Original Date: 06/23/1997
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) has established a contract that provides the ordering of an unlimited quantity of radio controlled fire alarm boxes, panels, and accessories over a five-year period without further military supply system involvement.

A unique feature of this contract permits the systematic implementation of an effective and efficient radio controlled system for modernizing the base operations fire protection system. The system is also capable of extending to the needs of regional government and private sector fire protection. The radio controlled system consists of frequency modulated radio transmitter alarm stations that report emergency alarm messages to a master control receiver station. The receiver station monitors emergency signals. The wireless system eliminates the need for underground cables or telephone lines. By using solar power for primary power and battery for secondary power, the system is independent of outside power sources. The system is vandal resistant, virtually maintenance free, and provides portability at a much lower cost than conventional line terminated systems. Radio controlled systems are especially cost effective and reliability enhancing when strategically locating emergency alarm stations over a large region, such as the LEAD property and Franklin County.

More than 100 radio controlled alarm stations have been ordered and installed throughout the Depot. They are connected to the Fire Department’s Vision 21 System for monitoring. In addition to the fire protection, other emergency alarm stations have been installed throughout the Depot to monitor emergency conditions of lift stations, turbidity levels at the water plant, flame out and pressure of boilers, and security intrusion. The reliability of the system has significantly reduced the number of alarm checks required and eliminated line repairs. The five-year indefinite quantity contract has significantly reduced the cost of contract administration, saved cost per item ordered, and allowed the system to be built with compatible components. A unique capability of this contract allows other federal installations to order an unlimited quantity of radio controlled boxes, panels, and accessories. These items are then shipped directly to the ordering installations. All prices and terms have been negotiated in advance which eliminates duplication of effort. All coordination for handling the transfer of funds from other activities, and the responsibility for proper receipt of the items are handled through the LEAD contract.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.