Visionary: State of Minnesota Hires MCP to Implement Next Gen

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) contracted MCP to implement a statewide Next Generation capable IP network to all 115 Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) locations in the state. The phased plan called for first providing fully enhanced 9-1-1 interconnectivity between all PSAPs and then providing fully redundant IP connectivity to all PSAPs while not disrupting any PSAP services.

Along with all the advanced network and routing benefits, costs were another major factor for the Minnesota DPS. The challenge was to procure a system that met all their requirements and was affordable in today’s economy. Negotiations with the contracted vendor provided the DPS with a system that achieved their goals while remaining within their budget constraints.

MCP is supporting the implementation and deployment of the statewide 9-1-1 IP network by providing technical assistance, project coordination, and oversight of system testing of network functionality, gateways, and routers. Also part of the project management services provided are acceptance test plans and processes, acceptance testing of all phases, and “punch list” management to ensure the timely and cost-efficient management of the network deployment project. Project coordination is accomplished through an interactive “dashboard,” project status meetings, and conference calls. A critical component that MCP provides is the oversight and documentation of the change management process.