To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Anaconda Networks - Blanket Purchase Order amendment and extension
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent to execute, on behalf of the Fire Chief, a purchase order amendment with Anaconda Networks, to increase the payment limit by $150,000 to a new payment limit of $305,000, and extend the term through December 31, 2029, for the purchase of modems, routers, and net cloud service plans.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted. 100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund
BACKGROUND:
Anaconda Networks serves as the Fire District’s regional vendor for mobile data and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment operating on the Cradlepoint platform. These systems integrate directly with Contra Costa County’s existing communications infrastructure and subscriber units, as well as with regional public safety partner agencies. Maintaining this compatibility is essential to ensuring uninterrupted interoperability and coordinated emergency response operations.
Anaconda Networks provides the Cradlepoint hardware, licensing, and technical support necessary to sustain reliable mobile connectivity and real-time vehicle tracking across the District’s fleet. These capabilities are critical to operational readiness, incident coordination, and firefighter safety. The District’s established relationship with Anaconda Networks supports continuity of service, minimizes operational risk, and avoids potential disruptions that could result from transitioning to a new vendor or platform.
From a fiscal perspective, continuation of services with Anaconda Networks is the most cost-effective option. Transitioning to an alternate vendor would likely require replacing compatible equipment, reconfiguring systems, obtaining additional licensing, and retraining staff, resulting in increased costs and potential service interruptions. Retaining the current vendor preserves the District’s prior investment in infrastructure and training while maintaining system reliability.
In March 2025, the Purchasing Department approved a blanket purchase order with Anaconda Networks, an authorized sole-source provider, for $155,000, in accordance with District procurement regulations. Due to ongoing operational needs, equipment lifecycle replacements, and continued licensing and support requirements, the District requests Board approval to increase the payment limit by $150,000, for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $305,000. The District also requests approval to extend the blanket purchase order term through December 31, 2029, to ensure continuity of services and budget stability.
The End User Agreement contains standard limitations of liability and indemnification provisions consistent with industry practices.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without this approval, the District will have to identify alternative products and network services it requires to operate effectively. This could come with increased cost.