Our Work
“Thank you for the opportunity to work with the best!”
KEY RESULT:
At the end of the current project, all 115 PSAPs will be connected via a redundant IP network delivering E9-1-1 calls and ALI data. The IP network will allow for all PSAPs to transfer and conference E9-1-1 calls with ALI anywhere in the state. The chosen solution is scalable to allow for the implementation of future Next Generation applications as they are standardized and made available.
State of Minnesota Hires MCP to Implement Next Gen
Challenge:
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) desired to implement a statewide Next Generation-capable IP network to all 115 PSAP locations in the State of Minnesota. The first goal of the project was to provide fully enhanced E9-1-1 interconnectivity between all PSAPs. This goal would resolve the inability of some PSAPs to transfer E9-1-1 calls from one 9-1-1 service provider’s network to the other 9-1-1 service provider’s network. It would also resolve some call origination issues that existed where calls could not be routed to the correct primary PSAP. The first phase required the legacy 9-1-1 service providers to invoke ALI steering along with interconnecting the 9-1-1 service provider’s networks. The second and third phases of the project were to provide fully redundant IP connectivity to all PSAPs while not disrupting any PSAP services. The second phase included the creation and evaluation of selected “test” PSAPs to ensure that all processes and procedures worked. The third phase involved transitioning the remainder of the 115 PSAPs to the IP-enabled network. These phases required both legacy 9-1-1 service providers to work together, deliver their end office E9-1-1 traffic to a mated pair of 9-1-1 selective routers, deliver E9-1-1 callers to the correct PSAP and provide ALI, while utilizing a fully redundant, diverse IP network capable of Next Generation features and applications when available. Along with all the advanced network and routing benefits, costs were another major factor for the Minnesota DPS. The DPS’s challenge was to procure a system that met all their requirements and was affordable in today’s economy. Negotiations with the contracted vendor provided the DPS with a system that achieved their goals while remaining within their budget constraints.
Solution:
MCP is supporting the implementation and deployment of the statewide 9-1-1 IP network by providing technical assistance, project coordination, and oversight of system testing of network functionality, gateways, and routers. To ensure the timely and cost-efficient management of this network deployment project, MCP will also provide acceptance test plans and processes, acceptance testing of all phases and “punch list” management. Project coordination is accomplished through an interactive “dashboard,” as well as facilitation of project status meetings and conference calls. An additional task is the oversight and documentation of the change management process. Such comprehensive project management services, and the skill in which they are delivered, led this client to make the following comment: “Thank you for the opportunity to work with the best!”
