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AN

2019

DRAFT

West Virginia 2018 Statewide Communication

Interoperability Plan (SCIP)

Developed by the West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Executive Committee

14 January 2018

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

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OPENING REMARKS

Greetings,

On behalf of the West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Executive Committee (SIEC) we

are happy to provide this Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan, better known

as the SCIP for 2018.

The 2018 West Virginia SCIP was developed by the SIEC with input from all its

members. This SCIP is unique compared to previous SCIP efforts in that this year the

SCIP was developed in-house as a project assigned to the Training, Education,

Outreach Committee with collaboration from the entire SIEC membership. The SCIP

data gathered includes action items and measurable goals for governance, technical,

training & outreach, broadband, conference and planning and sustainability.

The 2018 West Virginia SCIP, a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary stakeholder-driven

guide, outlines goals and provides for achievable outcomes and includes short term

(one year) to long term (three – five year) goals in driving the efforts of the SIEC as it

works for West Virginia.

There are complex challenges ahead for West Virginia as we work to maintain and

continue the growth of the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN), achieve

additional funding for upgrades and sustainment, utilize new and advanced features of

the system all while providing coverage for 35,099 registered radio ID’s on the system.

As technology continues to advance and the needs of public safety first responders

increase with the new technologies West Virginia and its interoperability efforts must be

able to provide all of the necessary support for the success of the first responders and

the safety and security of West Virginia. The continued work and support of the many

local, state and federal users of SIRN as well as the membership of the SIEC, West

Virginia will succeed in meeting the goals outlined in this SCIP.

Sincerely,

RC Faulk

Training, Education, Outreach Committee Chair

Assistant Statewide Interoperability Coordinator

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Opening Remarks .......................................................................................................................... iii

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7

Interoperability Governance Overview ........................................................................................ 11

West Virginia Communications Overview ................................................................................... 13

Strategic Goals & Initiatives ........................................................................................................ 14

Governance ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Governance Gaps and Challenges ........................................................................................................... 15

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) ................................................................................................. 15

Standard Operating Procedures Gaps and Challenges ........................................................................... 16

Broadband and Technology Overview .................................................................................................... 16

Broadband and Technology GAPS and Challenges ................................................................................. 16

Training/Education/Outreach ................................................................................................................. 17

Training/ Education/ Outreach Challenges ............................................................................................. 18

Usage ....................................................................................................................................................... 18

Usage Gaps and Challenges .................................................................................................................... 19

Interoperability Funding and Sustainment ............................................................................................. 19

Interoperability Funding And Sustainment Gaps and Challenges .......................................................... 19

Implementation ............................................................................................................................ 21

Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................... 22

Progress Measurement ............................................................................................................... 23

Appendix A: WV Code §15-14 ................................................................................................ 27

Appendix B: List of Acronyms ................................................................................................. 34

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Flooding, a derecho, weather-related emergencies, natural or man-made disasters are all events that first responders encounter in West Virginia. No matter the size or severity of the incident, emergency personnel in West Virginia must have the ability to utilize interoperable communications for response. There have been significant changes to first responder communications in the last 15 years in West Virginia. Communication systems, plans, and personnel that were largely a single local, county or state agency effort have combined into a complex and robust system called the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN). SIRN carries digital radio audio and data over a broadband network, all while leveraging new technologies as they become available. The West Virginia Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP) is a stakeholder-driven, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary statewide strategic plan to enhance interoperable and emergency communications. The SCIP is a critical mid-range (three to five year) strategic planning tool to help West Virginia prioritize resources, strengthen governance, identify future investments, and address interoperability gaps. The West Virginia SCIP serves several purposes. Among them, the SCIP:

Provides the strategic direction and alignment for those responsible for interoperable and emergency communications at the State, regional, and local levels.

Explains to leadership and elected officials the vision for interoperable and emergency communications and demonstrates the need for funding.

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Guides public safety communications and provides pathways for interoperability within the State.

Encourages the development of interoperable emergency communications guidelines, common standards, and procedures.

Develops and provides training, education, and outreach for interoperable communications that can be used by all entities statewide.

The following are West Virginia’s Vision and Mission statements for improving emergency communications operability, interoperability, and continuity of communications statewide:

Vision: To coordinate resources and improve statewide public safety wireless communications interoperability; to establish and develop policies and guidelines, and identify technology and standards affording the citizens of West Virginia safety and enhanced response thereby protecting life, limb, and property.

Mission: To establish, maintain, and facilitate interoperable communications

for public safety in West Virginia.

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INTRODUCTION

The West Virginia SCIP is based on an understanding of the current and mid-range interoperable and emergency communications environment. West Virginia has taken significant steps towards enhancing interoperable and emergency communications, including:

Enhancing overall coverage and users within the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) by providing tower and microwave radios.

Becoming codified by the West Virginia legislature.

Updating the Statewide Interoperable Executive Committee (SIEC) to include a Regional Interoperability Committee (RIC) in each of the state’s six Homeland Security Regions to incorporate local level input and participation.

Establishing a broadband committee within the SIEC to plan for emerging technologies.

Strengthening inter- and intra-State planning through regular coordination with other States (e.g. Mid-Atlantic Consortium for Interoperable Nationwide Advanced Communications (MACINAC), FEMA’s Region-III Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group (RECCWG) and other surrounding States).

