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CM-05-07-147CAPCOG Radio System Inventory Agency Name: City of Round Rock Agency Director: Jim Nuse, City Manager Agency Discipline: n Law Enforcement Fire ❑ EMS Type of Radio System: ❑ VHF Analog ❑ VHF Digital ❑ UHF 0800 MHz Conventional ® 800 MHz Trunked ❑ 900 MHz List of Frequencies in use: 1. 809.96250 2. 809.98750 3. 810.21250 4. 810.71250 Frequencies are licensed by Williamson County 5. 810.98750 List of Interoperable Frequencies in use: 1. 821.0125 2. 821.5125 3. 822.0125 (use back of form for additional) 4. 822.5125 5. 823.5125 (use back of form for additional) If your jurisdiction provides Public Works: rx can communicate via radio 1 can not communicate via radio If yes, please explain how this is accomplished: Public Works uses a combination of 800MHz radios and Nextel cell telphones If yes please list the name of the department: Public Works n I have read the CAPCOG Interoperability Plan Signature/date I plan to attend ❑ 1st meeting ❑ 2"d meeting 3rd meeting n I do not plan to attend any of the meetings P9 Attached is the signed MOU �nq�o5 • clot y 7 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Texas Interoperability Channel Plan (TICP) Original issue, April 1, 2005 Texas Department of Public Safety And The City of Round Rock, Texas (Federal Agency, State, or Local Jurisdiction, Emergency Organization) Purpose This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes permissions and guidelines for use of interoperability or mutual -aid radio channels by • Local government jurisdictions and their associated emergency response agencies • State agencies in Texas and their associated emergency response organizations • Federal agency local units in Texas and their associated emergency response organizations • Private sector emergency response organizations licensed or otherwise entitled to operate in the Public Safety Pool as defined in Part 90 of the FCC Rules (47CFR subpart B paragraphs 90.15-90.20). It imposes certain protocols, procedures, and obligations upon jurisdictions hereby authorized to use state -licensed radio channels held by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). This agreement supersedes the MOU associated with the Immediate Radio Communications Interoperability Plan (IRCIP) of January, 2003. The IRCIP shall continue in force until this agreement is executed by the jurisdiction, or until December 31, 2005, whichever comes first. Authority Execution of this agreement by state and local entities is authorized by Texas Government Code Chapter 791 (local governments), Chapter 771 (state agencies), and Texas Government Code Chapter 411.0105 (Public Safety Radio Communications Council). This MOU satisfies Federal Communications Commission Part 90 rules for extending license privileges to others by agreement. Federal agencies are permitted access to interoperability channels as authorized by 47 CFR 2.102 (c) & 2.103 and Part 7.12 of the NTIA Manual. Federal agencies may execute this MOU and shall adhere to the attached guidelines. Applicability This MOU authorizes the use of certain radio frequencies by emergency response organizations as defined by Department of Homeland Security (Office of Domestic Preparedness) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management. Generally, this includes organizations in the following governmental disciplines: Emergency Management Law Enforcement Fire Service Emergency Medical Services Public Works / Transportation Public Safety Communications Public Health Health Care Hazardous Materials Governmental Administration This MOU authorizes use of state -licensed frequencies for the purpose of coordination between emergency response agencies and resources. Such coordination may occur during interagency operations, en -route travel, or on -incident communications in accordance with an Incident Communications Plan. Background The 77th Legislature, in an effort to provide for effective emergency radio communications by state agencies, called for an Interagency Radio Work Group (IRWG) to develop a state agency communications network. That group developed a preliminary plan that was accepted by the state IRWG and the Sheriffs Association of Texas on March 27, 2001. Subsequently, the IRWG determined that the state agency communications network should be expanded to include all public safety agencies in the state. This was accomplished by IRWG's development of the Immediate Radio Communications Interoperability Plan (IRCIP) of January, 2003. The IRCIP addressed radio communications interoperability between state and local jurisdictions using VHF wideband radio equipment for dispatch, en -route, and on -incident communications. Approximately 300 local government jurisdictions have accepted the IRCIP and submitted an executed Memorandum of Understanding to TxDPS. In response to a Federal Communications Commission requirement for establishment of state/regional advisory committees, the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (TSIEC) was formally established as an advisory committee to TxDPS. The Texas Interoperability Channel Plan, developed by TSIEC and included in this MOU, provides essential guidance