Maryland plans RFP for statewide communications system

Three departments in the state of Maryland will fund the initial stages of a multiyear, statewide communications project that would allow first responders from different jurisdictions to communicate with each other.

In an executive order signed June 10, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley set forth guidelines for the agencies to follow that would result in an interoperable public safety communications system. He plans to direct state officials to issue a request for proposals for the 700MHz system, according to a news release from his office.

Under the procurement strategy, the winning contractor would have to make cost projections for both the initial phase of the project as well as the statewide implementation. This would give state officials a clear idea of the total funding required, the governor said.

The Maryland Transportation Department, Transportation Authority and State Police would share the cost of funding the initial stages of the project. O'Malley's executive order calls for the establishment of a project management office to oversee the effort.

The executive order also mandates the creation of a statewide computer-aided dispatch and records management system and a separate project that would connect various closed circuit television systems used by state officials throughout the state.

State officials estimate the system will take five to eight years to complete.