However, more remains to be done to achieve West Virginia’s vision. It is important to note that this work is part of a continuous cycle as West Virginia will always need to adapt to evolving technologies, operational tactics, and changes to key individuals (e.g., Governor, project champions). In the next three to five years, West Virginia will encounter challenges relating to operability, interoperability, geography, aging equipment/systems, emerging technologies, changing project champions, and sustainable funding. Wireless voice and data technology are evolving rapidly and efforts are underway to determine how to leverage these new technologies to meet the needs of public safety. For example, the enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (the Act), specifically Title VI, related to Public Safety Communications, authorizes the deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The NPSBN is intended to be a wireless, interoperable nationwide communications network that will allow members of the public safety community to securely and reliably gain and share information with their counterparts in other locations and agencies. New policies and initiatives such as the NPSBN present additional changes and considerations for future planning efforts and require an informed strategic vision to properly account for these changes.

Integrating capabilities such as broadband provide an unparalleled opportunity for the future of interoperable communications in West Virginia. It may result in a secure path for information-sharing initiatives, Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP), and Next Generation 911 (NG911) integration. Broadband will not replace existing Land Mobile

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Radio (LMR) voice systems in the foreseeable future due to implementation factors associated with planning, deployment, technology, and cost. A cautious approach to this investment is needed. Therefore, robust requirements and innovative business practices must be developed for broadband initiatives prior to any implementation. West Virginia has kept up-to-date with the planning and build-out of the NPSBN in the State and is currently enrolling users in FirstNet. FirstNet, the independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is responsible for developing the NPSBN which is to be a single, nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. The network build-out will require continuing education and commitment at all levels of government and across public safety disciplines to document network requirements and identify existing resources and assets that could potentially be used in the build-out of the network. It will also be necessary to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholder agencies and organizations at the national, State, regional, and local levels and design effective policy and governance structures that address new and emerging interoperable and emergency communications technologies. During this process, investments in LMR will continue to be necessary and in the near term, wireless data systems or commercial broadband will complement LMR. In 2010, West Virginia received a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant in which the State was able to upgrade the statewide microwave system as well as other SIRN equipment in preparation for the NPSBN. In addition, West Virginia’s SIEC established a Broadband Committee to assist with the preparation of State broadband plans and SOPs. Achieving sustainable funding for SIRN in the current fiscal climate is a priority for West Virginia. As State and Federal grant funding diminishes, States need to identify alternative funding sources to continue improving interoperable and emergency communications for voice and data systems. Key priorities for sustainable funding in West Virginia are to:

Ensure radio interoperability so that first responders from different jurisdictions have the ability to communicate on the same talk group to collaborate and coordinate during emergency responses.

Ensure that the West Virginia Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) has the resources necessary to continue to be an inter- and intra-State leader for interoperable and emergency communications.

Ensure full life cycle support of interoperable and emergency communications systems.

Develop a West Virginia Communications Office led by the SWIC to support SIRN, FirstNet, and State-level communications personnel.

The Interoperability Continuum developed by SAFECOM serves as a framework to address all of these challenges and continue improving operable/interoperable and emergency communications. It is designed to assist emergency response agencies and

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policy makers with planning and implementing interoperability solutions for voice and data communications.

The Continuum identifies five critical success elements that must be addressed to achieve a successful interoperable communications solution. They are:

Governance – Collaborative decision-making process that supports interoperability efforts to improve communication, coordination, and cooperation across disciplines and jurisdictions. Governance is the critical foundation of all of West Virginia’s efforts to address communications interoperability.

Standard Operating Procedures – Policies, repetitive practices, and procedures that guide emergency responder interactions and the use of interoperable communications solutions.

Technology – Systems and equipment that enable emergency responders to share voice and data information efficiently, reliably, and securely.

Training and Exercises – Scenario-based practices used to enhance communications interoperability and familiarize the public safety community with equipment and procedures.

Usage – Familiarity with interoperable communications technologies, systems, and operating procedures used by first responders to enhance interoperability.

The purpose of the West Virginia SCIP is to:

Provide the strategic direction and alignment for those responsible for interoperable and emergency communications at the State, regional, and local levels.

Explain to leadership and elected officials the vision for interoperable and emergency communications and demonstrates the need for funding.

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Guide public safety communications and provides pathways for interoperability within the State.

Encourage the development of interoperable emergency communications guidelines, common standards, and procedures.

Develop and provide training, education, and outreach for interoperable communications that can be used by all entities statewide.

The development and execution of the SCIP assists West Virginia with addressing the results of the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) Goals and the Federal government with fulfilling the Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8). In addition to this SCIP, West Virginia will develop an Annual SCIP Snapshot that will be shared with OEC and other stakeholders to highlight recent accomplishments and demonstrate progress toward achieving the goals and initiatives identified in the SCIP. The SCIP is owned and managed by the SIEC. The SIEC has the authority to and is responsible for making decisions regarding this plan. The office of the SWIC is also responsible for ensuring that this plan is implemented and maintained statewide. The West Virginia SCIP was created by engaging with key public safety agency stakeholders who have detailed knowledge and experience with interoperable communications requirements throughout the State.

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INTEROPERABILITY GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW

The SIEC is a representative body established by State code (WV Code 15-14) to oversee and monitor the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SRIN). Under the SIEC, West Virginia jurisdictions are organized into Homeland Security planning regions. Regional Interoperability Committees (RIC’s) represent these regions by providing a structure for local and end user collaboration in their governance. The primary responsibilities of the SIEC include:

Advise the State on interoperable communications matters. Make recommendations to the State regarding state public safety

communications policies and procedures. Improve the flow of communication information between local, state, and federal

agencies to reduce redundant public safety interoperable communications gaps in planning, delivery and exercises.

