The three maritime provinces are one step closer to implementing a shared radio communications system for emergency service providers and other users.
A request for proposals for the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative was publically released through the Nova Scotia procurement website on Thursday, August 12. Notices of the tri-province RFP release were simultaneously posted on the Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick procurement websites, directing vendors to the site.
The Maritime Radio Communications Initiative (MRCI) will deliver a tri-province shared radio system using a dedicated, public safety 700 MHZ frequency. The procurement will involve a public-private partnership; the private sector partner will design, build, operate, finance and maintain the system.
“I am pleased that interested vendors have the opportunity to participate in a transparent and fair procurement competition through this request for proposals process,” said Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety. “The successful proponent will be responsible to implement a system that will significantly impact mitigation and preparedness abilities in Prince Edward Island, for both traditional and non-traditional organizations working in disaster management and recovery situations.”
This radio system will be the first multi-jurisdictional radio communications system of its kind in Canada. It will be used primarily by police, fire and emergency medical service first responders in the region but will also be used by provincial and federal public service, and non-government emergency support entities such as Red Cross and Ground Search and Rescue.
It is anticipated that a preferred vendor will be selected in mid 2011, with implementation activities beginning shortly thereafter. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $50 million through PPP Canada to support the implementation of the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative.
For vendor information visit https://www.gov.ns.ca/tenders/search/ and search using tender ID “60140428.”