Georgia Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security Interoperable Communication Sustainment Nick Brown Statewide Interoperable Communication Coordinator (SWIC) April 7 2015
What drives our Interoperability efforts? Georgia Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) A collaborative effort to synchronize the strategic planning of local, state and federal government emergency response agencies. Provides all stakeholders with improved communications systems, improved first responder safety and support to their communities. First created in 2007 in response to the Public Safety Interoperable Communication (PSIC) grant program. Updated in 2010, 2012 and 2014
Planning tool
Why is achieving effective communication so hard? Governance Relationship building is one, if not the most important factor in coordinating and improving communications Standard Operating Procedures Very basic to complex policies and procedures ensure consistency for all agencies/personnel Technology Varying standards P25 is the recognized public safety standard for digital radio technology New digital formats such as Mototrbo, Nexedge, DMR/Tetra Analog versus digital Conventional versus trunked Training and Exercise Routine training on exercise and practicing SOP s through exercise will keep personnel proficient with using equipment and working with other agencies/personnel Usage Do you practice using interoperability channels/procedures infrequently or on a daily or more routine basis?
Traditional radio system ownership
Regional collaboration
Why is the regional collaboration appealing? Reduction of infrastructure Reduction of operation and maintenance costs Reduction of personnel needs (ie: system technicians) Enhanced interoperability Shared access through cross programming System-wide interoperability talkgroups Usage EVERYDAY access to mission critical voice communication system designed with current public safety standard technology
Sustainment recommendations Governance Ensure representation of all stakeholder agencies and continue to solicit buy-in from potential new partners Standard Operating Procedures Develop policies that are achievable and obtain consensus from stakeholders Include daily operations as well as disaster/multi agency special events Technology Data Until Firstnet Public Safety Broadband Network launches, sharing data files may remains at the lowest level by swapping files Standards Based Shared System Maintain system with continued technology upgrades with a 5-10 year roadmap so stakeholders understand the future commitments of support and funding Training and Exercise Conduct routine training and practicing SOP s through exercise will keep personnel proficient with using equipment and working with other agencies/personnel Usage The system is used for daily operations but can agencies navigate the interoperability talkgroups if directed to do so?
Example of rating level of interoperability
Technology Sustainment Emergency Communications System Life Cycle Planning Guide Published by DHS August 2011
Technology Sustainment
Public Safety Communication System Evolution
Public Safety Broadband Network The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created as an independent authority within the Department of Commerce s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). FirstNet s mission is to build, operate, and maintain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The NPSBN will be the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety entities. Initially, the network will be used for sending data, video, images and text. FirstNet will: Work with each State and territory to create a network deployment plan Engage across all levels of government to create an interoperable, nationwide LTE network Hold the spectrum license for the NPSBN
Public Safety Broadband Network Technology Evolution
Firstnet Governance in Georgia FirstNet Georgia Office of the Governor Georgia Emergency Management Agency PSIEC Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security Georgia Department of Public Safety Georgia Department of Corrections Georgia Forestry Commission Assoc. of the County Commissioners of Georgia Georgia Sheriff s Assoc. Georgia Assoc. of Chiefs of Police Georgia Assoc. of Fire Chiefs Governor s Office of Planning and Budget Georgia Assoc. of EMS Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Technology Authority Georgia Dept. of Administrative Services Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Georgia Municipal Assoc.
What about Land Mobile Radio? Public safety s use of LMR systems will continue for the foreseeable future. There is no defined timeframe when LTE broadband technology may provide the same level of mission-critical voice services that are available today or when mission-critical voice services will be incorporated in the NPSBN. Definition Land Mobile Radio (LMR) LMR is a land-based wireless narrowband communications system commonly used by emergency responders across all levels of government, commercial companies, and the military to support voice and lowspeed data communications Long Term Evolution (LTE) LTE is the next evolution of commercial broadband wireless communications technology, initially developed to address the demand for high-speed, data intensive communications. This aids public safety officials in improving situational awareness, advanced analytics, database lookups, and video applications
Useful Websites http://firstnet.gema.ga.gov Georgia Firstnet effort information www.safecomprogram.gov DHS site www.publicsafetytools.info OEC site Communication System Life Cycle Planning Guide http://publicsafetytools.info/oec_guidance/docs/oec_system_ Life_Cycle_Planning_Guide_Final.pdf
Contact Information Nick Brown Statewide Interoperable Communications Coordinator Office: 404-624-2359 Email: nick.brown@gema.ga.gov