Title
Vehicle Movement Area Transponders Contract - Amendment (Ordinance S-52879) - District 8
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or the City Manager's designee, to make additional expenditures under Letter of Agreement 161623 (LOA) with PASSUR Aerospace, Inc. to purchase 85 additional units of Vehicle Movement Areas Transponders (VMATs) and support the ongoing annual maintenance services after installation for the Aviation Department (Aviation). Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The additional expenditures will not exceed $510,000.
Report
Summary
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has evaluated the need to increase VMAT allocation on fleet vehicles that access airfield movement areas on a regular basis. VMAT technology improves the safety and efficiency of airfield inspections, emergency response, and maintenance activities by enabling air traffic controllers to issue direct instructions with fewer radio transmissions.
PHX was among the first airports in the United States to pilot VMAT technologies and currently has five VMAT units in operation that were purchased through an LOA in 2014. The units were installed on vehicles that frequently operate in the airfield movement areas. In response to Advisory Circular 15/2550-26 and Cert Alert 25-01 (Improve Airfield Safety with Vehicle Movement Areas Transmitters), the additional VMATs associated with this purchase will enhance PHX's ability to track airside vehicles through the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Tower's ground-based radar system, which will improve airfield situational awareness and operational safety on the airfield.
Contract Term
The term of the LOA remains unchanged and will expire on September 30, 2029. There are no options to extend the term.
Financial Impact
Upon approval of $510,000 in additional funds, the revised total cost of the LOA will not exceed $580,000 over the term of the LOA.
Funding is available in the Aviation Department.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The LOA was originally approved by the City Council via payment Ordinance S-51211-24.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 2485 E. Buckeye Road
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Frank McCune and the Aviation Department.