expected to deliver a business case for the second SLERS II procurement by the end of October, but the document was not ready to be presented during today’s JTF meeting.

“We’re still working through our business case, kind of making last-minute tweaks to it,” Gillespie said. “That should be wrapped up very shortly, and we’ll be able to share that with the members once that’s finalized.”

 

Tags: homepage-featured-4 Companies Coverage/Interference Funding Interoperability Land Mobile Radio News Policy Project 25 Public Safety Regional Coordination Standards State & Local Government System Design System Installation System Operation Tower & Site News

Related


  • Florida formally notifies L3Harris of intent to extend statewide LMR contract
    A letter from the state of Florida this week formally notified L3Harris of the state’s intent to renew the service agreement for the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) when the existing contract between the parties expires in a little more than a year. “The State of Florida, acting by and through the Department of […]
  • Motorola Solutions logo
    Florida ends talks with Motorola Solutions on P25 contract, will seek ‘next-generation system’
    Motorola Solutions declined to sign a contract honoring its $687.8 million bid to build a statewide Project (P25) network in Florida, so the state will “move toward the new procurement of a next-generation system,” according to a state letter sent yesterday to Motorola Solutions Chairman and CEO Greg Brown. Written by Florida Department of Management […]
  • Florida agencies seek clarity on LMR system amid tightening timelines
    Florida state officials indicate that they are talking with L3Harris about extending the statewide LMR contract, while at least one state agency has expressed concerns that the aging network deal is due to expire in 17 months, with no publicly stated long-term replacement plan and state legislators scheduled to end their annual session tomorrow. Almost […]
  • Florida continues work toward new statewide procurement, extension of current system
    Early progress is being made to procure a new Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) in Florida, while state officials continue to talk with current SLERS vendor L3Harris about extending the existing SLERS contract that is scheduled to expire in a little more than nine months. Patrick Gillespie, deputy secretary of business operations for Florida […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

To leave a comment login with your Urgent Comms account:

Log in with your Urgent Comms account

Or alternatively provide your name, email address below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Biden relief plan includes $350 million for local and state government
  • Businesses struggle with cloud availability as attackers take aim
  • Newscan: San Diego Gas & Electric starts private LTE build using CBRS spectrum
  • Public safety needs a better way to triage emergency calls

Commentary


Public safety needs a better way to triage emergency calls

13th January 2021

In challenging year, working with public safety to move FirstNet forward

30th December 2020

Communications solutions must evolve quickly to meet needs of a changing world

31st October 2020
view all

Events


UC Ezines


IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

13th May 2019
view all

Twitter


UrgentComm

Become a Thought Leader at IWCE 2021! We are looking for dynamic speakers to present case studies and technical tal… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th January 2021
UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: 📆 Mark Your Calendars: IWCE will be returning to Las Vegas this September and registration is slated to open in April 📆 Wa…

15th January 2021
UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: ⚡FLASH SALE: Don't miss this exclusive offer! Passes to #IBFVirtual are now 50% off with code TWITTER50. Take advantage of th…

6th November 2020
UrgentComm

Get ready for part 2 of "Ensuring Public Safety Emergency Communications" next week! @PCTEL_inc will explore… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

3rd November 2020
UrgentComm

Over the past few months, we’ve seen the world transform, and it's clear that cities will be affected in the long-t… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

27th October 2020
UrgentComm

Florida state & local agencies subscribing to the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) will be able to co… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

Tune in to @slacorp CEO Josh Lober as he explains how the company has fully integrated its #PTT application to work… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

.@SierraWireless announced the commercial availability of the AirLink MG90 platform, which they tout as the first m… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020

Newsletter

Sign up for UrgentComm’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about Communications and Technology.

Expert Commentary

Learn from experts about the latest technology in automation, machine-learning, big data and cybersecurity.

Business Media

Find the latest videos and media from the market leaders.

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital and print audiences? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • American City & County
  • IWCE
  • Light Reading
  • IOT World Today
  • Mission Critical Technologies
  • Microwave/RF
  • T&D World
  • TU-Auto

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers

FOLLOW Urgent Comms ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X