for interoperable radio communications using VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, and 800 MHz radio equipment for interagency coordination, en -route travel, or on -incident communications. Understandings Texas Department of Public Safety will: • Manage and maintain proper licenses for the use of the interoperability frequencies identified herein. • Manage and maintain an accurate database of federal and state agencies and local government jurisdictions that have accepted and signed this MOU. • Issue updates and revisions to the Texas Interoperability Channel Plan contained herein upon request by the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (TSIEC) and the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Jurisdiction will: • Participate in regional communications planning (generally arranged by regional Council of Governments) that provides for regional radio communications interoperability. • Manage use of the interoperability frequencies by its employees, ensuring compliance with the Texas Interoperability Channel Plan (TICP) and federal/state/local laws, ordinances, and rules. • Use the interoperability frequencies authorized hereby for their intended purpose of coordination between emergency response agencies and resources. Such coordination may occur during interagency operations, en -route travel, or on -incident. • Use the interoperability frequencies for operational and en -route communications in accordance with local and regional policies and procedures. • Use the interoperability frequencies for on -incident communications in accordance with the Incident Communications Plan established by the on -scene Incident Commander. • Prioritize use of the interoperability frequencies: o Emergency or urgent operation involving imminent danger to life or property o Disaster or extreme emergency operation requiring extensive interoperability and inter- agency communications. o Special event, generally of a pre -planned nature o Joint training exercises o Inter -agency and enroute communications • Implement radio communications procedures consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) including: o Use "plain language" without 10 -codes or agency -specific codes/jargon. o Use the calling protocol: "Agency -Unit #, this is Agency -Unit #", rather than "Unit # to Unit #". — Examples: Examples: 'Bryan EMS 1605, this is Tyler Fire 2102" or "Incident Command, this is DPS 505" • Ensure that mobile, portable, and temporary base radios intended for use by agency leadership (officers) are configured with the appropriate in -band interoperability frequencies as found in the TCIP. This means that, as a minimum, the interoperable frequencies would be added to the day-to-day frequencies used by that entity. o Texas Law 1: analog wideband VHF coordination channel for mobile -to -mobile use by emergency personnel on a scene or incident o Texas Law 2: analog wideband VHF calling channel for mobile -to -base use by transient or en -route emergency personnel o Texas Law 3: National analog wideband VHF channel for coordination of law enforcement activities o Texas Fire 1, Texas Fire 2, Texas Fire 3, analog wideband VHF frequencies primarily for fire service use or for use as dictated by Incident Commander on incidents o Texas Medical 1, analog wideband VHF frequency primarily for use by EMS agency personnel on incidents o Texas Air 2, analog wideband VHF frequency for air -to -ground use with state or federal aircraft only at direction of Incident Commander on incidents. • Ensure that appropriate interoperability calling channels are monitored by communications operators at dispatch centers identified in a regional communications plan. As an example, monitoring may include, at a minimum: 2 o Texas Law 2, analog wideband VHF calling channel (this channel, formerly designated "Intercity", is implemented at most dispatch points in Texas). This channel should be used until December 31, 2007. • VCALL analog narrowband VHF calling channel, implemented not later than January 1, 2008, in accordance with regional interoperability plans developed by regional Councils of Government. • Ensure that interoperability calling channels are monitored at the Incident Command Post on major incidents requiring significant aid from agencies beyond routine local interoperability. Monitoring shall include one or more of the following: o Texas Law 2, analog wideband VHF calling channel o VCALL, analog narrowband VHF calling channel [implement by January 1, 2006] o UCALL, analog narrowband UHF calling channel [implement by January 1, 2006] o 7CALL, digital narrowband P25 700 MHz calling Channel [implement by January 1, 2008] o 8CALL, analog national calling channel [implement by January 1, 2006] Incident Command Post monitoring may be implemented using cross -band repeaters, communications operator console patching, or VHF/UHF/700/800 MHz fixed or mobile gateway. The parties mutually agree: • Jurisdiction and TxDPS agree that their mutual interests will be furthered by continued coordination between the jurisdiction and the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (TSIEC). • Jurisdiction and TxDPS agree that this Memorandum of Understanding may be cancelled at any time, by written notice to the other party, or by subsequent agreements. TICP Incorporated into this MOU The attached Texas Interoperability Channel Plan (TICP—Original Issue March 25, 2005) is incorporated into this MOU in its entirety. The TICP may be revised by TSIEC and TxDPS from time to time, and revisions will be provided to Jurisdictions by TxDPS. Should Jurisdiction elect to withdraw from this MOU because of TICP revisions, notice shall be given by mail to Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, attn: RF Unit, Austin TX 78773-0250. 