NG911 ESINET and Call Handling Equipment

Background
The City of Abilene is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NG911 ESINET and Call Handling Equipment Project to modernize the existing 911 system.

The project aims to refresh and replace the current call handling equipment, routers, and software while upgrading to the Next Generation 911 (NG911) Emergency Services Internet Protocol (IP) Network (ESInet). This initiative is driven by the need to adapt to modern communication methods and improve emergency response capabilities for the Abilene/Taylor County Emergency Communication District (ATCECD), which serves an estimated population of 148,000 residents through four Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs).

The legacy system has proven inadequate for mobile services and new communication technologies, necessitating this modernization effort.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for:
1. Planning, design, buildout, and deployment of the NG911 network.
2. Management services including operation and maintenance of the NG911 network.
3. Furnishing and installing all necessary equipment and cabling.
4. Transitioning services from existing Originating Service Providers (OSPs) to the NG911 system.
5. Providing 24x7x365 Network Operations Center support including help desk services.
6. Implementing a phased approach that includes discovery, detailed systems design, construction/testing, production readiness deployment, and managed network services.
7. Developing a comprehensive training plan for approximately 50 personnel involved in the ATCECD 911 system.
8. Ensuring compliance with minimum NG911 system requirements including cybersecurity measures, GIS data provisioning, and acceptance testing protocols.

Period of Performance
The successful proposer shall begin work immediately following contract award with an expected completion date by December 31, 2025.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed in Abilene, Texas.