March Continuing Education Series Announced by MCP

PORT MATILDA, Pa. (February 10, 2016)—The fast-paced nature and demands of emergency communications makes it challenging to set aside time for education sessions, however, it is vitally important to stay abreast of new technologies, legislation and strategic planning because lives count on 9-1-1. In order to help public safety communications agencies stay current, Mission Critical Partners (MCP) has decided to offer monthly, on-line educational sessions to the public safety community.

March’s events are listed below. Be sure to register early, as space is limited.

Date: March 3, 2:00 pm EST / 1:00 pm CST

Topic: Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network

We would like to invite you to a roundtable discussion/webinar for state SPOCS, where you will be able to discuss issues with your colleagues, explore what the various viewpoints are on these subjects, and share thoughts on how to address them.

As we all know, on January 12, FirstNet released the long anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking comprehensive solutions from potential vendor partners to build and operate the nationwide public safety broadband network. There are several elements included in the RFP which could have significant implications for states moving forward through the planning process. Topics such as the evaluation criteria weighing coverage versus the business model, the state plan template, the use of state assets, local control, and non-band 14 roaming, just to name a few. Governors are faced with making the opt-in/opt-out decision in early 2017. There are significant challenges involved in being able to collect enough information for the governor to be able to make a truly informed decision between the two options. To make that decision they will need reliable analysis of the implications and opportunities.

To request additional information or to register, email education@missioncritical.3twenty9.net.

Date: March 8, 3:00 pm EST / 2:00 pm CST

Topic: Geographic Information System Data for 9-1-1

Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have historically received the “mapping” data that is used in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and on the call-takers’ screens as “data dumps” from the Geographic Information System (GIS) group(s) in the jurisdictions they serve. This data is rarely public safety grade and require revisions prior to being loaded into the CAD system. Additionally, the request and load process is generally manual and triggered through a request by the PSAP. Although the data is being updated daily by the jurisdictions, there is a lag of weeks or months between update cycles to the PSAP.

This learning session will provide insight into GIS data updating and sharing methods that will automate the update process between the PSAP and the data provider. The result is a reduction of updates being made in near-real time and eliminates the costly need for data revisions by the PSAP. The technology exists, and is most likely already part of your current licensing agreement with your GIS vendor, to achieve near-real-time data currency while reducing the cost of data maintenance and increasing the value of the data to the entire enterprise, not just 9-1-1.

To request additional information or to register, email education@missioncritical.3twenty9.net.

About Mission Critical Partners (MCP)

MCP provides innovative consulting to clients with life safety communications missions throughout North America. With a professional staff of more than 80 employees, the MCP team includes former public safety managers, Project Management Professionals (PMPs), Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs), and technology, forensic and policy specialists. MCP’s services include Executive Consulting/Master Planning; Emergency Management Communications; Next Generation 911 Planning and Implementation; Radio and Wireless Communications; Facility/Technology Integration; Broadband Deployment; Consolidation Services; and Forensics/Systems Analysis. Additional information and career opportunities are available at www.missioncritical.3twenty9.net.