Home / Press Releases / All Current Press Releases

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA, May 11, 2026

The San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Services Group, referred to as the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) has awarded Federal Engineering, Inc. (FE) a contract for consulting services. The JPA is responsible for the radio system used by its member fire agencies and is organized to provide fire, paramedic, and first response medical services through a Fire Company-based model. It operates countywide under a direct contract with the San Mateo County Health Department and is divided into 5 zones. These zones are the South Zone, Central Zone, North Zone, Coastal Zone, and the Countywide Zone, which is intertwined with the first three zones.

Mr. Clayton Holstine, Co-Executive Director for the JPA, said, “We have retained the services of Federal Engineering to help evaluate our current radio system infrastructure and develop a comprehensive plan for improvement. The current legacy radio system is a VHF analog narrowband simulcast system comprising nine channels, divided into five zones across 39 sites and four hubs. FE will conduct an evaluation of our users’ needs, an assessment of the current radio system, and a gap analysis. Recommendations will be made for a new radio system, including cost estimates for both the radio system upgrade and long-term management/maintenance. The JPA will also get support in developing bid packages for the radio system upgrade. Outlining options for how the JPA should manage and oversee the systems, including capital and program management, and developing realistic budget and purchasing policies will also be provided by FE.”

Mr. Rajit Jhaver, Associate Vice President at Federal Engineering, emphasized the firm’s depth of experience: “FE brings extensive consulting experience in public safety radio communications projects, including many that support fire agencies and emergency medical services providers. Our considerable background in California spans over 20 years. Having successfully completed over 70 projects across the state, including some in San Mateo, we have an in-depth understanding of the local operating environment, legislation, regulations, policies, and other factors that may impact this project.”

About Federal Engineering

Federal Engineering is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in communications analysis, system design, procurement support, and implementation oversight for public safety and public service organizations. FE’s subject matter experts have extensive experience with VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and 4.9 GHz radio systems, as well as FirstNet®, LTE, and private LTE (PLTE) networks. The firm also provides comprehensive dispatch center consulting services, including NG911, PSAP, EOC, ECC, and RTTC planning and implementation.

FE’s cybersecurity practice helps clients defend against today’s complex and ever-changing threat landscape. The firm serves as a trusted advisor on emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, and assists agencies in evaluating how new technologies impact operational performance and resilience.

Since 1983, Federal Engineering has completed thousands of public safety and public service communications projects for state, local, and federal government clients across all 50 states and in

Canada. FE also provides design and implementation support services for related markets, including transportation, utilities, finance, education, and computer services industries. FE’s certified independence delivers objective, unbiased consulting services to our clients that are not influenced by any technology, product, vendor, or approach.