Phase 2

By gaining an understanding of current and past efforts to improve communications interoperability as well as the perspectives of the practitioners, you will create a communications interoperability plan that meets the actual needs of the public safety community. This research may extend beyond internal state efforts to surrounding states and other regions of the country to determine best practices, lessons learned, and coordination opportunities.

Timeline
6 weeks, although many tasks can be completed concurrently

Outputs

• Results of national research on current statewide interoperability efforts
• State profile
• Map of state with intended focus group interview locations
• Drafted governance model

Key Considerations

• Use the information gleaned during the Phase I conversations/interviews to gain further understanding of the interoperability capabilities and initiatives specific to the state.
• This phase reinforces the locally-driven philosophy by stressing the importance of: 
  • Reaching out to the practitioners and
  • Building awareness around the need for communication interoperability.

Tasks

• Determine Scope of Research and Leverage Existing Resources
• Create a State Profile
• Determine the Ideal Number and Location of Focus Group Interviews Based on State Profile
• Introduce Governance: Determine which Organizations and Structures are Currently in Place to Support Communications Interoperability through a Proposed Governance Model

Resources
Phase 2 of the methodology provides guidance for gathering information and conducting research early in the interoperability strategic planning process. The items listed below have been pulled into this section of the appendix for quick reference and include:

• Appendix B: Weblink to Research Report: Statewide Strategic Planning Efforts Across the Country – This Weblink leads to a compilation and analysis of research on current interoperability in different states across the nation.
• Appendix C: Weblink to SAFECOM Program – This weblink is provided as a resource for obtaining more information SAFECOM, which is the umbrella program within the Federal Government established to help local, tribal, state, and federal public safety agencies improve public safety response through more effective and efficient interoperable wireless communications.
• Appendix D: State Profile Template – This template is intended to assist each state in organizing its data as it prepares to embark on its interoperability strategic planning process.
• Appendix E: "A Perspective on Governance: Building a State Model on SAFECOM Principles" – This report provides suggestions and tips for governance based on SAFECOM’s locally-driven philosophy.
• Additional Resources - Weblink to the National Taskforce on Interoperability (NTFI)’s “Why Can’t We Talk” publication