(TILLAMOOK, OR. July 2, 2026) Tillamook County is providing an update on the Public Safety Emergency Communications System Upgrade. County voters approved a $24.4 million General Obligation Bond in November 2024 to support the upgrade.
The County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in May 2025 seeking qualified firms to design and construct the countywide system upgrade. Two firms responded with proposals by the submission deadline: EF Johnson, a JVC Kenwood company, and Motorola Solutions.
A ten-member Steering Committee, comprised of Tillamook County public safety officials, County managers, and independent technical consultants, conducted a detailed evaluation of both proposals.
Following its review, the Committee identified the EF Johnson proposal as the preferred solution, contingent upon determining the costs associated with developing the radio sites required to meet the system’s coverage objectives.
The RFP required vendors to design a system capable of providing at least 95 percent portable radio coverage throughout the County. Because the number and location of radio sites depended on each vendor’s proposed system design, it was neither practical nor cost-effective to perform comprehensive site evaluations before proposals were received. Both vendors incorporated a combination of existing radio sites and proposed new sites into their designs.
Before awarding a contract for the complete project, the County determined it was necessary to identify the final radio sites and develop reliable cost estimates for site construction and improvements.
To accomplish this work, the County entered into a limited-scope contract with EF Johnson in December 2025. The contract included preliminary system design, site selection, field surveys of the recommended locations, development of site construction cost estimates, and preparation of a
revised project proposal. The limited-scope contract work is complete, and EF Johnson submitted its final report and revised proposal in May.
In April 2026, Motorola Solutions requested permission to submit a revised proposal to the County at no additional cost. The County accepted that offer, and Motorola submitted its revised proposal in June.
The Committee is reviewing the EF Johnson and Motorola proposals and expects to complete its evaluation and provide a recommendation to the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners before the end of July 2026 so contract negotiations can be completed and work on the new communications system can begin.
If approved, the project schedule is expected to proceed as follows:
• August 2026: Project initiation
• January 2027: Completion of system design and permitting
• December 2027: Completion of radio site development and system construction
• June 2028: System testing, user training, final acceptance, and transition to full operational service
The new communications system will provide modern, reliable, countywide radio communications for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies, improving interoperability, coverage, and the ability of first responders to communicate during routine operations and emergency incidents.
Tillamook County appreciates the continued patience and support of the public as this important public safety infrastructure project moves toward vendor selection and implementation. For more information, go to www.tillamookpublicsafety.org
