Project Finances: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent Questions & Answers
-
What will the grant funds cover? Are there any expenses for my agency?
For the IO network, Federal funding will pay for the network components (hardware and software), network (dispatch) consoles, installation of new network connections or upgrading existing ones, training, project management, installation including interfacing to the local systems, and ongoing service and help desk. Local funding can be used to enhance local capacity.
The funding for ongoing operations and maintenance is assumed to be a local responsibility when Federal funds are not available. All equipment is covered by warranty and the dispatch consoles have a three-year warranty. There is no charge for maintenance until July 1, 2007. Once maintenance charges begin, the cost for dispatch centers not hosting regional servers will be approximately $4425 annually.
For the IO network, the average cost of telecommunications will vary depending on whether new service is needed and/or the cost of network connectivity in each county. The DMS estimates that annual costs will range between $5000 and $6000 but will vary from location to location.
The average value of the equipment and services provided by the grant at each site is $44,250-$53,000 depending on the final configuration of equipment at each location. Specifically, the grant will provide dispatch centers with:
- Radio gateway unit (RGU)
- Workstation gateway unit (WSGU)
- Dispatch console computer with flat screen monitor, speakers and microphone
- An average of four interfaces to local radio systems
- Installation of new network line or enhancement of existing line and line charges through June 30, 2006 (longer if additional grant funds are appropriated)
- Installation
- 24x7 service and help desk
- Training
For mutual aid build-out, the grant pays for the tower leases, base stations and antenna systems, and installation of phone lines to connect the new base stations to a local dispatch center. As with the IO network, the grant will also pay for line charges through June 30, 2006 (longer if additional grant funds are appropriated).
-
How is this being funded?
Due to its importance and service to every county in the state, the Domestic Security Oversight Board recommended this project as the number one communications priority for Federal Homeland Security funds for three years. Total grants over the first two years are $25,865,544. A third-year ($10.7 million) was appropriated by the Florida Legislature during the 2005 Legislative Session.