Provide subject matter expertise as it relates to interoperable communications. Develop and publish the SCIP. Per the SIEC charter, the SIEC Subcommittees are organized in alignment to the

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. They are intended to be standing groups.

Governance

•Recommend what collaborative decision-making or coordination processes are needed to support this interoperability effort to ensure the solution improves communication, coordination, and cooperation across disciplines and jurisdictions.

SOPs

•Recommend what policies, repetitive practices, and procedures might be needed to guide the implementation and use of the interoperable solution.

Technology

•Recommend technical systems and equipment that enable users with differing capabilities and budgets to attain interoperability efficiently, reliably, and securely.

Training and

Exercise

•Recommend training and exercise practices which would enhance interoperability.

Usage

•Recommend what level of familiarity is needed with interoperability technologies, systems, solutions, and operating procedures in order to enhance interoperability.

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The SIEC includes one voting member or proxy from the organizations below. The membership is comprised of representatives from the following organizations from West Virginia:

In accordance with the recommended SAFECOM guidance, the SIEC has established committee’s which meet at a minimum each month.

Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM)

Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)

State Sheriff’s Association Statewide Interoperability Coordinator

(SWIC) *non-voting State Police Enhanced 9-1-1 Council National Guard State Fire Marshalls Office Emergency Management Council Department of Transportation Chief Technology Officer

Municipal League Parkways Authority County Commission Association Zone 1 Switch Zone 3 Switch Regional Interoperability Committee Region 1 Regional Interoperability Committee Region 2 Regional Interoperability Committee Region 3 Regional Interoperability Committee Region 4 Regional Interoperability Committee Region 5 Regional Interoperability Committee Region 6 Office of Emergency Medical Services

Conference Committee – provides for the annual SIRN conference

Technical Committee – discusses new hardware, firmware and software, tests end user equipment, licensing, tower site discovery

Broadband – works with FirstNet and other emerging technologies

Training/Education/Outreach – provides training courses specific to West Virginia end users, distributes system information, provides customized agency training

Policy & Procedures – develops Standard Operating Procedures for SIRN

Planning – consists of chair persons of all other committees who review committee recommendations and prepares SIEC agenda topics

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TO COORDINATE RESOURCES AND IMPROVE

PUBLIC SAFETY WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS

INTEROPERABILITY; TO ESTABLISH AND

DEVELOP POLICIES AND GUIDELINES AND

IDENTIFY TECHNOLOGY AND STANDARDS

VISION

TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN, AND FACILITATE INTEROPERABLE

COMMUNICATIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY IN WEST VIRGINIA.

MISSION

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COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW

West Virginia's interoperable and emergency communications environment consists of a statewide 400 megahertz (MHz) ultrahigh frequency (UHF), Project 25 (P25) digital trunked system known as the West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN). The SIRN enables Federal, State, and local agencies to communicate with one another and provides interoperable communications for all public safety agencies in West Virginia on a shared radio network, as well as provides interoperable connectivity to its bordering States. The SIRN currently supports 35,099 registered radio ID’s with access to 104 RF sites. The SIRN is a no-fee system, which means any entity may add users without a subscription fee as well as use the system with unlimited Push-To-Talk (PTT) without a monthly usage fee. The future of the SIRN will involve upgrades to existing radio tower sites and infrastructure, the development and construction of new radio tower sites, and additional staff to support maintenance and management. The geography of West Virginia constitutes the largest communications challenge within the State. The Appalachian Mountains hinder using higher frequency ranges because more towers tend to be required when operating at higher frequencies. Thus, West Virginia uses the 400 MHz range UHF, P25 trunking system as the standard communication system throughout the State due to its line of sight considerations. Many agencies’ infrastructure use communications technology that is over 40 years old and is limited in capability compared to present technology. As the equipment is outdated, maintenance and support become a difficult task as replacement parts are no longer stocked by vendors and capable technicians become harder to find. Another key factor affecting radio interoperability in West Virginia is the National Radio Quiet Zone, which encloses a land area of approximately 13,000 square miles near the border of Virginia and was designated to minimize harmful interference to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. Power density thresholds in the radio spectrum that exceed the levels that are harmful to observations in Green Bank are not permitted. Power reduction, antenna modification, antenna reconfiguration or location, or selecting different frequencies where the power density limits are different are required for communication in that area. Due to these limitations, the State chose to establish the 450 MHz UHF digital trunked

radio spectrum as the State’s official radio system.

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STRATEGIC GOALS & INITIATIVES

The Strategic Goals and Initiatives section describes the statewide goals and initiatives for delivering the vision for interoperable and emergency communications. The goals and initiatives include Governance, SOPs, Technology, Training/Education/Outreach, Usage, and Funding.

