Appendix 6-Glossary of Terms.pdf

Appendix 6: Glossary of Terms

RFP #354-PD27-07

Project Title: Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Replacement Project

1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

This glossary is provided as a supporting reference to assist vendors in understanding the terminology, acronyms, and key concepts used throughout this Request for Proposal (RFP). The intent of this document is to promote clarity and consistency in interpretation; however, it is not a required component of the vendor response and does not require completion, modification, or submission. Vendors should use this glossary solely as an informational aid when reviewing the RFP materials. In the event of any discrepancies between definitions provided here and formal requirements outlined elsewhere in the RFP, the RFP requirements shall take precedence.

Term Definition

Alarm Management System

An interface with the CAD software that allows dispatchers to effectively manage incoming alarms from various sources by prioritizing, assigning responders, and tracking their status, all within the central dispatch interface.

ANI/ALI

Automatic Number Identification/Automatic Location Information is a telephony feature that automatically captures and displays the caller’s phone number and/or location to the call-taker when an emergency or service call is received.

APIs A formalized set of rules, protocols, and definitions that enables different software applications to communicate, exchange data, and share functionality

AVL

Automatic Vehicle Location is a technology that automatically determines and transmits the real-time geographic location of field units to the CAD system.

Business Continuation Plan

A formal, written disaster recovery and mitigation plan.

CentralSquare OneSolution

A public safety suite offered by Central Square Technologies that delivers a unified system for managing dispatch, critical information sharing, records management, and reporting across diverse public safety functions.

CAD

Computer-Aided Dispatch is the software system used by public safety and service agencies to receive, manage, prioritize, and dispatch resources in response to calls for service.

C2C CAD-to-CAD interface is an automated data exchange connection between two or more Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, enabling agencies to share information in real time or near real time.

Cary/TOC The Town of Cary.

CCH

Computerized Case History is the summarized record of an individual’s prior criminal-related law enforcement interactions that is made available to call-takers and dispatchers for situational awareness and officer safety.

CFS

Call for Service is the formal record created when a request for assistance is received by a dispatch center, typically via 9-1-1, a non-emergency line, or a proactive officer-initiated event.

CJIS

Criminal Justice Information Services. This refers to the FBI-managed security policy framework and set of requirements that govern how sensitive criminal justice information is accessed, transmitted, stored, and protected within CAD and related public safety systems.

Clock Sync The process of synchronizing all computer systems and devices within a network or organization to ensure a consistent and precise time display.

COOP

Continuity of Operations Plan is a formal, documented plan that ensures an organization can continue performing its essential functions during and after a disruption or emergency.

CT

The call-taker is the individual responsible for receiving requests for service and entering initial incident information into the CAD system.

DED

Deliverable Expectations Documents are formal documents that clearly define the outputs (deliverables) to be provided, how they will be produced, and the standards they must meet as part of a project, contract, or engagement.

DevOps

Software development practices emphasizing automated, low-risk, and frequent updates rather than massive, disruptive overhauls, specifically related to development, deployment, monitoring, and operations collaboration.

Dev-Test-UAT Refers to the structured progression of system environments used to configure, verify, and formally validate CAD functionality before it is placed into live operations.

DNCR

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The state governing body that dictates how long public records must be kept and when they must be destroyed.

Domain Controller A central server that manages user authentication, authorization, security policies, and access control for CAD and related systems within a network domain.

DR/IT DR

Disaster Recovery/IT Disaster Recovery is the set of policies, procedures, infrastructure, and technical capabilities that enable the CAD system and/or IT systems to be restored and continue operations after a disruptive event or system failure.

Dynamic Dispatching

The process of continuously evaluating and adjusting unit assignments and response recommendations in real time, based on current conditions.

Emergency Alert System

An external interface that allows dispatchers to quickly send out critical alerts to emergency responders/citizens regarding a developing situation.

Environmental Mapping

The integration and display of geographic, environmental, and hazard-related data layers within the CAD mapping interface to support informed, safe, and effective response decisions.

ESO

The Town’s Fire Reporting System. A records-management and analytics platform that primarily integrates with CAD systems to capture, manage, and analyze incident and patient care data.

ESRI

Company formally known as Environmental Systems Research Institute. The leading provider of GIS technology, which is widely integrated into CAD systems.