3 Agreement ��pp This Memorandum of Understanding was agreed to this d -I day of 2005. Return two copies of only this signature page to the dres below. JURISDICTION Jurisdiction Name: The City of Round Rock Authorized Signature: Print Name: Title: Jurisdiction Address: mes R. Nuse City Manager 220 East Main Round Rock, Texas 78664 Phone: 512/218-5402 e-mail: jnuse@round-rock.tx.us Number of mobile, portable, and/or temporary base radios to be operated under DPS licenses: Mobile Portable Temporary Base -Mobile Relay 150 MHz Wideband 150 MHz Narrowband 450 MHz Narrowband 700MHz 800 MHz NPSPAC 110 116 21 (This information is required by TxDPS as a condition of its licenses from the FCC.) TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Authorized Signature: For the Executive Director Robert E. Pletcher Program Director, TxDPS RF Unit and Chairman, Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee 5805 North Lamar Austin, Texas 78773-0250 Telephone 512-424-5307 Robert. Pletcher(a�txdps. state.tx. us 4 Capital Area Council of Governments 25121H 35 South Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78704 512.916.6000 Fax 512.916.6001 www.capcog.org Bastrop Blanco Burnet Caldwell Fayette June 9, 2005 Round Rock Chief of Police 615 E Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX 78680 - Dear Round Rock Chief of Police; For the past three years the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) has been actively involved in working with State and Federal officials to ensure Homeland Security to all our citizens and emergency service responders in the Region. Our Region has received federal funding via the State of Texas Office of Homeland Security to accomplish this endeavor. For the past two years an area of primary focus has been communications interoperability both within the region and at the larger state-wide level. Being able to talk to responders from other jurisdictions during day-to-day operations is important, but during disaster situations it becomes imperative. CAPCOG staff and members of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) have worked the past two years gathering information and data from jurisdictions within the COG concerning current radio communication status and needs; including a detailed study by RCC and several surveys sent by staff. Many jurisdictions responded to both RCC and staff surveys providing the requested information; however a few entities did not reply. Hays One goal of the State Office of Homeland Security is identifying each radio system employed by every first responder agency. A second goal is programming some if not all of the State and Nationally recognized Interoperable Frequencies into each field radio. In order to comply with requirements from the State office of Homeland Security, CAPCOG is requesting two items from each agency. Those are: Travis • complete the attached form and return the completed form to our office no later than close of business June 17, 2005 Williamson• encourage agencies who are purchasing new radio equipment to purchase at a minimum 32 channel radios and program the 5 Narrow -band VHF; 8 Wide -band VHF; and 800 MHz National Counties Calling Frequencies into each radio (depending upon the type of subscriber equipment you are acquiring). • encourage agencies who are not purchasing new radio equipment to reprogram each field radio with all of the above mentioned Interoperable Frequencies (if current equipment does not support the entire frequency set, please notify CAPCOG of the frequencies Lee Llano added so we can incorporate this information into communications plan reference materials) • execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Texas Interoperability Channel Plan • acknowledge with your signature that you have read, reviewed and understand the CAPCOG Regional Interoperability Plan To obtain additional information on the Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan and the Texas Interoperable Plan and MOU go to the CAPCOG web site at www.capcog.org and select the links to each of these documents. CAPCOG staff will host three Regional meetings to discuss and explain our Regional Interoperability Plan. The meetings are as follows: Monday 6/20 1:30-3:30 pm at Marble Falls EMS building, 609 Industrial Blvd, Marble Falls Thursday 6/23 9:30-11:30 am at Bastrop County Sheriff's Department Training Room, 200 Jackson, Bastrop, TX Thursday 6/23 2:30-4:30 pm at CAPCOG Boardroom, 2512 S IH 35 Suite 100 All entities are encouraged to attend one of the meetings to better understand the State and Regional Interoperability Plans, how funding