Governance

The Governance section of the SCIP outlines the future direction of the West Virginia governance structure for interoperable and emergency communications. The primary governance body associated with interoperable and emergency communications in West Virginia is the SIEC. The West Virginia SIEC was formed June 16, 2011 under the Executive Order 2-11, signed by then Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Executive Order 2-11 realigned the governance structure to align to the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) with the governance body being renamed from Interoperability Working Group (IWG) to the SIEC. In 2017, the West Virginia legislature codified the existence of the SIEC during its regular session. The SIEC identifies new and developing technologies and standards as well as enhances the coordination of all available resources for public safety communications interoperability. The SIEC’s standing committees (Technical, Planning, Policy & Procedures, Training/Education/Outreach, Broadband and Conference) meet monthly to stay on top of interoperable communications needs within the state and region. RIC’s serve as the mechanism for providing local level input to the SIEC. The RIC’s assist with the governance and monitoring of the SIRN’s implementation and operation and assist in establishing goals for the improvement of the SIRN. The SWIC provides recommendations to the West Virginia State Homeland Security Advisor who presents the information to the Governor to determine statewide priorities related to interoperable communications. The SIEC is the primary advisory group for the SWIC in the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Governance Enhance and coordinate interoperability across all technologies, including SIRN, broadband, Next Generation (NG) 911, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, and Geographic information system (GIS) mapping

Initiatives

• Develop a SIRN coverage, capacity, and enhancement plan to include: o Update SIRN to current software platform and implement OTAP/OTAR o Replacement of hardware and/or software based on upgrade o Establish fully IP backhaul o Test and implement dynamic channeling o Outline alternative paths for redundancy o Develop cybersecurity plan o Adequate personnel for SIRN support o Establish appropriate protections, permissions and access for

Traceability Made Easy

• Coordinate with partners to establish better geofencing for Wireless Emergency Alerts

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• Enhance broadband coverage, capacity, and utilization

• Support implementation of Next Generation 911

• Coordinate with partners to plan for the convergence of technologies

• Review and test new technical offerings as part of the FirstNet platform

Governance Gaps and Challenges

West Virginia has made significant progress over the past few years to get the SIEC and SIRN codified in West Virginia, but the group still needs to establish interoperability champions, integrate current and emerging technologies, and develop working groups to address priority issues and challenges. The following challenges were identified with respect to Governance in West Virginia:

SIEC’s authority and mission does not always align to SIEC members’ vision for interoperability governance.

Need buy-in from local users and decision-makers/elected officials. Low/infrequent participation with some members. SIEC and SWIC activities and accomplishments are personality-driven, rather

than established responsibilities. The SWIC position continuity challenges have directly affected the SIEC’s

functioning and effectiveness. Need to increase visibility of SIEC and interoperability issues. Need to determine the best path forward for integrating technologies (LMR,

broadband, 911).

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

West Virginia has developed SOP’s for SIRN and updates current ones on an as needed basis and creates new SOP’s to address emerging technologies to keep current. Current SOP’s can be found on the West Virginia SIRN website (http://www.sirn.wv.gov). West Virginia will continue to develop new SOPs, leveraging existing SOPs as much as possible. The SIEC is using the SIRN website to list and maintain completed State SOPs; however, outreach is needed to ensure all jurisdictions are aware of this asset.

Standard Operating Procedures Maintain and enhance collaboration across all levels of government, disciplines and technologies

Initiatives

• Develop legislative rules

• Reevaluate Regional Interoperability Committee (RIC) membership to fill minimum positions required and to fill additional positions the

• Ensure disciplines' representatives share information with the SIEC, and bring information from the SIEC back to their organizations

• Coordinate with partners to plan for the convergence of technologies

• Develop a continuity plan insuring that as personnel move on from their SIEC position and as SIRN continues to grow, its success is ensured

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• Review policies and procedures as necessary for current operational status

• Work with other subcommittees collaborating on mutual issues and resolutions

• Incorporate FirstNet into existing policies & procedures

Standard Operating Procedures Gaps and Challenges

The SIEC is using the SIRN website to list and maintain completed State SOPs. All new or recently created SOP’s are presented from the Policy and Procedure committee to the SIEC for approval. Once approved, SOP’s are always published on the SIRN website however outreach is needed to ensure all jurisdictions are aware of this asset.

Broadband and Technology Overview The Broadband and Technology section of the SCIP outlines West Virginia’s plan to maintain and upgrade existing technology; the roadmap to identify, develop, and implement new and emerging technology solutions; and the approach to survey and disseminate information on current and future technology solutions to ensure user needs are met. The SIRN, a statewide 400 MHz UHF, P25 digital trunked system enables Federal, State, and local agencies to communicate with one another. The long-term strategy for the SIRN is to provide interoperable communications for all public safety agencies in West Virginia on a shared radio network and to provide interoperable connectivity to its bordering states.

Broadband & Technology Integrate FirstNet and SIRN

Initiatives

• Identify what can be gained by the outcome of FirstNet – SIRN integration

• Provide a report of FirstNet user information such as the number of subscribers and agencies

• Identify appropriate applications to promote the FirstNet – SIRN integration

• Identify what the state network can do to augment FirstNet expansion

Broadband and Technology GAPS and Challenges

The following technology challenges were identified by the SIEC:

Dedicated funding sources to connect disparate LMR systems together, create compatible technology.

The National Radio Quiet Zone and lack of funding opportunities for technology upgrades and maintenance of communications systems are key challenges that the State continues to focus on to improve interoperability in West Virginia.

Lack of radio coverage in buildings is causing some agencies to look into radios with Wi-Fi capabilities.

Adoption of standards and statewide policies regarding broadband. Lack of information and standards regarding Cybersecurity.