ETL

The technical process of pulling legacy data from old systems, converting it into a compatible format, and loading it into the new system or database.

Fire/EMS Pro QA

A software tool developed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) that is used in public safety dispatch centers to assist dispatchers in handling emergency calls more consistently, efficiently, and effectively.

Fire Reporting The capability to collect, organize, and transmit fire-related incident data from dispatch operations to meet operational, statistical, regulatory, and compliance reporting requirements.

FSA

Fire Station Alerting is the automated process of notifying fire stations and fire personnel of an incident and activating in-station alerting devices when a call for service is dispatched.

GIS

Geographic Information System. The system to capture, manage, and analyze geographic data.

HA

High Availability. The system's ability to remain operational and accessible for extended periods, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous service, even in the face of failures or disruptions.

ICD

Interface Control Document. A formal technical document that defines how two or more systems exchange data and interact with each other.

Mapping Shapefiles Standardized geospatial data files that are used to define, store, and display geographic boundaries and features on CAD maps.

MDT/MDC

Mobile Data Terminal/Mobile Data Computer. Computerized devices installed in a response vehicle or carried by field personnel that provide direct, real-time access to CAD information and functions.

Media Works Recording

A feature within Eventide Communications, MediaWorks software allows users to capture and replay audio recordings on their CAD system screen simultaneously.

Microsoft Azure Microsoft’s cloud computing platform used to host, operate, secure, and scale applications and their supporting infrastructure.

Motorola Astro P25 A suite of digital two-way P25 trunked radio systems that enables interoperable voice and data communications between dispatch centers and field units.

NCSBI

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. North Carolina State agency that maintains databases containing sensitive criminal histories, warrants, and records of stolen property.

NG9-1-1

Next Generation 9-1-1 is the IP-based emergency communications framework that enables CAD systems to receive, process, and manage enhanced voice, text, data, imagery, and video information associated with 9-1-1 calls.

PageGate A software application that acts as a messaging gateway, allowing CAD systems to send automated text messages or alerts to pagers or mobile phones.

Prepared Live Software solution that enables dispatchers to live stream and receive photos, videos, texts, and GPS locations from mobile 9-1-1 callers.

Priority Dispatch

Emergency dispatchers use a standardized system of protocols and procedures to efficiently prioritize and categorize incoming calls, ensuring the correct response level is sent based on the severity of the situation.

ProQA Public Safety Software Solution that provides expert insights on call processing.

PSAP

Public Safety Answering Point. The facility that is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency requests for service and using a CAD system to process calls and coordinate the dispatch of public safety resources.

PTT

Push-to-Talk is the communications method that allows dispatchers and field units to initiate instant, one-to-many voice communication by pressing a button, instead of dialing a call.

Radio System The two-way radio communication network that is integrated with a CAD system.

RapidSoS Provides advanced data integration solutions for emergency response systems, supporting enhanced location accuracy, data integration, real-time data sharing, and interoperability.

RMS

Records Management System. The software is used to create, manage, store, and retrieve official public safety records that are generated from or associated with calls for service and dispatched incidents.

RPO

Recovery Point Objective. The maximum acceptable amount of data loss, measured in time, that an agency can tolerate following a system failure or disaster.

RTM

Requirements Traceability Matrix. A structured document or tool used to track and link project requirements throughout their life cycle, ensuring that each requirement is properly implemented, tested, and validated.

RTO

Recovery Time Objective. The maximum acceptable amount of time that the CAD system can be unavailable after a disruption before operations must be restored.

SOC 2 Type II An independent, third-party audit report verifying a cloud vendor's security, availability, and processing integrity.

Social Media Interfaces

Integration of Social Media Platforms with emergency dispatch systems to enhance communication and situational awareness.

SSO/MFA Single Sign-On/Multi-Factor Authentication

Text to 9-1-1

The capability to receive and respond to text messages (short message service or ‘SMS’) either through a subscribe-to-use service (e.g., for the hard of hearing or deaf) or as a direct inbound communications channel for any member of the public who wishes to text a message to 9-1-1.

Traffic Management System

Technologies used to monitor, manage, and optimize the flow of traffic on roadways to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and improve the efficiency of emergency response.

Translation Services A specialized service designed to assist emergency dispatch centers in effectively communicating with callers who speak different languages.