The PSERN Project is continuing to work on creating, testing, and programming the over 600 radio templates needed. To ensure the pace of radio programming can sufficiently prepare radios for deployment without further interruption, the Project has taken the following actions:
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Adding Staff: An additional Electronic Communications Specialist (ECS) has been hired to support the radio template/codeplug programming process, including documenting each radio feature and function, testing, and adding data to radios.
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Improving Workflow: Project staff, Radio Shops, and Motorola’s sub-contractor, CommDex, are assessing workflow management interdependencies, have implemented a workflow tool, and are performing other strategic work to streamline the process.
King County is the lead agency for the PSERN Project, and the Project staff is part of the Information Technology (IT) Department. In early April, the King County IT Chief Information Officer (CIO) announced her resignation, and PSERN Project Director, David Mendel, was appointed as interim CIO. While David is still accessible to the Project team, PSERN Project Lead Project Manager, Hai Phung, is providing David with backup on daily work, and other duties have been delegated among staff. To support the completion of the PSERN Project, an interim Project Director will be hired to fulfill the role while David is serving as interim CIO.
Radio end-user agencies and dispatch pay a monthly service rate per radio or dispatch console to utilize the emergency radio system. The PSERN service rates will begin at Full System Acceptance (FSA), after everyone has transitioned to PSERN, which is currently scheduled for April 2023.
The PSERN Operator is aiming to establish a draft 2023 operating budget and determine draft PSERN service rates by the end of August 2022, with approval no later than October 2022. An overview of the issues that need to be addressed can be found starting on page 13 of the April PSERN Operator Board Packet, however, the following is a high-level summary of the analysis and decision making required to determine service rates:
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Previous Budget and Rate Analysis: Prior to the formation of the PSERN Operator, estimates of budget and service fees were developed in 2019/2020.
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Current View of 2023 Operating Budget: Changes since the 2019/2020 budget estimates were created include additional Operator staff positions, changes to radio and console counts, and general inflation in certain operating expense categories.
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Cost Allocation Model Considerations: The cost allocation methodology to be used in the first year of operation is defined in the PSERN Operator Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ILA), Exhibit A. The previous budget estimates used an overall assumed split between radios and dispatch consoles, which will need to be re-estimated, as specified in the ILA.
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Other Considerations: Incorporating existing sublease revenue, establishing operating and capital reserves and the methodology for applying rate stabilization funding are some of the other considerations.
More information on this topic will be shared as available, but if you have immediate questions, please contact the PSERN Operator at PSERN-Operator@kingcounty.gov.
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