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Training/Education/Outreach

The Training/Education/Outreach section of the SCIP explains West Virginia’s approach to ensure that emergency responders are familiar with interoperable and emergency communications equipment and procedures and are better prepared for responding to real-world events. The SIEC has a Training, Exercise, and Outreach subcommittee that oversees and assists in addressing the training needs of the State relating to interoperable communications. West Virginia offers an annual conference in which end-user training, education, and hands-on operation is presented. In addition to inviting statewide users of the SIRN to the conference, SWICs from neighboring States are invited to attend to foster inter-State coordination. Additionally, the RIC’s are responsible for addressing their respective training needs in each region. The RIC’s report to the SIEC on the needs of their respective region. West Virginia conducts in-state radio user and radio programmer training on all approved equipment makes and models on SIRN. West Virginia has developed a state-specific version of the Communications Unit Leader (COML) course, Auxiliary Communication (AUXCOMM) course, and other state specific courses are planned for development. West Virginia has also developed an updated TIC-P and TIC-FOG documents and the SIEC just completed development of a smartphone application called the West Virginia eFOG. In addition, regional full-scale exercises, to include agencies from bordering (intra-State) counties and bordering States, continue to be conducted on a periodic basis. The State will continue yearly National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant training programs and exercises.

Training/Education/Outreach Develop and conduct training and support to continuously enhance and update statewide interoperability capabilities

Initiatives

• Develop comprehensive training and exercise course materials for operational training and system capabilities training

• Support training initiatives for West Virginia developed training courses o West Virginia COML o West Virginia AuxComm o West Virginia COMT

• Identify course instructors o West Virginia COML o West Virginia AUXCOMM o West Virginia COMT o Approved end user equipment programmer training

• Create and distribute training opportunities o Post training availability on the SIRN website and through SIRN

newsletter o Coordinate with state training officer to incorporate communications

training to existing state training calendar o Coordinate with training personnel of law enforcement, EMS, and

Fire/Rescue to distribute training opportunities statewide

• Develop public safety broadband awareness training for stakeholders

• Develop FirstNet awareness for stakeholders

• Implement interoperable training in to non-communication exercises

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• Require communications training to be included with exercises supported by state grant funds

• Collaborate with system administrators to develop a list of system capabilities and develop capability based training

• Coordinate with FirstNet partners on training and education on FirstNet applications

Training/ Education/ Outreach Challenges

No central repository of all certified members of all disciplines of public safety currently exists in West Virginia. While the State EMS Office and Law Enforcement personnel are issued state certification numbers, no such venue exists for members of volunteer or paid Fire Departments, thus it is challenging to reach the maximum number of first responders in the state with SIRN related information. Only through the West Virginia State Fire Marshall’s Office can these first responders be contacted. Additional work remains to address training and exercise needs in the future. Specifically, West Virginia does not currently have a centralized training center that develops and manages training courses and a list of certified instructors does not currently exist to offer training courses at the local level.

Usage

The Usage section of the SCIP outlines efforts to ensure responders adopt and familiarize themselves with interoperable and emergency communications technologies, systems, and operating procedures in the State. Regular usage ensures the maintenance and establishment of interoperability in case of an incident. The number of times interoperability is required for incidents varies greatly across the State of West Virginia from year to year. The most frequent need for interoperability occurs during major weather events. West Virginia must also respond to real world events such as sporting events, festivals, and mining disasters. Planned and unplanned events remind leaders of the importance of interoperability and the need for continual improvements. The State of West Virginia requires communications equipment purchased with Homeland Security Grant Program monies to be SIRN capable and compatible.

Usage Identify and encourage the appropriate use of communications and communication resources to best engage in interoperability

Initiatives

• Develop Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans (TICP’s)

• Develop a State Interoperable Field Operating Guide (FOG)

• Develop technology application for smart phones to incorporate TICP and FOG information for field use on smart devices in absence of a data connection

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Usage Gaps and Challenges

The single largest challenge in developing the TICP, FOG and eFOG was the data collection element. The SIEC worked diligently to get as much data from as many end user agencies as possible for the development of the TICP. Once the data was assembled, the SIEC made a second push for data to all public safety sectors reinforcing how important this data collection element was. From the collected data, the TICP was developed into the FOG. The FOG document was then used to develop the smart device application known as the West Virginia eFOG. All of these efforts would not have occurred due to a lack of funding except for a Technical Assistance Grant from OEC. However, without funding, it is unlikely that the SIEC will be able to produce updates to the documents or the smart device application.

Interoperability Funding and Sustainment Achieving sustainable funding in the current fiscal climate is a priority for West Virginia. As State and Federal grant funding diminishes, States need to identify alternative funding sources to continue improving interoperable and emergency communications for voice and data systems.

Funding & Sustainment Identify and encourage the appropriate use of communications and communication resources to best engage in interoperability

Initiatives

• Ensure radio interoperability so that first responders from different jurisdictions have the ability to communicate on the same talk group to collaborate and coordinate during emergency responses.

• Ensure that the West Virginia Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) has the resources necessary to continue to be an inter- and intra-State leader for interoperable and emergency communications.

• Ensure full life cycle support of interoperable and emergency communications systems.

• Develop a West Virginia Communications Office to support West Virginia’s SWIC, SIRN, FirstNet, and State-level communications personnel.

