Michael Paddock Funding Wireless Subscribe to Newsletter Tell a Friend Print this Page 06/26/2008 New DHS Interoperable Emergency Communications Grants Support Community-Wide Efforts Last year, the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) program gave the country a glimpse at the commitment Congress has made to enhance the nation’s communications readiness. It provided a one-time $1-billion funding stream strictly dedicated to voice and data communications interoperability. As with any first pass administering a grant program, it has had its issues — ambiguity of purpose, mishandling by states, and lack of transparency. But where funds have made their way to local and regional initiatives, the funding has had an impact. In the end, though, it was only ever billed as a one-shot deal. Technically it was, but Congress created a carbon copy of the program when it authorized the Interoperable Emergency Communications Program (IEC) through 2012 as part of Implementing the Recommendations of the 911 Commission act of 2007. The IEC program was worded exactly like PSIC, except that only $50 million was appropriated for this year and $400 million each subsequent year through 2012 In mid-June, DHS opened the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grants, with a deadline of July 21. In contrast to the extended intent of the program to fund a significant share of equipment and services, this year’s smaller, initial program is focused on planning and training for first responder personnel. This planning focus could be a boon to communities in (at least) two important ways. First, in keeping with the apparent intent of the program, it will empower communities to reflect on their regional needs for interoperability before they begin spending money. Too often, communities quickly pounce on available funds and with a use it or lose it attitude, spend all they can on whatever is allowable and justifiable. This pause for planning will provide for a more measured rollout of interoperability as larger amounts of money become available in future years. Secondly, the funding will enable communities interested on implementing a broadband-wireless infrastructure — especially those with a public-safety focus — to incorporate planning for communications into their broader wireless strategy, with the expectation that funding will be available to support it. In addition to the core communications elements that can be funded by at least 10 different grant sources, future IEC funding can pay for elements of the core infrastructure that will support interoperability as well as provide capacity to the overall wireless network. State Administrative Agencies, the same agencies that administer Homeland Security Grants, will apply for and receive these funds and re-grant them to local municipalities. If your community has a project pending that you think would be appropriate to use IEC, talk with your state representatives. Ideally, present them with a written plan for how you intend to use the funds and a budget that defines what you need and why. More information on the IEC program is available at the FEMA Website at www.fema.gov/grants and for Grants Office UPStream subscribers at www.grantsoffice.com. back Related Items: • Cincinnati Readies for Wi-Fi • Funding for Broadband-Wireless Communities Comments No records were found. Post new comment: Only registered users can add comments. Please Log-in

• MORE BLOGS