#United States #Pittsburgh #Michael Baker #DATAMARK #NG9-1-1

Michael Baker International Partners with U.S. Army for NG9-1-1 Enhancements

In a groundbreaking initiative, Michael Baker International, a leader in engineering and consulting, has announced its collaboration with the U.S. Army to improve emergency response systems across 54 military installations in the Continental United States (CONUS). This project involves the development of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) Geographic Information System (GIS) and addressing data, which will be critical in ensuring effective communication during emergencies.

The Role of Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International has garnered extensive experience in engineering, consulting, and technology services, positioning the firm strategically for this task. By leveraging their partnership with DATAMARK Technologies, the team aims to modernize Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) through the integration of compliant GIS data. This initiative not only strengthens collaboration between the Army and civilian emergency services but also enhances the preparedness and response capabilities of military installations.

John Hurley, the National Market Lead for the Army at Michael Baker International, emphasized the project's significance, stating, "This project represents a major step forward to strengthen emergency response capabilities across U.S. Army facilities." The unique combination of Michael Baker’s longstanding collaboration with the U.S. Army and DATAMARK’s expertise in NG9-1-1 GIS projects sets the foundation for successful implementation.

Enhancing Emergency Response

The NG9-1-1 enhancements will deliver updated GIS data, which is vital for 9-1-1 call management and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. These improvements are designed specifically to increase the speed, accuracy, and reliability of emergency communications for military personnel as well as surrounding communities. With these enhancements, emergency calls, regardless of their source—landline, mobile phone, or internet—will be routed swiftly and expertly, aided by precise location data for first responders.

The project plans to utilize GIS-based mapping tools, mobile applications, and real-time data sharing functionalities. These tools are anticipated to create a more efficient emergency response framework across the Army’s installations.

Collaboration and Coordination

To execute this initiative, more than 300 GIS experts from both Michael Baker and DATAMARK will collaborate as part of a unified team. This approach is aimed at ensuring coherence and effectiveness in the project’s delivery and will include activities such as:

• - Local addressing program coordination with installation GIS teams.
• - Creation and remediation of GIS data.
• - Coordination with municipal PSAP departments to facilitate boundary management and quality control.
• - Ultimately, this collaboration aims to ensure the U.S. Army's CAD systems are equipped with high-quality GIS data.

A Long-Term Commitment

This multi-year project is slated to run until August 2030, allowing ample time to develop and refine these vital systems. Michael Baker International's commitment to enhancing communication infrastructure underlines its broader goal of ensuring public safety and mission readiness. The company has been a trusted partner for over 85 years and continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies.

In conclusion, this initiative marks a significant leap forward in improving emergency response capabilities within the U.S. Army, showcasing the importance of innovative partnerships in today's technological landscape. With Michael Baker International and DATAMARK Technologies at the helm, the future of emergency response within military contexts looks promising and well-equipped for the challenges ahead.