has been allocated within the Region, and to ask any questions that you might have. CAPCOG will be including attendance information from these meetings as part of our routine reporting process to the State of Texas. Enclosed in this letter you will find the Radio System Inventory Form, the MOU and the CAPCOG Regional Interoperability Plan Should you have any questions please contact Jerry Fackler, Emergency Management Planner at 512-916-6013, or myself at 512-916-6044. We look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings. Sincerely, 4e -ay, 6,° q -ad" Becky L. Stewart Director Emergency Services cc: Judge John C. Doerfler attachments: Radio System Form Memorandum of Understanding CAPCOG Regional Interoperability Plan CAPITAL AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS INTEROPERABILITY PLAN The Capital Area Council of Governments submits the following Long Term Interoperability Plan describing how our ten county region plans to accomplish Interoperability. Roughly fifty percent of grant funds were dedicated in FY 04 for the Interoperability project, bringing the Region to what we consider Level 4. Portions of the FY 05 grant funds will be used to further this project, but other projects are also under consideration as well. CAPCOG acknowledges that FY 05 funding may not be adequate to reach Level 6 Interoperability, but we will continue to strive to reach that goal, both through grant funds and at the individual County levels as well. Three years ago, CAPCOG contacted all public safety agencies within the ten county region to gather several pieces of information. We did this via a survey sent to Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs (paid, VFD, and ESD), and EMS Directors. One of the surveys requested information regarding radios, i.e. frequencies, number of radios (both mobile and portable). A second survey requested readiness information on field personal and existing equipment for responding to WMD events. As an outgrowth of the surveys, meetings were held with each individual county's representatives to discuss the information provided, and document interoperable status. Most of the counties were considered Level 3, as they were equipped with Texas Law 1 and 2, but few with any console patching abilities. There were a few that were well advanced from the others, so the focus of the Region initially was to bring all counties to a base line level of interoperability so they could all communicate in one fashion or another should the need arise in each county . Jurisdictions were encouraged to purchase P25 equipment when possible, but due to particular circumstances, there were several agencies that did purchase analog equipment. In our surveys and search for information, we found that several of the entities may not have the MOU with DPS (at least current employees are unable to find copies), so staff will be assisting them in completing this process. In addition, we found that all of the ten counties were unable to communicate on all eight frequencies of the IRCIP. In 2004, CAPCOG contracted with RCC Consultants, Inc. to assist in gathering basic information and to provide a starting point for Regional Interoperability. During the life of the contract, RCC also gathered extensive data from all public safety entities regarding existing radios, towers, etc. Using FY 04 monies, CAPCOG will be implementing the following actions. Much of the equipment has already been ordered and the remainder is awaiting funds to be released from TEEX to continue to complete the project. In addition, CAPCOG staff will work with representatives from each County to establish procedures for using the Interoperable System, regular testing and exercises using the new equipment and procedures to ensure that all dispatchers and field units understand and can utilize the equipment to its fullest potential. The goal of the initial interoperability project is to provide minimum interoperability across the CAPCOG region. One entity per county has been designated as the "patch owner". The County is the patch owner for all CAPCOG counties with the exception of Hays County where the patch owner will be the City of San Marcos. Minimum interoperability is defined as at least two NPSPAC channels (ICALL and ITAC) and a Texas Law 2 VHF base station. Both NPSPAC ICALL and Texas Law 2 need to be monitored by the "patch owner." Texas Law 2 is a VHF frequency pair (154.950 Mobile TX / 155.370 Mobile RX, formerly Intercity Mobile to Base), designated by the Texas State Interoperability Executive Committee as the primary VHF calling channel for interoperable communications between mobile units and a law enforcement/public safety base radio (for more information, http://tsiec.region49.org/ ApprovedlmmediateInteroperabilityPlan.pdf ). 800MHz NPSPAC is monitored on the designated "calling" channel. Once a request is made, the dispatcher directs the user to switch to the appropriate 800MHz tactical channel deployed in that County. The dispatcher then enables repeat mode on the 800MHZ tactical channel as well as Texas Law 2 (or depending upon the dynamics of the critical incident, other console patchable channel), and a patch between the two channels established. One example of this concept is below. 