Next Generation 911 Management Request for Proposal Released
Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 05:34am
NASHVILLE- A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued today for management services related to the state’s Next Generation 911 (NG911) project. The RFP’s release comes as the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board (TECB) prepares to move forward with this critical upgrade of the 911 system.
“This is a big project that will have significant benefits for Tennesseans,” says TECB Executive Director Lynn Questell. “Hiring a management company is an important step in the process. We’re pleased this project is moving forward.”
She notes that NG911 is necessary in today’s technology environment. “We need NG 911, to handle emerging technologies like Internet phone service (VoIP) and the many capabilities of today’s cell phones.” The TECB approved $25 million in funding to local districts in February to cover the cost of equipment necessary for the project.
The deadline for submitting proposals is November 29 and a full schedule is available on the website. Questions should be directed to the RFP coordinator, Dan Birdwell, at dan.m.birdwell@tn.gov or by calling 615-532-3589. Parties interested in responding to the RFP should visit http://www.state.tn.us/finance/rds/ocr/rfp.html.
The TECB was created by the General Assembly in 1998 to assist ECDs’ boards of directors in the areas of management, operations and accountability, with the goal of establishing reliable emergency communications for all citizens of the state. It’s a successful formula; in 2005, Tennessee became the third state in the nation to become Phase II-ready, meaning a 911 operator can obtain a wireless caller’s number and location information. In 2005, Tennessee received an award from the Congressional E911 Institute for having the nation’s best state system.
The TECB is administratively attached to the Department of Commerce and Insurance, which works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/