Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grants
FACT SHEET
Where is the money coming from?
The federal government has established a deadline for broadcast television to move from analog to digital frequencies. This move will free up analog spectrum in the 700 MHz band, of which 24 MHz has been allocated for public safety use. The remaining portion of the vacated spectrum will be auctioned off to the public – the anticipated proceeds will fund this Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant program.
What can the grant money be used for?
The PSIC grant program is intended to enhance public safety agencies’ interoperable communications capabilities. Funds must be used to buy equipment, deploy communications systems, or train for use on communications systems that are capable of operating within the 700 MHz spectrum. 80% of the funds must go to local agencies, 20% can be used by the state. States are required to provide a 20% funding match.
What does this mean for Indiana?
Indiana’s share of the $944 million grant is $18,291,735. This means approximately $14 million will be available to local Indiana first responder agencies.
What about the 700 MHz capability requirement?
Indiana is just completing the build-out of a wireless public safety communications system for Indiana local, state, and federal first responders and public safety officials. The Project Hoosier SAFE-T network allows nearly all local systems, from older VHF to the newest digital systems, to interoperate. SAFE-T operates on the 800 MHz frequency, but many of the digital radios local agencies are purchasing as they upgrade their communications systems are multi-band/multi-mode software designed radios, which are 700 MHz capable and can be used well into the future as Indiana migrates and adapts to changing technology.
While SAFE-T provides a platform for both voice and data interoperable communications, it is primarily a voice system. The existing SAFE-T system databases, dispatch consoles and site equipment are upgradeable to allow 700 MHz capabilities. Additionally, the State of Indiana is incorporating plans to deploy 700 MHz data technology, which will allow public safety agencies to share critical criminal justice data. The state will use its share of the grant to further this technology.
What are the grant timelines? (dates are approximate)
- July 18, 2007: Feds release PSIC Guidance and allocations to states.
- August 22, 2007: States must submit a brief narrative which includes a high level overview of the planning process; the strategy that will be used to solicit, review, and select investments; details about how PSIC criteria is being incorporated into the Statewide Plan; a description and budget detail of the specific statewide planning activities to be accomplished with the up-to-5 percent of the State or Territory total allocated PSIC funds.
- September 30, 2007: Mid-term review of draft SCIP
Awards processed (5% released) - October 1, 2007: Performance period begins
- November 1, 2007: Investment Justifications due
Final Statewide Interoperable Communications Plan (SCIP) due - December 1, 2007: Peer review/evaluation of Investment Justifications and SCIP
- March 15, 2008: States receive approval/denial of Investment Justifications/SCIP
60 day obligation period begins - May 15, 2008: 60 day obligation period ends – local funds must be obligated
- September 30, 2010: Grant ends – No extensions will be granted
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