Public Safety Consulting: Independent Third Party Can Offer Best Guidance for Upgrade | Black & Veatch
Featured Perspectives

Public Safety Consulting: Independent Third Party Can Offer Best Guidance for Upgrade

Public Safety Consulting: Independent Third Party Can Offer Best Guidance for Upgrade

Land mobile radio (LMR) systems have evolved over the years to become highly sophisticated IP-based communications systems that connect thousands of citizens to municipal and public safety services.

When it comes time to upgrade or replace the systems, having an experienced independent party to conduct a needs assessment and provide system planning allows decision makers to receive objective guidance. This can lead to obtaining the radio communication system that best fits a community’s needs, according to Greg Munchrath, Regional Director for Black & Veatch’s telecommunications business.

Munchrath said the process of identifying critical user needs both currently and for the foreseeable future is the first stage in the process, but it can often involve complex side issues such as managing stakeholder expectations, vendor politics and intense lobbying.

“Selecting a system vendor without encountering a protest from other parties can be a challenge for agencies. We can help with the process by determining the best approach, by providing advice and counsel on project issues, and by thoroughly evaluating each vendor’s proposal.”

Greg Munchrath, Regional Director, Connected Communities

Enlisting Experienced Engineering Support

The implementation of system upgrades or a system replacement has its own set of challenges, including site acquisition and development, frequency acquisition, resolving project issues, and maintaining the schedule and budget. All of these must be addressed in a timely manner.

Projects of this nature are always subject to public scrutiny, and rightly so.

“Few municipalities have the in-house expertise, not to mention the time, to adequately address all of these issues,” Munchrath said. “An experienced consulting firm can readily assist cities and counties by helping them avoid costly missteps, particularly in the early stages of the project.”

Enlisting experienced consulting and engineering support has proven to help cities and counties navigate the risks and successfully complete their projects on time and within budget constraints. Black & Veatch has a long track record of working closely with clients and guiding these system installations to successful conclusions. Its portfolio of projects includes hundreds of public safety radio system implementations for communities both large and small.

 

Subject Matter Expert
Greg Munchrath: MunchrathG@bv.com

Meet Black & Veatch

We seek partners in innovation. Let's start the conversation.