800M ICALL ITAC VHF Law2 MC2500 Deskset • Dispatch Monitors (CALL, Law2 • If 800M and VHF require interoperability - Dispatch directs 800M users to ITAC - Dispatch enables patch between VHF LAW 2 and 800M ITAC with button push on the MC2500 Deskset - ACU1000 Patch for Fayette and Hays to 900 • Stations must be co -located • Need 2 or 4 wire circuits to stations. •.Tone Control or E&M consoles may interface to the stations to perform the same function. Console interfaces are not included at this time. County Site Readiness Requirements • Tower design or structure information indicating that the tower is designed to carry the proposed load listed in the summary chart • Environmentally controlled space for Two (2) Racks at one radio site • Three (3) dedicated 120 VAC, 20 A power circuits and dedicated outlets for Quantar Base Stations (2 800M, 1 VHF) • Three (3) 2 or 4 -wire circuits linking the dispatch location to the Base Station location for station control and audio to dispatch • FCC Licenses for all stations to be installed. Note that Texas LAW 2 (wideband analog) requires an MOU with Texas State Interoperability Executive Committee (TSIEC) for operation, or an FCC license. • Established neutral to ground bond at the sites Installation Tasks • Provide and Install Base Stations per chart below • Provide and Install One (1) MC2500 Deskset per chart below • Provide and Install 800MHz antenna systems and/or a VHF antenna system per summary chart Ground and AC surge protect antenna systems and Quantar Base Stations per summary In addition, there are currently two entities (with a third to be deployed with the year and another who is considering) within the CAPCO Region that operate off the LCRA 900 system. To provide a minimum interoperability with those entities, we are proposing to patch the ITAC channel to the LCRA talkgroup, thus providing a basic connection between the two. The matrix on the next page defines equipment and costs associated with the above mentioned plan. In addition to the above fixed equipment, funds are also being used by the City of Austin to purchase a Command/Communications InterOp Vehicle for use as a strategic resource throughout the ten county Region. It will contain substantial interoperable communications capability, i.e. 800 MHz Band Radio (digital/analog capable), 900 MHz EDACs Radio, VHF High Band Radio, UHF Band Radio, HR Radio, Satellite Radio, Satellite Telephone, ACU -1000 (vehicle mounted) allowing configuration of software patching from any position within or outside the vehicle with an LCD display, deployment packs containing UHF, VHF and portable radios (with batteries and chargers), Satellite Data (scalable bandwidth able to support video), Comprehensive internal and external data display, Computer systems to support command operations, video, audio and interoperable communications capability, and VoIP, Telular, and traditional copper phone capability. The CAPCOG Region is aware that console patching depicted above does not solve all our interoperability issues. In our opinion, patching is a band-aid approach at best; however, it is something that will "get the job done" at the lowest common denominator. We understand the issues of delay, knowledge of use by dispatchers and field units, set- up/knock-down, etc. However, without several million dollars to upgrade/replace entire radio systems, this is the first step for Regional Interoperability. Regional players will (or already have) establish a protocol for use of the Interoperable channels, such as: nomenclature, qualified usage, priority of usage, etc. They will also provide a schedule for regular testing and exercising of the Plan (at all times within a twenty-four hour period) to ensure that all public safety personnel (from dispatchers, to field units, to public works) understand and are comfortable in executing the Plan. County by County Implementation Summary Work/Eq Summary Lee Caldwell Fayette Blanco Burnet Llano Bastrop Williamson Hays Travis Install Location Tower Tower Austin Holman Twr Two TBD Towers Vehicle Install in Vehicle County Responsibility New Zetron Console has Interface and Base Stations for 800M and Law2 Two TBD Towers Prime Site (1) 800 at Thrall (I) 800M at Liberty Hill (1) 800M Exist at Cedar Park TBD Existing ACU1000 with One Analog 800M Radio Conventional 0 0 1 Note LCRA radio needs to be Provided 0 0 0 0 0 1 Note LCRA radio needs to be Provided 0 Tower Analysis 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 I 0 Repeater 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 VHF Base Station 1 1 1 I I I 0 0 1 0 SO to RF Site Wirelines (County Responsibility) 3 3 3 2 0 2 3 Existing Microwave 3 0 RF Surge Suppression 2 2 3 2 3 2 0 0 3 0 Antenna System 1 1 2 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 Antenna System Height (ft) 460 Use Existing Multicoupler 377 Use Existing Multicoupler 240 0 0 0 Use Combiner & Existing Multicoupler New Combiner in Expansion Project Use Existing Combiner & Multicoupler 300 0 Combiner Retuning 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 VT" LDF Length for Ant Sys 480 410 260 (x 2) 0 110 (x 2) 0 0 0 325 (x 2) 0 