Aurora moves to L3 Harris radios and network gear to modernize public safety communications

The committee reviewed two related public-safety procurement items and added both to the consent agenda: a purchase of in-vehicle mobile radios and accessories from L3 Harris and a request for critical radio networking equipment to support the system.

Jeff Anderson, deputy CIO, explained the purchases are part of a transition to P25-capable radios with greater low-frequency "carry" for public-safety coverage. He said the in-vehicle mobile radios will extend range beyond handheld portables and that public works and fleet needs were analyzed separately to match equipment to operational needs. Anderson described the networking equipment procurement as a break-fix capability: the city identified specific switches and routers so L3 Harris can replace failed components quickly to restore service.

Council members asked about timing; Anderson said a letter of intent went out the morning of July 21 and staff were requesting delivery dates now to support deployment, with fire units prioritized for the first mobile installs. Both items were added to the consent agenda.