Services

How RTSG works with you

RTSG acts as your expert advisor (and hands-on manager, when required) to accomplish your organization's strategic and tactical objectives regarding enhanced data communications.

Planning

Initial consultation
Needs assessment
Requirements development
High-level architecture
Governance structure
Market assessment

Acquisition

Draft/review proposals of specifications
Independent evaluation of proposals
Recommendations for selection

Implementation

Training
Exercises
Standard Operating Procedures
Continuity of Operations

Information Sharing Framework

The Information Sharing Framework is a pragmatic approach to solving the data interoperability challenge.

With dozens of existing solutions and databases already in place in most agencies, the ISF proposes an overlay of an “integration layer” that will access and standardize data in existing systems in order to make them more shareable with other “presentation layer” applications.

This high level architectural approach leverages existing tools and techniques to maximize the value of an agency’s data and enhance real time situational awareness. It guides all the strategic and tactical advice offered by RTSG.

While our focus and experience may center on technology, we have learned it is the “three legged stool” of People/Process/Technology that makes for success. That is, the people must come together to reach agreement on the way forward, work through a process that yields a product (a specification, requirement, CONOPs, RFP, etc.) and only then select the technology that will meet their needs.

We have had experience in all phases of this approach, working across jurisdictions, agencies and disciplines to achieve success. We’ve led the development of plans and roadmaps, gathered system requirements, helped craft procurements, and evaluated RFPs as well as driving implementation of a range of technologies. We’ve worked on critical systems including land mobile radio (LMR), geographic information systems (GIS), computer aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS), and drones, as well as video/video analytics. We’ve developed a deep understanding of the market, products, and services available now and those emerging soon.

We are thought leaders in the public safety community. We have each written extensively about the challenges and opportunities facing critical infrastructure and public safety. We took part in developing the interoperability continuum depicting the dimensions of the communications interoperability challenge. Founder John Contestabile was the principal author of the Information Sharing Framework which provides a methodology for achieving data interoperability across systems, agencies, disciplines, and jurisdictions. These seminal publications form the basis of our technology consulting services.

Resilient Technology Solutions Group offers assistance across the five lanes of the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. This framework identifies critical success elements to be addressed to achieve a sophisticated interoperability solution. The Interoperability Continuum can be used to track progress in strengthening interoperable communications within public safety, government, critical infrastructure partners, and industry.

Governance

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Technology

• Governance Development Establishing a common governance structure for solving operability and interoperability issues. Governance structures provide the framework in which stakeholders can collaborate and make decisions that represent a common objective.

• Interoperability Plan Development High level interoperable architecture development; regional, statewide, and sector plans; PACE plan development.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Development SOP’s provide a foundation of policies and procedures for how agencies operate during incidents. Clear and effective SOPs are essential in the development and deployment of any interoperable communications solution

• Training and Exercises Implementing effective training and exercise programs to practice technology interoperability is essential for ensuring that the technology works effectively during emergencies.

• 9-1-1 Telephone System This system receives all 9-1-1- and non-emergency calls, regardless of if being from landline or wireless. If landline, the system should know the exact location of the caller, to include floor and room number if possible. If wireless, it should also know the exact location of the caller and floor number.

• Computer Aided Dispatch System Interfaces with the 9-1-1 Telephone System which allows the call taker to begin to enter critical data in preparation for action on the call and recorded history for future reference.

• Cybersecurity Protecting connected electronic systems and information by preventing, detecting, and responding to threats and attacks. Managing cybersecurity risk starts with an effective governance structure that encourages emergency responders and policy makers to evaluate, communicate, and advocate for cybersecurity services and resources in each of the five inter dependent Interoperability Continuum elements. To assist stakeholders in improving cybersecurity, the NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, provides approaches to strengthen cybersecurity in critical infrastructure as well as the overall Emergency Communications Ecosystem.

• Land Mobile Radio System Allows the emergency communications center (ECC) to talk with first responders in the field in an encrypted push-to-talk manner and first responders to talk with each other seamlessly. Today’s radio systems allow the devices to transition from 800 MHz to 5G to Wi-Fi seamlessly without user intervention.

Training and Exercises

Usage of Interoperable Communications

• Mobile Data System Allows for the control room to send critical data to the first responders in the field (laptops, tablets, smartphones) in the form of text, reports, pictures and/or videos to assist with safe and quick incident management.

• Mapping System Allows for an overview of any location to provide the employee with very advanced information, such as the quickest route, nearest helicopter landing zone, or closest fire hydrant. Using AI to recommend closest resource is one of the biggest capabilities of this system.

• Recording System Records all voice calls in the control room coming in through the 911-telephone system and making that information available to authorized users immediately, even if the call took place months ago.

• Voice|Text Translation and Transcription System Allows for any voice conversation and/or text to be instantly identified and translated/transcribed into the selected language for incident management.

• Incident Management Software Supports public safety agencies, private security, disaster management, and smart city initiatives.

• Real-Time Crime Center Providing simultaneous access to operational data from multiple sources, aiding law enforcement decision-making and trend identification.

• Law Enforcement Units Recruitment, retention, policy, CALEA accreditation, basic, field, and in-service training, COMPSTAT model of policing.