Harris to upgrade first-responder regional network in Virginia

Harris Corp. will upgrade and improve regional communications in central Virginia under an $11.8 million contract from the Region 2000 Local Government Council.

Region 2000 includes 184,460 residents in Bedford and Amherst counties, the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford, and the town of Amherst, according to the July 2 Harris announcement.

The award calls for Harris to provide advanced, standards-based digital technology to improve and unify mission-critical communications for more than 3,000 first responders and public works users.

When installed, the system will enable interoperable communications among the region's municipalities, as well as with surrounding cities and counties.

Region 2000's new integrated mission-critical communication system is based on the Harris VIDA network, which delivers scalability and features for future growth, and replaces the current three connected but separate radio systems.

The VIDA network platform is a unified IP-based voice and data communication system based on P25 industry standards.

It delivers full IP management features, including interoperability without intervention of console operators, IP consoles and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems, the announcement said.

Harris Corp., of Melbourne, Fla., ranks No. 11 on Washington Technology’s 2012 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.