Antenna Mount 6' Standoff Existing Candelabra 6' Standoff 0 0 0 0 0 3' Standoff 0 New VHF Antenna System 1 I 1 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 VHF Antenna System Height 150 377 150 150 75 150 0 0 150 0 7/8" LDF for VHF Ant Sys 170 410 170 170 (x 2) 110 170 (x 2) 0 0 170 0 VHF Antenna Mount 3' Standoff Existing Candelabra 3' Standoff 3' Standoff 0 3' Standoff 0 0 3' Standoff 0 MC2500 Deskset 1 1 1 I I 1 2 BIM 2 BIM 1 0 Chem -Rod Ground ' 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 Tower Halo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LDF External Entry Panel 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 Internal Shelter Bus Bar 0 I 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 RF Site Type I AC Protection 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 Looking long term to providing additional operability at Level 4 and reaching Level 6, CAPCOG has the following plan established: 1. Place a radio dispatch console with "patching" capability in each county that does not currently have this capability. 2. Increase Project 25 compliant subscriber units among first responder agencies in preparation for possible migration to P25 radio systems. 3. Place a Project 25 repeater site on Austin/Travis County's Project 25 Regional Radio System (RRS), with a designated Capitol talk group, at the Capitol to allow Austin Fire and EMS to communicate when needed underground within the Capitol. This will also allow Capital DPS to communicate with any dispatchers on Austin/Travis County Regional Radio System and responders at any given time. a. Note that a "hardwire" connection was just installed between the Texas Department of Public Safety Capitol Police communications center to the Austin/Travis County Combined Transportation and Emergency Communications Center (CTECC) to allow selected "patching" of DPS Capitol Police charinels.to Austin Police, Fire and EMS console radio "talkgroups" 4. Place a Project 25 repeater site on the Austin/Travis County 800 MHz trunked Regional Radio System in each of the seven (7) Counties where sites do not exist currently. 5. Add Project 25 Trunked channels to the following Project 25 Regional Radio System sites for use with a designated Interoperability talk group. a. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in Bastrop County b. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in Fayette County c. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in southeastern Travis County (site radiates signal into northern Caldwell County) d. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in far eastern Travis County (radiates signal into western Bastrop County) e. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in northern Hays County f. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in northwestern Travis County (radiates signal into southern Williamson County) g. Existing Austin/Travis County trunked site in southwestern Travis County (radiates signal into eastern Burnet County) Note that CTECC public safety agency console "patching" access through control stations on the CTECC radio tower to Williamson County CWICS radio system is in the process of being put into place. 6. Place dynamic mode VHF repeaters (P25) in all ten counties providing a P25 conventional VHF tactical Interoperable Channel which could be patched to the Regional Interoperable talk group. 7. Utilize existing 800 to 900 solutions in place between Austin/Travis County's Project 25 Regional Radio System and LCRA system. a. Note that a "hardwire" connection has been installed between the RRS controller and the LCRA radio system controller, permitting interoperability between selected public safety users. Road blocks to overcome for Level 6: 1. Need frequencies for the Project 25 repeater sites 2. Need frequencies for the VHF P25 transmitter/receivers (possibly those turned back from sites who have recently gone 900MHz) 3. Funding for equipment, exercises. The same steps regarding site readiness, installation tasks, grounding, etc. will be required in order to accomplish the steps above. As mentioned prior, Regional players will establish a protocol for use of the Interoperable channels, such as: nomenclature, qualified usage, priority of usage, etc. They will also provide a schedule for regular testing and exercising of the Plan (at all times within a twenty-four hour period) to ensure that all public safety personnel (from dispatchers, to field units, to public works) understand and are comfortable in executing the Plan. Using input from the CAPCOG Homeland Security Task Force, CAPCOG staff will develop a method of validating equipment ordered, installed and implemented to ensure that jurisdictions have complied with the stated plan of action; staff will also develop an annual monitoring process for each jurisdiction that has received funding for the life of the grant. These will then be presented to the CAPCOG Executive Committee for approval; upon receiving that approval, they will be implemented. CAPCOG is unsure of our participation in the monitoring of the required frequencies other than to include recording of frequencies used and licensed in the annual monitoring form.