The current success of the RespondComm project is due to the partnerships and relationships that we have established. Our team is composed of several small businesses and local, state and regional organizations, all willing and able to lend their support and effort to make this project a success.

The NIJ CommTech group has been a valuable partner from the beginning of the RespondComm project. CommTech sponsors various projects all aimed at improving communications interoperability for law enforcement and public safety agencies. CommTech hosts several group project reviews annually affording opportunities for various projects to interact and collaborate. In addition, CommTech personnel are always willing to assist in project activities as much as possible and as appropriate. They have provided a solid foundation for the RespondComm project to grow and continue to be an integrated partner on the project.

For additional information, see the CommTech web site at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/technology/communication/.

Information Research Corporation (IRC)

Information Research Corporation, an SBA-certified HUBZone business concern, provides IT services and solutions to federal, state, and local governments, federal civilian agencies, and commercial clients.  IRC’s core business areas include software/system engineering, training and education, Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), and system integration.

IRC's system/software capabilities span the entire IT value chain, from basic infrastructure support all the way to the architectural design, integration and implementation of mission critical applications and network centric systems. IRC delivers performance improvement through technology-based training, including content development, learning management, and evaluation.  Our experience includes design, development, and implementation of customized training programs for front-line workers, knowledge workers, and various other audiences.

In support of RespondComm, IRC is responsible for public safety application definition and development using SIP and IMS as the core technologies. IRC also assists with infrastructure support of the WiMAX network, including hardware/network maintenance and management.

For additional information on IRC, visit their web site at http://www.ircwv.com/.

HCS Technologies, Inc.

HCS Technologies Inc is a veteran owned small business based in Northern West Virginia.  As a cutting edge integrator, we specialize in building portable platforms utilizing non traditional power systems, custom radio communications packages and specialized network connectivity solutions.  Our non traditional power systems range from micro-grids to solar, wind and hydrogen fuel cells.  Radio communications packages focus on interoperability between systems and network connectivity solutions range from broadband wireless backhauls, wireless mesh networks, Satcom, Free Space Optics and fiber optics.    We look at all possible options when designing solutions, selecting the best available technologies to incorporate in a platform.

For more information regarding HCS and their capabilities, see their web site at http://www.hcstechnologies.com/.

Critical 1 Consulting, Inc. (C1C)

C1C provides consulting services to the RespondComm team in the areas of Session Initiation Protocol and IP Multimedia Subsystem. C1C brings a wealth of telecommunications knowledge and experience to the project. They ensure that we keep a big picture view of the evolving WiMAX and broadband wireless markets.

For more information on C1C and their capabilities, see their web site at http://critical1.com/C1C/index.html.

Elevated Security Corporation

Elevated Security is partnering with the RespondComm team to develop the mobile tower platforms with integrated non-traditional power systems. Elevated Security towers are being incorporated into the RespondComm framework to provide network coverage extension and filling coverage gaps, as well as rapidly deployable platforms for emergency network setup.

For more information on Elevated Security and their mobile tower platforms or non-traditional power systems, see their web site at http://www.elevatedsecurity.com/.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

The RespondComm team has established a working relationship with Dr. William Ramsey who operates and controls access to the statewide microwave backhaul network. RespondComm has been granted connectivity to the microwave backbone. This connectivity will enable network expansion beyond the local area into other regions of the state without the expense of building our own backhaul network. RespondComm will also work closely with WV DHHR to provide emergency communications support/response in the case of events requiring rapid network deployment.

Local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)

RespondComm has established working relationships with the three local PSAPs in Monongalia, Marion and Harrison Counties. These organizations will provide user input and feedback as new broadband applications are fielded.

These three counties are engaged in the West Virginia Interoperable Radio Project (WVIRP) under a Department of Homeland Security grant. WVIRP deployed an interoperable digital trunked radio system across the three counties as a pilot for the state of West Virginia. Given their success in the pilot project, plans are in process to take this network statewide.

RespondComm is working with WVIRP to overlay data capabilities on this voice-only network. WVIRP has been eager to work with us and has offered the use of all of their tower infrastructure in the three counties as needed.

This group is also heading the effort to obtain a 4.9GHz Public Safety license from the FCC for further deployment of the WiMAX network in a licensed spectrum.

Nortel Government Solutions is a network-centric integrator, converging IT services and communications to help government ensure the security, livelihood, and well being of its citizens.  Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., Nortel Government Solutions offers a one-stop shop for solutions designed to improve workforce productivity, reduce operating costs and streamline inter-agency communications.  Please visit www.nortelgov.com for more information.