Interoperability Funding and Sustainment Gaps and Challenges Life Cycle Funding outlines West Virginia’s plan to fund existing and future interoperable and emergency communications priorities. With a national economy that is struggling, and with the elimination or significant reduction in programs supported by DHS during the current economic downturn, identifying ongoing and alternative funding to support the statewide interoperability efforts will continue to be a priority. West Virginia also identified a need for a line item in the State budget for the construction, operation, administration, and maintenance of SIRN to maintain the level of interoperability in the State and to adequately plan for interoperability needs in the future (e.g., emerging technologies).

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Interoperability Funding & Sustainment Establish sustainable life cycle funding for the construction, operation, administration, and maintenance of SIRN as a line item in the State budget

Initiatives

• Identify current expenditures for SIRN and responsible owners

• Enhance partnerships for sharing infrastructure expenses

• Request legislative funding in State budget for SIRN

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IMPLEMENTATION

The SWIC serves as the chief administrator of the SCIP and is responsible for tracking

progress towards achieving the SCIP goals. The SIEC will add the strategies assigned

to its committees as formal agenda items for review and oversight during regular

meetings. The SWIC and working group members will provide status updates and

coordinate collaborative action and planning to ensure continued progress. The

committee chairs and RIC chairs will submit monthly updates to the SWIC using the

already established document titled SCIP Goals Chair. The SIEC will also conduct a

thorough review of the SCIP on an annual basis to update strategies and tactics to

address identified needs and advancements involving statewide emergency

communications capabilities. The SWIC will prepare a yearly SCIP Snapshot to present

to key stakeholders and OEC providing a progress report on how the State is

progressing toward meeting the goals outlined in the SCIP.

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EVALUATION

Each year, OEC works with all 56 states and territories in measuring progress towards implementing SCIP goals / strategies through the annual SCIP Snapshot process. Findings from the reporting help identify successes and challenges in meeting goals and helps OEC provide targeted technical assistance in the form of training and resources offered through its Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP).

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PROGRESS MEASUREMENT

Strategy

# Strategy Tactics Owner

Completion Date

Measurement

Go

vern

ance

1.

Develop a SIRN coverage, capacity, and enhancement plan

2.

Coordinate with partners to establish better geofencing for Wireless Emergency Alerts

3. Enhance broadband coverage, capacity, and utilization

4. Support implementation of Next Generation 911

5.

Coordinate with partners to plan for the convergence of technologies

6.

Review and test new technical offerings as part of the FirstNet platform

SO

P’s

7. Develop legislative rules

8.

Reevaluate Regional Interoperability Committee (RIC) membership to fill minimum positions required and to fill additional positions the

9.

Ensure disciplines' representatives share information with the SIEC, and bring information from the SIEC back to their organizations

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Strategy

# Strategy Tactics Owner

Completion Date

Measurement

10.

Coordinate with partners to plan for the convergence of technologies

11.

Develop a continuity plan insuring that as personnel move on from their SIEC position and as SIRN continues to grow, its success is

12.

Review policies and procedures as necessary for current operational status

13.

Work with other subcommittees collaborating on mutual issues and resolutions

14. Incorporate FirstNet into existing policies & procedures

Bro

ad

ba

nd

&

Te

ch

no

log

y 15.

Identify what can be gained by the outcome of FirstNet – SIRN integration

16.

Provide a report of FirstNet user information such as the number of subscribers and agencies

17.

Identify appropriate applications to promote the FirstNet – SIRN integration

18.

Identify what the state network can do to augment FirstNet expansion

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Strategy

# Strategy Tactics Owner

Completion Date

Measurement T

rain

ing

/Ed

uca

tio

n/O

utr

ea

ch

19.

Develop comprehensive training and exercise course materials for operational training and system capabilities training

20.

Support training initiatives for West Virginia developed training courses

West Virginia COML

West Virginia AuxComm

West Virginia COMT

21. Identify course instructors

22. Create and distribute training opportunities

23.

Develop public safety broadband awareness training for stakeholders

24. Develop FirstNet awareness for stakeholders

25.

Implement interoperable training in to non-communication exercises

26.

Require communications training to be included with exercises supported by state grant funds

27.

Collaborate with system administrators to develop a list of system capabilities and capability-based training

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Strategy

# Strategy Tactics Owner

Completion Date

Measurement

28.

Coordinate with FirstNet partners on training and education on FirstNet applications

Us

ag

e

29.

Develop Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans (TICP’s)

30.

Develop a State Interoperable Field Operating Guide (FOG)

31.

Develop technology application for smart phones to incorporate TICP and FOG information for field use on smart devices in absence of a data connection

Inte

rop

era

bilit

y F

un

din

g

& S

us

tain

me

nt

32.

Identify current expenditures for SIRN and responsible owners

33.

Enhance partnerships for sharing infrastructure expenses

34. Request legislative funding in State budget for SIRN

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APPENDIX A: WV CODE §15-14

§15-14-1. Short title. This article is known as and may be cited as the “Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Act”. §15-14-2. Definitions. (a) “Director” means the Director of West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. (b) “Statewide Interoperable Radio Network” or “SIRN” means the interoperable communications network established for the purpose of implementing and maintaining an interoperable communications network for first responders to help assure the safety of all citizens in the event of disaster or emergency. (c) “Statewide Interoperability Coordinator” or “SWIC” means the individual appointed by the Director to oversee the state’s interoperable communications efforts in planning and coordinating the SIRN. (d) “Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee” or “Executive Committee” means the governing body of the SIRN. (e) “WVDHSEM” means the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. (f) “Regional Interoperability Committee” means the committee or committees that assist the SWIC and the Executive Committee with governing and monitoring the implementation and operation of the SIRN and establishing goals for the betterment of the SIRN. §15-14-3. Purpose and objectives. (a) One of the most important and profound duties of the State of West Virginia is to provide for the safety and security of her citizens. The state must constantly be prepared to immediately respond to any homeland security threat or event and all disasters, natural or man-made. With any Homeland Security threat or event, and all disasters, natural or man-made, the state must be able to instantly and effectively communicate in order to collaborate with various entities which are geographically dispersed. (b) The purpose of this article is to ensure the most effective communication in the provision of emergency services, to assure an immediate and coordinated response to disasters and emergencies, and to ensure the maintenance and operation of the equipment comprising the SIRN.

