Interoperability in Virginia

The lack of interoperable wireless communications systems has plagued public safety organizations for decades. In many cases, public safety personnel do not have adequate radio spectrum (channels or frequencies) or hardware/equipment to perform mission-critical duties. Emergency responders are then unable to communicate or share critical voice and data information with other jurisdictions or disciplines during natural disasters, emergency response scenarios, terrorist acts, or even in day-to-day operations.

What is Interoperability?

Interoperability is the ability for key public safety personnel to talk with one another via communication systems – to exchange voice and/or data with one another on demand and in real time, whenever necessary.  It creates intercommunications that support effective tactical incident management and strategic emergency management activities; these in turn support a continuity of operations and government functions during emergencies and catastrophic events. 

The State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC), Advisory Group, and Initiative Actions Teams (IAT) continue to work on implementing the initiatives contained in the annually updated Statewide Strategic Plan for Interoperable Communications.  This supports the practitioner driven process to ensure all stakeholders remain involved in the effort.  In 2004, to address the issues surrounding communications interoperability, the Commonwealth of Virginia partnered with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) SAFECOM program to develop a stakeholder driven interoperability governance structure and Statewide Strategic Plan.  The stakeholder driven process used to develop the FY2005 Statewide Strategic Plan for Interoperable Communications has resulted in Virginia’s process being recognized by Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and SAFECOM as a national best practices model for interoperable communications planning.  Additionally, the Commonwealth established a dedicated office, the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator’s Office (CICO), to coordinate interoperable communications efforts for localities, regions, and state agencies.  Virginia was the first state in the nation to have a full time coordinator.  To show interoperable communications is a high priority, the CICO has been placed within the Governor's Office of Commonwealth Preparedness.

Secretary of Public Safety, John Marshall, Captain Eddie Reyes, Alexandria PD, former State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) Chair, and former CIC, Chris Essid with other first responders at Fairfax County Vehicle Rally June 16, 2006

Since its establishment in 2004, the CICO in conjunction with practitioners throughout the state have accomplished the following major activities:

• Distributed $5.6 million to support local interoperable communication projects
• Assisted localities/regions in securing over $7.4 million in federal interoperable communication grants
• Established practitioner based Initiative Action Teams to focus on:
  • Assisting localities and regions with 800 MHz Rebanding
  • Developing Common Language Protocols and Operational Protocols
  • Establishing Voice and Data Technical Standards
  • Coordinating Mutual Aid and Interoperability Channels
  • Including additional Communication Equipment and Services to State Contract
  • Developing the Commonwealth’s 700 MHz Plan for 700 MHz Interoperability Channels
    
    
    

NEW

PSIC Investment   Justifications

New PSIC Grant Updates

New CIC Appointed

2008 Strategic Plan

Homeland Security Article

Executive Directive 7

800 MHz Rebanding Report