For the past several years, MIEMSS has been working to modify the statewide EMS communications system to ensure compliance with FCC mandates for public safety systems to migrate to narrowband technology. Replacement of Maryland’s non-narrowband-capable infrastructure to accommodate the mandate is nearing completion. MIEMSS continues to focus on statewide replacement of non-narrowband-capable mobile and portable radios.
In the past, MIEMSS had provided county and volunteer EMS companies with mobile and portable radios through an equipment donation process. Because of necessary changes in the MIEMSS inventory management system, in 2010 MIEMSS replaced the equipment donation program with the Radio Grant Program. The Radio Grant Program continues to ensure that jurisdictions can obtain the necessary mobile and portable radio equipment essential for a cohesive EMS communications system subject, of course, to the availability of funding.
Under the Radio Grant Program, MIEMSS reimburses a county and /or volunteer company in the county, up to a specified amount for the purchase, and installation where appropriate, of new narrowband mobile and portable radios that meet the MIEMSS specifications. There is a specific mobile radio and a specific portable radio that can be purchased under the Radio Grant Program which are compliant with FCC requirements and meet the operational needs of the Maryland EMS communications system. Under the Radio Grant Program MIEMSS reimburses the grantee up to $1,300 for the purchase of a Motorola Model CDM 1550 mobile radio including, where appropriate, installation costs, and MIEMSS reimburses the grantee up $1,300 for the purchase of the Kenwood TK 390 portable radio, mobile charger and, where appropriate, installation. The portable and mobile radios are both available on the state contract. (Please refer to the Two-Way Radio Equipment and Services contract through the Department of Information Technology, 060B9800015, Functional Area I as follows:
http://doit.maryland.gov/contracts/Pages/TwoWayRadioFunctionalAreas.aspx.) These radios must be programmed with the MIEMSS approved channel template.
It is MIEMSS intention to start operating in the narrowband mode during the second half of Calendar Year 2012. Moving into narrowband operations will involve switching over EMS Operating Programs (EMSOPs) in phases over a multi-week period. It is MIEMSS’ hope that all counties and/or volunteer companies will have taken advantage of the Radio Grant Program and will have replaced non-narrowband-capable radios with narrowband-capable radio equipment by July 1, 2012. Once an EMSOP is moved over to narrowband mode units operating non narrowband capable radios will disrupt EMS radio communications. Counties/companies operating non narrowband compliant equipment after January 1, 2013 will be in violation of FCC regulations and subject to FCC penalties.
In order to participate in the Radio Grant Program, participants must sign a “MIEMSS Radio Cost Reimbursement Grant Agreement.” Participants may be either a county or individual companies within a county, depending on how the various jurisdictions wish to proceed.
The Radio Grant Program is operational and will continue through FY12 funding permitting. Jurisdictions should consider and discuss with the Regional Administrator in their region how and when they would like to participate in the Radio Grant Program.