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§15-14-4. Appointment of the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator. (a) On or before July 1, 2017, the director shall appoint the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator from a recommendation of the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC), who shall be employed by and report to the director. The coordinator shall have at a minimum five years’ experience in overseeing and managing major communications systems and supervising employees. (b) The coordinator shall oversee the state’s interoperable communications efforts in planning and coordinating a statewide interoperable radio network that serves the state’s first responders and other users of the network. (c) The coordinator shall provide recommendations to the director to determine statewide priorities related to interoperable communications and shall work with all agencies to ensure the greatest input to the plans. (d) The coordinator shall ensure all interoperable communications funds and functions of this state are coordinated to the maximum extent with the comparable functions of the federal government including its various departments and agencies, of other states and localities and of private agencies of every type, so that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the nation’s and this state’s communications resources and facilities for dealing with any disaster or emergency that may occur. (e) The coordinator will provide the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network approved compatibility equipment list to any state spending unit or state agency, including purchases on behalf of state agencies, county and local first responder agencies for purchases of two-way radio, microwave or satellite equipment and related services, or purchases that utilize state or federal funds distributed to local entities by the State of West Virginia. The purchase of any equipment not on the approved compatibility list must receive prior approval from the coordinator. (f) The coordinator is the point of contact for any public or private entity or individual seeking information about the Radio Network; (g) Prior to any state agency proceeding with a major communications project, an agency shall submit to the coordinator a project proposal, outlining the need for the project, the proposed technology solution, if known, and an explanation of how the project will support the agency’s objective and the state’s strategic interoperable communications plan. (h) The coordinator shall perform any other duties as may be prescribed by the director. (i) If a vacancy exists in this position, the director shall appoint someone to act in this capacity until the Executive Committee makes its recommendations and the director appoints a replacement.

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§15-14-5. The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee. (a) The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee shall consist of the following members or their designee: (1) The Director of the WVDHSEM; (2) The Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police; (3) The President of the West Virginia Emergency Management Council; (4) The Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard; (5) The West Virginia Chief Technology Officer; (6) The President of the West Virginia Enhanced 911 Council; (7) The President of the West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association; (8) The West Virginia State Fire Marshal; (9) The President of the West Virginia County Commissioners’ Association; (10) The President of the West Virginia Municipal League; (11) The Secretary of the Department of Transportation; (12) The Director of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Emergency Medical Services; (13) One representative from each of the agencies which own one of the SIRN’s zoned master site switches not otherwise represented; (14) The chairman of each of the Regional Interoperability Committees; (15) A representative of the West Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials; (16) The Director of the West Virginia Parkways Authority; and (17) The Statewide Interoperability Coordinator who shall serve in a nonvoting Ex officio capacity. (b) The director shall serve as the chairman of the Executive Committee.

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(c) Members of the Executive Committee shall serve without compensation. However, each member of the Executive Committee may receive reimbursement from the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account, for actual expenses, including travel expenses, in accordance with state travel guidelines. (d) The Executive Committee may appoint, as nonvoting members, individuals with technical expertise that may assist with its mission. §15-14-6. Duties of the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall: (1) Monitor the implementation and operation of the SIRN; (2) Establish goals and guidance for the betterment of the SIRN; (3) Review and approve all requests for use of the SIRN and its equipment, by a public or private entity; (4) Serve as the mechanism for developing, updating and implementing policies, procedures and guidelines related to the SIRN; (5) Identify new technologies and develop technologies and standards for the SIRN; (6) Enhance the coordination of all available resources for public safety communications interoperability; (7) Investigate all matters relating to integrity, foresight in funding and operations and planning for the SIRN. §15-14-7. Maintenance and Operations of the Statewide Interoperable Network; personnel; assets; agreements. (a) The director may employ such technical, clerical, legal counsel, stenographic and other personnel, fix their compensation and make expenditures within the appropriation to the agency or from other funds made available for the purpose of providing interoperable communications services to carry out the purpose of this article. (b) All equipment, structures, property, and personnel along with their equipment and vehicles, owned, managed, directed, controlled, and governed by the Department of Health and Human Resources associated with the statewide interoperable radio and/or microwave network and medical command radio system, are transferred to, incorporated in and administered as a part of the WVDHSEM: Provided, That medical command radio system communication equipment, not including the microwave and SIRN equipment, and personnel located in the medical coordination center at Flatwoods, West Virginia shall continue to be managed, directed, controlled, and

