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AWIN the Arkansas Wireless Information Network
Data Collection Submitted to FirstNet
The deadline to submit required information to assist with public safety broadband coverage planning to FirstNet was Wednesday, Sept. 30. With the assistance of agencies across the state, the AWIN team was able to meet the deadline.
Earlier in the year, FirstNet requested assistance and provided guidelines for states to collect data from the public safety community to use in coverage planning and to ensure that the network meets the needs of first responders. FirstNet only maintained baseline information, and states were asked to fill in existing gaps with information such as users, operational areas, current coverage, data usage, etc.
Through the data collection process, the AWIN team worked closely with private and public safety entities across the state to collect needed information and with the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) office to compile the information into an easily displayed format. An online database was developed to easily enter all compiled information, which was shared with several other states as a template.
In order for Arkansas to receive the most beneficial coverage through the FirstNet initiative, the AGIS office developed a portal and maps to display specific layers of the collected information. Through the use of the maps, the data collection team could easily view current gaps in FirstNet’s coverage plans. The team worked to align needed coverage with public entity facilities, state highways, populated areas according to 911 address points and any other areas of concern provided by local public safety officials.
The data collection team also worked with the city of Little Rock to discuss its significant use of data. In addition to the FirstNet data collection, the team will provide city models for bandwidth and data access needs.
As part of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), public safety responders were surveyed to determine state priorities for interoperable communications. A large majority of responders are concerned about FirstNet coverage, so the Arkansas Public Safety Broadband Network (APSBN) team is working to ensure that the state receives the best public safety broadband coverage in regards to FirstNet as possible.  Thank you to all of the public and private safety agencies in the state for your contributions to the data collection efforts.
SCIP Workshop Well Attended
More than 30 public safety professionals including AWIN team members participated in a workshop to update the statewide communication interoperability plan (SCIP) Thursday, Sept. 17.
During the one-day workshop, attendees from multiple agencies received critical information needed for revising and updating the SCIP. Six representatives from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) were also present to provide updates with the group and assist with strategic planning and oversight. Attendees heard briefings related to interoperable communications, participated in interactive exercises and performed a review of the SCIP vision and mission.
The workshop was held at the Burgundy hotel conference facility in Little Rock.
Reallocation of Frequencies on the Horizon
The AWIN team is beginning preliminary planning for the reallocation of a portion of 700 MHz frequencies required for national public safety broadband efforts.
For the FirstNet implementation, AWIN will need to vacate some frequencies that will be used for the interoperable network. The federal program will provide the state of Arkansas grant funds to perform the reallocation of the selected frequencies.
The reallocation process will be similar to previous rebanding efforts. Equipment at some tower sites will have to be adjusted, and all radios will have to be touched and reprogrammed. The AWIN team is currently waiting on the approval of the federal budget.
Communications Event Plans in the Works
The AWIN team is working with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) to schedule a hands-on communications event that will be conducted prior to the interoperable communications conference in July 2016.
This event would be an opportunity for users to try different types of equipment and participate in an interactive event to enhance their knowledge of interoperable communications and share ideas. Also as another benefit of the event, those users that have completed communications leader (COML) training will have an opportunity to complete their task books.
The OEC will bring in experts to assist with the event. More information will be passed along as the planning process progresses. Please watch the AWIN Facebook page for updates!
MARI System in Pilot Phase
The first pilot agency is completing the final stages of its review of the recently-implemented, Web-based AWIN system to compile and manage AWIN user and radio information.
 
The Jonesboro Fire Department is assisting the AWIN team by providing user perspective and feedback on the secure Managing AWIN Radio Information (MARI) system. MARI tracks information such as radio identification numbers assigned to each radio on AWIN, agency and user information, serial numbers and more. Through the new MARI interface, users will have the ability to complete and submit documentation online to request radios and identification numbers, as well as track information such as the number of available radio identifications available to the agency. The system is used for informational purposes and a cross-reference and doesn’t relate to the way the radios work on the AWIN system.
The AWIN project management team is planning to release MARI to the second pilot group of agencies within the near future. The process with the initial group required some validation of data, which may be needed with the next group as well. A timeline will be developed to release the system to additional agencies with the completion of the second pilot.
The AWIN team expects the MARI system to increase collaboration with stakeholders and reduce the need for paper forms which in turn will provide cost and time savings. A decision regarding training on the system will be made before its release. Users will still be able to submit paper forms as needed, but the system is user-friendly, straightforward and easy to access.
Communications Unit Working Group Development
During the recent workshop to update the statewide communications interoperability plan (SCIP), it was determined that a new working group should be established.
The communications unit working group is needed to research and develop processes and provide guidance on how to best use communications leaders (COML) and communications technicians (COMT). Over the next few weeks, the AWIN team will review the draft SCIP update, and distribute more information regarding the working group.
If you would like to participate in the communications unit working group, please contact Penny Rubow at penny.rubow@arkansas.gov.
Remember to find us on Facebook and like our page for AWIN updates! Go to
https://www.facebook.com/Arkansas-Wireless-Information-Network-839721249417583/timeline/.
Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN) | awin.operations@arkansas.gov
Phone 501.683.1798 | Help Desk 501.682.HELP or 1.800.435.7989 | www.awin.arkansas.gov




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