A new guide aims to help organizations determine right-sized solutions for their emergency communications systems and equipment. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in partnership with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators to help organizations analyze various features and strike the right balance between cost and value. The guide contains recommendations, best practices, and considerations for organizations to evaluate cost effectiveness, including:
- Descriptions, costs, and expected lifespans of common emergency communications systems;
- Key features of emergency communication systems and equipment based on user position and responsibility; and
- Value Analysis Checklist, which summarizes analysis questions across common system components and serves as a tool to identify public safety user requirements.
An accompanying brochure provides key considerations and trade-offs between cost and value of communications systems components. The brochure serves as a leave-behind for decision-makers to better understand public safety requirements and solutions aligned with their strategic goals, while allowing agencies to save costs where possible.
