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TO: |
Board of Trustees |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Alisha Garrett, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Kyle Brimley, IT Director |
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Jarvie Curtis, IT Manager Comms & Deployment |
TITLE:
title
Change Order: FrontRunner WiFi Support - Modification No. 4 (Boldyn Networks Transit US, LLC)
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Procurement Contract/Change Order
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and authorize the execution of modification 4 to the contract with Boldyn Networks Transit US, LLC, along with its associated disbursements, for FrontRunner WiFi support and enhancements in the total amount of $675,422.00
BACKGROUND:
A contract with Boldyn Networks Transit US, LLC for FrontRunner WiFi support was approved by the Board of Trustees on August 23, 2023. Staff proposes a modification to that contract as outlined below.
Switches
The current network switches installed onboard Frontrunner’s locomotives and cab cars are outdated and consist of varying models, which compromises system uniformity and reliability. These switches play a critical role in supporting the onboard patron Wi-Fi system and facilitating essential car-to-car communications for various functions, including Wi-Fi connectivity, passenger counting, announcements, and display systems. Additionally, they will soon integrate with the Trust Domain Extension (TDX) system, further underscoring the need for a cohesive and modernized network infrastructure. The maintenance of this system is handled by a specialized contractor focused on system integrations, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the underlying hardware is both compatible and efficient to support the evolving technological demands of Frontrunner services.
Fill Sites
We currently have 97% coverage across the trackside (Train to Ground) system, with the remaining 3% relying on cellular connectivity. Our goal is to eliminate these gaps and achieve near 100% trackside coverage. This will reduce reliance on cellular service, ensuring more reliable and consistent data routing. Achieving full system coverage will streamline the network topology, making future upgrades and implementations more efficient and seamless.
Coaster cars
UTA has acquired five new coaster cars to expand its fleet. To maintain standardization and ensure seamless intra-car communication, each of these cars will be equipped with Wi-Fi systems for patrons.
DISCUSSION:
Switches
Upgrading the network switches on Frontrunner’s locomotives and cab cars is essential to enhance performance, security, and reliability. The new model supports Layer 3 (L3) routing, which will improve network efficiency and facilitate better management of data traffic across the system. Additionally, implementing advanced security enhancements will help protect sensitive information and safeguard communications against potential cyber threats. Crucially, the new switches incorporate rail-standard M12 connections, which are specifically designed to withstand the vibrations and environmental challenges typical in rail infrastructure. These robust connectors will ensure a more stable and reliable connection, minimizing maintenance issues and enhancing overall system performance and security.
Fill Sites
By addressing coverage gaps, we can reduce dependence on cellular networks, ensuring a more stable and consistent communication path between the train and trackside infrastructure. Full coverage will not only improve the current system's efficiency but also simplify the network's topology. This, in turn, will make future expansions and technological upgrades more straightforward and cost-effective, as a unified, robust infrastructure will be in place to support new implementations. Ultimately, enhancing trackside coverage will contribute to a more reliable, future-proof system that can better support growing demands for data and communication.
Coaster Cars
Equipping the new coaster cars with Wi-Fi systems for patrons is a key initiative in ensuring consistency and efficiency across the fleet. As UTA expands its operations with the addition of five new coaster cars, standardizing the onboard technology is essential for maintaining a seamless passenger experience and reliable intra-car communication. Outfitting these cars with the same Wi-Fi systems used across the fleet will not only meet operational standards but also enhance connectivity, providing passengers with a smoother and more consistent experience.
CONTRACT SUMMARY:
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Contractor Name: |
Boldyn Networks Transit US, LLC |
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Contract Number: |
22-03713-4 |
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Base Contract Effective Dates: |
August 30, 2023 thru August 31, 2028 |
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Extended Contract Dates: |
N/A |
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Existing Contract Value: |
2,213,623.79 |
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Amendment Amount: |
675,422.00 |
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New/Total Contract Value: |
2,889,045.79 |
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Procurement Method: |
N/A |
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Budget Authority: |
2024 Approved Capital Budget |
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ALTERNATIVES:
Choosing not to upgrade the network switches presents several significant challenges for Frontrunner, especially with the addition of 5 new coaster cars and the ongoing effort to fill coverage gaps across the trackside network. Without a standardized model across both the fleet and trackside infrastructure, inconsistencies in performance and compatibility will arise, leading to operational inefficiencies. This also leaves UTA at risk from a cyber security infrastructure standpoint. Maintaining a portion of the fleet with outdated and unsupported equipment not only increases the risk of system failures but also complicates maintenance and troubleshooting efforts, as specialized knowledge may be required for different switch models. This becomes even more critical as new coaster cars are introduced, each requiring integration with existing systems like Wi-Fi for patrons and intra-car communications. Additionally, the effort to fill coverage gaps and achieve near 100% trackside connectivity will be hindered by the lack of a unified, modern network infrastructure. The introduction of new services, such as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger counting, and safety systems, would be increasingly difficult to implement within a fragmented network, potentially stalling essential upgrades.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Switches
The financial investment for upgrading the network switches is supported by the budget from ICI-146, which allocates funds specifically for this purpose. The total cost for upgrading 56 switches amounts to $458,534.00. This comprehensive expenditure includes not only the hardware but also the installation and ongoing state of good repair support for a period of 3.5 years, aligning with the contract duration for our system integrator. This investment is critical for ensuring a standardized, efficient, and secure network infrastructure across Frontrunner’s fleet, ultimately enhancing operational reliability and service quality for our passengers.
Fill Sites
The project code ICI-199 will be used to fund the necessary upgrades for the fill sites, with a total allocation of $79,840.00. This budget will cover the cost of hardware and shipping required to support the expansion of the trackside network, ensuring full coverage and improved system reliability. The funding will enable the purchase and delivery of essential equipment to fill existing coverage gaps. Installation of this equipment will be handled as a separate project scheduled for next year.
Coaster cars
The project code ICI146 will be used to fund the necessary upgrades for the new coaster cars, with a total allocation of $137,048.00. This budget will cover both the hardware and installation support required to equip the new cars with standardized Wi-Fi systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for patrons and reliable intra-car communications.
2024 Capital Budget for ICI-146: $1,038,000
2024 Capital Budget Available ICI1-146: $661,882
2024 Capital Budget for ICI-199: $100,000
2024 Capital Budget Available ICI-199: $91,190
ATTACHMENTS:
Contract 23-03713 WiFi Boldyn Modification 4
Exhibit B: Quote Trackside Fill Sites
Exhibit C: Quote WiFi 5 Cars
Exhibit D: Quote Upgrade WiFi Switches