Title
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer to execute Amendment No. 2 to the non-standard agreement with CommScope Technologies, LLC dba Comsearch, whose duties and rights have been assumed by Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC dba Comsearch to continue Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license management services, increasing the contract by $73,625 for a total amount not to exceed $108,025 with an agreement retroactive from November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2030; and
b. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, or his designee, to execute order forms, yearly renewals, and such documents as are necessary to implement the Amendment.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Information Officer to execute Amendment No. 2 to the non-standard agreement with CommScope Technologies, LLC dba Comsearch, whose duties and rights have been assumed by Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC dba Comsearch to continue Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license management services, increasing the contract by $73,625 for a total amount not to exceed $108,025 with an agreement retroactive from November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2030; and
b. Authorize the Chief Information Officer, or his designee, to execute order forms, yearly renewals, and such documents as are necessary to implement the Amendment.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey (County) is responsible for the management of eighteen (18) Federal Registration Numbers (FRN) which are unique identifiers used by the FCC to track filings, applications, transactions, and payments related to radio licenses. Within the 18 FRN’s, the County has been granted authority, licenses, to operate radio stations on certain frequencies identified in 254 Call Signs within the County’s operational area. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires these licenses to prevent interference, manage bandwidth, ensure public safety, and regulate commercial use of the radio spectrum. Examples of devices requiring a license include many two-way radios, point-to-point microwave, commercial broadcast equipment, and some amateur radio operations.
DISCUSSION:
Comsearch has supported the County providing frequency protection services, since 2017, covering both two-way Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Point-to-Point Microwave licenses. Their role is to monitor, report, interpret potential threats, provide recommendation, and generally provide frequencies protection services ensuring the County’s systems are not impacted by harmful interference of any other operators’ additions or modifications to their systems. The cost breakdown for this amendment is $19,250 for FCC License Management and $4,375 for Microwave Protection services. Also, due to the FCC license renewals and frequency protection services, the Chief Information Officer recommends including in the agreement as-needed services up to an amount of $50,000 in the event the County requires engineering services for new projects at the County's request.
Maintaining accurate FCC two-way LMR and Microwave licenses are an essential responsibility for licensee holders. Allowing Comsearch to maintain the County’s licenses is an economical approach that ensures its licenses are being monitored and protected by a dedicated team.
Comsearch will maintain and manage the FCC licensing and microwave protection systems on behalf of the county. This service will ensure uninterrupted service delivery to all 28 Monterey County public safety agencies (Law, Fire, Medical) who are members of the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) Radio System, as well as the enterprise infrastructure supporting network service delivery (Voice over IP, enterprise email, web applications, etc.) to all County employees.
In addition, Monterey Salinas Transit, several school districts, and various utilities such as Monterey One Water have their licenses managed by the County.
CommScope Technologies has been acquired by Amphenol Corporation dba Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC (Comsearch), which required multiple updates to their vendor status with the County. Due to these changes, the contracted term has lapsed. However, Comsearch continued to provide these important services while the documentation gets updated.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed the non-standard amendment. Auditor-Controller’s Office reviewed the contract amendment but does not agree to the non-standard payment provisions.
FINANCING:
The funds for payment of the first year of this Agreement are included in the FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget for the Information Technology Department, ITD 1930, Appropriations Unit INF002. Future year budget requirements will be included with each respective fiscal year budget submission.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement supports the protection and long-term sustainability of the County’s wireless (microwave) backbone infrastructure which provides enterprise data and voice services to all Monterey County employees in addition to providing critical public safety services to 28 agencies, as part of NGEN, throughout Monterey County.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Teresa Meister, Management II, 759-6938
Approved by: Eric A. Chatham, Chief Information Officer, 759-6920
Attachments:
Comsearch agreement
Amendment No. 1
Amendment No 2