Kimball News
		Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans in MI, NJ and PA Completed   Kimball recently completed three statewide strategic interoperable communications plans in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These projects were closely aligned with the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant, jointly administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and are designed to fund and promote greater statewide interoperability. At the conclusion of these projects, these three states are positioned to receive a combined total of $90 million in grants.  “This is truly a measure of what can be done by strong teams working together to encourage greater interoperability that benefits our first responders and our communities,” said Kevin Murray, senior vice president of Kimball’s telecommunications and technology business.  “We are pleased that the commitment to and expert knowledge of interoperability at Kimball helped to position these states to receive their funding.” In Michigan, Kimball completed the Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) and a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP). The TCIP report includes an in-depth assessment of state and regional interoperability based on equipment, systems and frequencies; as well as standard operating procedures and a governance structure for planning. The SCIP defines a strategic governance structure, funding mechanisms and a strategy to develop interoperable communications long-term. Together, these plans were influential in determining Michigan’s selection of interoperability improvement projects using their PSIC grant allocation of $25 million. In New Jersey, Kimball worked with state and local officials to identify gaps in the communications infrastructure, and specific strategies to improve these interoperability shortfalls. Research was compiled using Kimball’s proprietary web-based survey tool and through stakeholder interviews. The findings served as the backbone of New Jersey’s SCIP, authored by the State and Kimball, which also included additional requirements for plan governance, operating procedures, implementation planning and ongoing funding. Kimball then assisted the State with the preparation of the Investment Justifications for the PSIC grant application, which will result in potential funding for improvements of more than $30 million. In Pennsylvania, Kimball similarly worked with officials to develop their SCIP, which identifies long term and short term strategic initiatives for addressing communication issues at the statewide, regional and local levels. Information on resources and technologies currently available was gathered using Kimball’s proprietary web-based survey tool.  Kimball supported the state in hosting the first annual statewide Communications Interoperability Conference.  This conference provided a forum for all Pennsylvania public safety service providers and related organizations to provide inputs and exchange information related to communications and interoperability. The completed plan positioned the Commonwealth to apply for and receive an aggressive PSIC grant allocation of $34.1 million.
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