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governed by the Department of Health and Human Resources and are not included in the transfer authorized by this subsection. (c) The director may acquire in the name of the state by purchase, lease or gift, real property and rights or easements necessary or convenient to construct thereon the necessary building or buildings for housing Radio Network employees, equipment or infrastructure. (d) The director or his or her designee may enter into cooperative agreements, land and tower leases, memorandums of understanding/agreement, training contracts or service contracts with political subdivisions of the state, other states, federal agencies, and with public or private agencies for use by the radio network. (e) The WVDHSEM is exempt from the requirements and associated fees of any local ordinances of any political subdivision of the state relating to the construction of towers or other infrastructure for use by the Radio Network to enhance interoperable communications. (f) The WVDHSEM shall support a unified approach to interoperable communications across state, county, and municipal government, to include: (1) Providing ongoing assistance and support to the state’s Medical Command System; and (2) Providing ongoing assistance and support to state agencies in the development of interoperable and emergency communications plans or projects. §15-14-8. The Regional Interoperability Committees; composition; duties. (a) The Regional Interoperability Committees shall operate in each of the defined state homeland security regions. (b) Each Regional Interoperability Committee consists of no more than one representative from each identified discipline within each region, and includes, is not limited to, the following agencies, as well as those deemed necessary by the SWIC, Regional Interoperability Committee, or Executive Committee to ensure public safety: (1) Municipal, county or regional hospitals; (2) Municipal, county or state law enforcement; (3) Municipal, county or private transit; (4) Civil Air Patrol; (5) County Enhanced 911;

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(6) Emergency medical services; (7) Federal law enforcement; (8) Federal government (non-law enforcement); (9) Municipal or county fire service; (10) Municipal or county health department; (11) Higher education public safety; (12) Municipal or county Homeland Security/Emergency Management; (13) Private industry-critical infrastructure and key resources; (14) Regional response team; (15) Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) or Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES); (16) American Red Cross; (17) Non-first responder state agencies; (18) Volunteer search and rescue organizations; (19) County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia; and (20) West Virginia Municipal League. (c) The Regional Interoperability Committees shall: (1) Assist the SWIC and the Executive Committee with governing and monitoring the implementation and operation of the SIRN and establishing goals for the betterment of the SIRN; and (2) Serve as the mechanism for providing local level input to the Executive Committee for governance, identifying and developing technologies and standards, and coordination of resources. (d) Regional Interoperability Committee members shall serve without compensation.

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§15-14-9. Creation of the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network account; purpose; funding; disbursements. (a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special revenue account to be known as the “Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account” to be administered by the director. The special revenue account shall consist of appropriations made by the Legislature; income derived from the lease of property, towers or tower space owned, operated or controlled by the WVDHSEM or any other state agency managed as part of the SIRN; moneys received by the Department of Health and Human Resources or WVDHSEM as proceeds of any claims for damages to structures, equipment or property of any kind, including moneys in the Insurance Property Loss Claims Fund administered by the Division of Health; income from the investment of moneys held in the special revenue account; grant money and all other sums available for deposit to the special revenue account from any source, public or private. (b) Expenditures from the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account shall be for the purposes set forth in this article and used exclusively, to pay costs, fees and expenses incurred, or to be incurred for the following purposes: (1) The maintenance, upkeep and repair of the SIRN; (2) operations of the Executive Committee; (3) payment of salaries for the SWIC and any personnel required to operate and maintain the SIRN; (4) the design, implementation and management of the SIRN; (5) all other related SIRN activities approved by the Executive Committee; and (6) all costs incurred in the administration of the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account. Expenditures from the fund are not authorized from collections but are to be made only in accordance with appropriation by the Legislature and in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twelve of this code and upon fulfillment of the provisions of article two, chapter eleven-b of this code: Provided, That for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, expenditures are authorized from collections rather than pursuant to appropriation by the Legislature. (c) Disbursements from the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account shall be authorized by the director or his or her designee. Moneys in the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account are not available for the payment of any personal injury claims, workers’ compensation claims or other types of disability claims. (d) Quarterly, the director shall prepare an accounting of all moneys disbursed from and any deposits made to the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network Account. This accounting shall include the reason for the withdraw, the recipients of any withdraw, and the source of any deposit. §15-14-10. Rule-making. To implement the provisions of this article, the director may promulgate emergency rules pursuant to section fifteen, article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code and may propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

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APPENDIX B: LIST OF ACRONYMS

AAR After Action Report AHIMT All Hazard Incident Management Teams ALI Automatic Location Information APCO Association of Public Safety Communications Officials AWS Alerts and Warnings CAD Computer Aided Dispatch CPE Customer Premise Equipment CJIN Criminal Justice Information Network COML Communications Unit Leader COMT Communications Unit Technician COMU Communications Unit DPR Domestic Preparedness Region EAS Emergency Alert System EMS Emergency Medical Service ESF Emergency Support Function ESInet Emergency Services IP Network GIS Geographic Information System IPAWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System ISSI Inter-RF Subsystem Interface MHz Megahertz LMR Land Mobile Radio NPSBN National Public Safety Broadband Network NG911 National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee OEC Office of Emergency Communications P25 Project 25 (APCO) PSAP Public Safety Answering Point SCIP Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan SIEC Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee SIEC Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee SOG Standard Operating Guide SOP Standard Operating Procedure SPOC Single Point of Contact SRC SIEC Regionalization Committee SUA System Upgrade Agreement SWIC Statewide Interoperability Coordinator UHF Ultra High Frequency VIPER Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders VHF Very High Frequency WEA Wireless Emergency Alerts WEBEOC Web Based Emergency Operations Center WG Working Group