☒ Consent Agenda ☐Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing
☐ Regular Business 9:00 am
☐ Public Hearing Agreement
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management
SUBMITTED BY: Dennis O’Hara
PRESENTED BY: Dennis O’Hara
TITLE & DESCRIPTION:
title
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Use of Starlink Satellite Kits between the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and DeSoto County Emergency Management
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REQUESTED MOTION:
To approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for the transfer of ownership, operation, and maintenance of Starlink Satellite Internet Kits.
SUMMARY:
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is transferring ownership of Starlink Satellite Internet Kits to DeSoto County to ensure reliable, "hyper-local" internet connectivity during disaster recovery and severe weather events. This MOA formalizes the transfer of the equipment and outlines the county’s responsibilities for ongoing service and maintenance.
BACKGROUND:
FDEM acquired Starlink kits to assist local counties in deploying resources to impacted areas where traditional communications may be compromised. Key terms of this agreement include:
• Ownership Transfer: Ownership and billing responsibilities are transferred from FDEM to the County.
• Maintenance: The County is responsible for all maintenance, repairs, software updates, and associated costs.
• Equipment Life: The expected life of the equipment is estimated at five (5) years.
• Usage: The kits must be used for their intended purpose of providing connectivity during emergent operations.
• Monitoring: FDEM retains the right to monitor the status and disposition of the kits through the SpaceX Starlink Portal.
FISCAL IMPACT
FUNDS:
Budget Amount: N/A
Actual Agenda Item: Click or tap here to enter text.
Cost: Recurring Monthly Service Fees (Variable based on SpaceX/Starlink rates) When in Use
Account Number: Click or tap here to enter text.
Explanation: While the hardware is provided at no cost by FDEM, the County assumes all future billing responsibilities for the satellite internet service and any necessary repairs for the duration of the 5-year term.