Radio study contract goes to Seattle firm

Emergency Management Director Bill Tensfeld on Monday recommended a Seattle engineering company as a radio system consultant for the county’s emergency management.

The number-two bid was approved by the county commissioners.

Five bids were received for the consulting services, and after examining the bids, Tensfeld found the lowest bid from Concepts to Operation of Annapolis, Md., for $76,700 did not meet specifications. The next lowest bid was from Hatfield & Dawson Consulting Engineers of Seattle for $82,800.

The consultant will evaluate the current radio systems in use within the county that include Whitman County Sheriff, Firenet (covers northwest Whitman County), Fire 3 (south county including Districts 12 and 14 and Palouse), Colfax Fire and Sierra (WSU).

Tensfeld said the Federal Communications Commission is narrowing the radio frequencies, putting more pressure on outlying areas for radio coverage.

Bids ranged from a low of $76,700 to a high of $138,660 from Sparling Inc. of Lynnwood.