The Provincial Government is seeking qualifications from businesses interested in designing, building, operating, and maintaining a single, province-wide public safety radio system to be used by government and first responders.
Many first responders in the province are currently using separate radio communications systems that are nearing the end of service life. A new province-wide radio system will improve the way emergency responders and government—such as law enforcement, fire fighters, ambulances and other public service providers—communicate with each other during emergencies.
Submissions are due October 22. Based on the responses, a shortlist of respondents will be invited to participate in the next stage of the competitive selection process, the request for proposals.
Once the project is in operation, government plans to use the infrastructure to improve services for mobility and broadband customers in rural areas, where feasible.
This project delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“This new system will help first responders communicate with each other more efficiently, connect responders easily between jurisdictions, and lead to better response times. We will also leverage this opportunity to improve cell phone coverage throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Transportation and Works
“A new province-wide public safety radio system will allow for broad communication among a wide range of enforcement agencies and public service providers. Radio systems are essential tools for police, paramedics and fire departments to perform their jobs effectively to protect the people of the province. This project is long overdue, and I’m excited to finally see it move forward.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“Our government is committed to investing in and supporting quality services and equipment for first responders in our province. Emergency responders work diligently to keep our residents safe, and this new comprehensive system will allow them to communicate and provide timely assistance to those in need across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
– 30 –
Learn more
The Way Forward
The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure Investments
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @TW_GovNL and @JPS_GovNL
Media contacts
Brian Scott
Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca