Statement of Work.docx

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Dispatch Services Scope of Work

Overview Introduction

The New River Gorge National River (NERI) includes the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River. Combined these three National Park Service (NPS) Units cover over 100,000 acres of land in the five southern West Virginia counties of Fayette, Mercer, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers.

NERI is under concurrent jurisdiction with the state of West Virginia. As such, the NPS has primary responsibility for providing for the safety of its visitors, employees and the general public. Therefore, NERI provides law enforcement, emergency services and fire response in the park units.

Currently, all park operations use a NPS owned narrow band VHF radio communications system. These operations include general park operations (non-emergency) and law enforcement and emergency services operations. In the immediate future, the Park plans to switch over to the West Virginia State Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN) system. SIRN is a 400 Mhz UHF system that is co-operatively owned and partially funded by the State of WV. Once the transition takes place, the park will run all operations (law enforcement/emergency and non-emergency) on SIRN. Communications from general park staff are typically person to person with very little need to interact with Dispatch. In an emergency situation, general park staff have the ability to communicate with Dispatch.

Staffing

NERI has a law enforcement program of 14 commissions, which includes the Chief Ranger, Law Enforcement Specialist, two District (Supervisory) Law Enforcement Rangers and 10 field Law Enforcement Rangers. These Law Enforcement Rangers also provide EMS, SAR and Wild Land Fire services. The law enforcement program is not a 24-hour operation; therefore, LE Rangers are required to participate in an after hours call out program. Typically, during peak season (April – October), the Park runs a day shift that starts at 0800 hours and an evening shift that ends at approximately 2200 to 2400 hours. During the shoulder season (November – March), the Park runs a day shift and a modified evening shift that typically ends at approximately 1800 hours. Typically, there are approximately five (5) or six (6) patrol Rangers that work on weekdays (Monday – Thursday) to cover both day and evening shifts and approximately nine (9) or ten (10) patrol Rangers that work on the weekends (Friday – Sunday) to cover both day and evening shifts. Law Enforcement Rangers call in and out of service with Dispatch are regularly communicate with Dispatch every day on issues related to law enforcement, SAR, EMS and Fire.

The Park’s Wild Land Fire Program is comprised of four (4) positions; Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Specialist, Engine Boss and Senior Firefighter. The team regularly works from 0800 hours to 1600 hours every day of the week during WV Spring and Fall fire seasons. Outside of the fire seasons some of the staff may be furloughed. The team is responsible for after-hours call outs. The Law Enforcement Rangers augment fire staffing levels for incident response and initial attack. Typically, there are two (2) to three (3) fire staff working each day during WV Spring and Fall fire seasons. Fire staff do not call in and out of service with Dispatch. Instead, they communicate with Dispatch on an as needed basis when engaged in fire fighting activities, which would include severity staffing.

The Park has three (3) non-commissioned Emergency Response Park Rangers that work with the Law Enforcement Rangers to conduct SAR operations in the Park. The Emergency Response Rangers typically work 0800 to 1600 hours every day of the week during the peak season (April – October). Outside of the peak season, they may be furloughed. Typically, there are two (2) or three (3) Emergency Response Rangers working each day during peak season. Emergency Response Rangers do not call in and out of service with Dispatch. Instead, they communicate with Dispatch when engaged in SAR, EMS or Fire response or patrol activities.

Call Volume The Parked logged the following call for service numbers over the past five years:

2015 – 1137 2016 – 1653 2017 – 1542 2018 – 944 2019 – 828 2020 – 599 (through November 18, 2020)

The five-year total for the park (excluding 2020) is 6.140 calls for service. That average to approximately 1,221 calls for service each year. For this scope of work a call for service is a call to dispatch that requires an action on their part, such ads running a license check or a criminal history or communicating with a cooperating law enforcement agency to help facilitate a call.

Structure Protection

The NPS has buildings in Fayette, Raleigh and Summers counties that are protected by intrusion and/or fire alarm systems. The systems listed below are systems that dial out to a dispatch center.

Headquarters

Sandstone

Grandview

Camp Brookside

Zickafoose Property

McCreery

Thurmond/Dun Glen

Burnwood

Dispatch Center Requirements and Responsibilities

Per RM-9, Chapter 40, Dispatch Services and Computerized information Systems:

“The NPS will provide professionally operated and equipped communication centers and trained dispatch staff for all NPS units that provide law enforcement and emergency service operations (54 USC 102701, DM-446).”

“Dispatch services provide radio and telephone communications to field staff; deploy and track human and physical resources; access state and national databases; coordinate park response to medical, fire, other emergency, and all hazard management situations; coordinate response to emergency incidents with other law enforcement agencies; and are centers where the public can report emergencies of all kinds.”

“The NPS shall have dispatch/communication services operational and accessible by two-way-radio when conducting law enforcement duties.”

“Dispatch services may be provided by a variety of entities, including non-Federal government sources. Dispatch services must be timely, accurate, professional, and provide adequate geographic coverage in order to ensure quality service to law enforcement personnel and the public.”

“Field units must actively have unrestricted, 24-hour access to these systems for legitimate use by authorized law enforcement personnel, through:

· In-house installation of dedicated terminals, professionally monitored by qualified dispatchers with appropriate background checks within the park;

· Placement of computer terminals with RF linkage in vehicles used by law enforcement personnel (CAD or MDT);

· Agreements or contracts with neighboring agencies; or

· A combination of the above.”

“All employees using these systems (including commissioned employees and terminal operators/dispatchers) must successfully complete the training required by the state and the FBI, including successful completion of appropriate background investigations, and comply with applicable Federal, State and local standards, security procedures, and criteria designed to restrict access and to protect the systems’ security and discipline.”

“Dispatch services will be obtained through one or a combination of the following means:

· Park operated dispatch services

· Multi-park/regional dispatch services

· Interagency law enforcement dispatch centers

· Agreement/contract with a local, county or State agency

Whenever dispatch services are provided by another agency, written agreements will be in place.”

“Dispatch services will meet the following minimum standards:

· The capability to monitor applicable frequencies at all times with adequate staffing to meet NPS needs.

· Upgrade to, and maintain, appropriate technology to receive and transmit secure encrypted law enforcement-related radio traffic.

· Provide a 24-hour Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), an advertised telephone number, and TTY access, unless authorized by written waiver. All 911 PSAP centers must have equipment that meets FCC regulations with respect to Automatic Location Identification and Automatic Number Identification Systems (ALI/ANI).

· Provide timely public safety and emergency radio and telephone communication services.

· Access information from National Crime Information Center/ National Law Enforcement Teletype System and state or local criminal databases. NCIC access will also include NCIC Identification Interstate Index (III) criminal history database.

· Record all voice and data telephone and radio communications. Record mobile data terminal (MDT) communications. Chief Rangers will develop dispatch operating procedures that provide for retaining/safeguarding records (paper, digital, and/or voice) based upon best management practices for those media and conform to records management policies.

· Backup or emergency power system is ensured.

· Radio communications will comply with all applicable laws and regulations (NTIA, DOI, NPS, etc.).

· Maintain current status of public safety officers and other units in accordance with local SOPs (status checks, flight following, resource status, etc.).”

“Dispatch Centers that act as a Primary Public Safety Answering Point must have a minimum of one person certified as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) on duty during operating hours. Dispatch Centers that act as a Secondary Public Safety Answering Point should develop an EMD program.”

“Dispatcher Qualifications

· Must be at least 18 years of age, unless state law requires a higher age to operate the Criminal Justice Information System.

· Must be a US citizen.

· Must not have been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor.

· Ability to speak and be fluent in the English language.

· Must pass the appropriate background investigation.

· Must pass pre-placement testing for dispatchers (as available).

· Passing initial and random drug testing for dispatchers will be required.

· Must sign and adhere to the law enforcement code of conduct.

· Must have a training plan, with goals of proficiency before working without direct supervision, and of meeting national standards.”

“Parks shall use standard operating procedures using industry standards for processing calls for service and dispatching resources.”

“Radio terminology should be in clear text.”

“All handling of law enforcement sensitive information will be according to DM-446, RM-9, local, state, and park SOPs and directives. NCIC, NLETS, state, local computer systems, and audio recordings of telephone calls and radio transmissions must be properly safeguarded, and training must meet state and NCIC standards.”

“Communication centers shall follow the priority protocol for multiple incidents: (1) life threatening, (2) criminal, and (3) routine public safety business.

A dedicated law enforcement radio frequency is preferred. If this is not possible, or until one is available, emergency services will be given first priority.”

“The consoles should include multiple lines and provide for rollover ability. A minimum of two rollover lines for every emergency phone advertised will be provided. All radio and emergency phone lines must be recorded. Caller ID and instant recall recording capability is desired.”

“Shift logs/databases should be maintained as directed by DO 19. Automated documentation using MS Word, Excel, Access, or CAD systems should be used.”

“The location of communication centers shall be secure and will be separated from public access and criminal processing. Systems and information will be safeguarded against unauthorized access and use.”

“Communications centers shall have the capability to receive incident notifications from the public (toll-free number if necessary). separate access number for employees to contact the communications center.”

“The following directives apply to the information gained from computerized law enforcement information systems.

Individuals may be arrested from warrant hits based on probable cause that:

· The warrant is valid,

· Is for the individual in question, and

· Terms or restrictions of geographic limitations of the warrant are followed.

Individuals may be detained for a reasonable period of time to obtain such probable cause by confirming the validity and terms of ty of the individual. Warrants should be confirmed per policy of NCIC or state systems.”

“Dissemination of criminal history record information must be in compliance with applicable regulations published by the Department of Justice or other controlling agency. Security of this information must meet NCIC regulations.

Dissemination of Homeland Security information must be in compliance with applicable regulations specified within the teletypes and must meet applicable regulations published by Homeland Security. Security of this information must meet NCIC regulations.”

“Stolen, recovered, or seized firearms or personal property must be checked, entered, or cleared through eTrace in accordance with criteria established for the information systems used. All seized, recovered, or stolen federal government property must be entered or deleted in accordance with criteria established for the systems used.”

“All missing/endangered person reports received by an NPS unit will be entered within the required timeframe and established guidelines for entry. The entry may be made by the park unit or may be delegated to the local authorities for entry as appropriate. Amber Alerts will be issued based on protocols established by each state. All NPS units with update capabilities can enter federal warrants. Entry of federal warrants will follow established NCIC protocols.”

Additional Dispatch Requirements and Responsibilities

· Dispatch Center MUST have the ability to access the West Virginia State Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN) and would have to be able to operate in the same SIRN region that the park is in. This accessibility is a MUST at the time of award.

· Dispatch will maintain an accurate log of when NPS law enforcement Rangers are on duty. The log will reflect when the Ranger calls in and out of service, as well as calls for service, incidents, etc… If a Ranger fails to call out of service after 9 hours from beginning of shift (and there is no radio traffic to indicate they are still in service for an incident), Dispatch will do the following:

1. Try to contact the Ranger on the radio

2. Try to contact the Ranger on their mobile number

3. Contact another law enforcement Ranger that is in service and check the status of the missing Ranger.

4. Contact the Supervisory Ranger or the Chief Ranger.

· Dispatch conducts timely safety or status checks (no more than 10 minutes apart) on law enforcement Rangers when involved or responding to a law enforcement incident. Status checks will be conducted for the duration of the law enforcement incident unless otherwise directed by the law enforcement Ranger, another law enforcement Ranger on scene or a supervisory Law Enforcement Ranger. If contact cannot be made with a law enforcement Ranger on a status check, Dispatch will initiate an immediate welfare check on that Ranger with NPS unit(s) or unit(s) from cooperating agencies.

· If Dispatch conducts a wants and warrants check on a suspect and the return is positive, Dispatch will ask if “All Units Are Clear For Traffic” before transmitting the information. Dispatch will advise of the possible hit in the system before verifying the hit with the originating agency so that the officer may detain the suspect until the hit is confirmed.

· If Dispatch receives a call for a motor vehicle collision and injuries exist or are unknown, they will automatically send an EMS unit to the call. If the Ranger arrives on scene first and an ambulance is not needed, it will be their responsibility to call off the ambulance.

· Dispatch will be responsible for uploading and subsequently removing all warrant and stolen property information into NCIC/NLETS for NERI. As such, Dispatch must maintain all certifications and qualification necessary to access these systems and perform these functions.

· Dispatch will be responsible for maintaining all the required NCIC/NLETS logs, documentation and files for NERI in regard to requests pulled, data received, and information uploaded.

· Dispatch will monitor all locations/buildings equipped with fire detection and intrusion alarm systems. In the event of an alarm activation, Dispatch will do the following:

1. Park Dispatch will first attempt to contact an on-duty law enforcement Ranger.

2. If a Ranger is not in service, Dispatch will use the NERI provided call tree to contact a supervisory law enforcement Ranger. The supervisory law enforcement Ranger will ensure units respond appropriately to the alarm activation.

3. Dispatch will advise if the activation is a fire or intrusion alarm.

4. If Fire, Dispatch will also contact the responding Fire Department’s Dispatch Center.

In the event of a system trouble alarm, Dispatch will advise the law enforcement Ranger contacted that the system is reporting a trouble alarm and not an actual alarm activation. As a result, if the Ranger is off duty, there will be no requirement to take a call out to respond to the call. If the Ranger is in service, he will handle the situation as a non-emergency call. Any system trouble alarms should be reported to the Law Enforcement Specialist by the responding Ranger along with any codes and error messages on the keypad.

· Dispatch will advise the Park of Motorola software updates needed to maintain current technical specifications for the current operating system and equipment. Dispatch will be responsible for any software updates on equipment (consolettes) assigned to the Dispatch Center and any subsequent expense.

· Dispatch will be responsible for installation of any of the NERI provided equipment as well as any associated costs.

· Dispatch will be required to print query results as requested by law enforcement Rangers and hold them in a designated location so the Rangers may pick them up as time permits.

NERI Requirements and Responsibilities

· NERI will provide all the radio communications equipment necessary to operate on the Park’s legacy radio communications system and/or the WV SIRN system. NERI will also provide the equipment needed in the Dispatch center to have solid and reliable radio communications with the Park. NERI will be responsible for replacing or repairing any Park owned equipment assigned to Dispatch as well as any associated cost.

· NERI will be responsible for developing code plugs, programming mobile, portable and consolette radios being used by the Park, and any needed software or operating system updates for those radios and any subsequent expense.

· NERI will provide Dispatch with employee contact information for law enforcement and emergency services personnel as well as schedules, maps, etc…

· NERI has patrol vehicles equipped with laptop computers and all the law enforcement Rangers carry mobile devices. Law enforcement Rangers will have the ability to use WVIX and WEAPONS to share and collect case information. However, due to connectivity issues, Rangers may still need and rely on Dispatch to run queries through NCIC, NLTES or other verified data systems to assist with developing or real time law enforcement incidents and investigations.

· All staff at NERI will be responsible for notifying either an on-duty law enforcement Ranger or Dispatch in the event of an accidental intrusion alarm activation. For the purposes of this document, there is not an accidental suppression activation. If a Ranger is contacted, he will clear the alarm and then advise Dispatch. If Dispatch is contacted directly, then Dispatch should log the call and advise the Law Enforcement Specialist. The Park will provide Dispatch any policy or procedures it may have concerning accidental alarm activations.

· Law enforcement Rangers will pick up printed queries no later than five days from the that they were run by Dispatch.

· NERI will use IMARS for case incident records management. As such, case numbers will be pulled by law enforcement Rangers and assigned by IMARS. Dispatch will have no responsibility to maintain a NPS case incident log.

Dispatch Services Scope of Work Requirements and Responsibilities Checklist

Dispatch will monitor all locations/buildings equipped with fire detection and intrusion alarm systems. In the event of an alarm activation, Dispatch will do the following:

1. Park Dispatch will first attempt to contact an on-duty law enforcement Ranger.

2. If a Ranger is not in service, Dispatch will use the NERI provided call tree to contact a supervisory law enforcement Ranger. The supervisory law enforcement Ranger will ensure units respond appropriately to the alarm activation.

3. Dispatch will advise if the activation is a fire or intrusion alarm.

4. If Fire, Dispatch will also contact the responding Fire Department’s Dispatch Center.

In the event of a system trouble alarm, Dispatch will advise the law enforcement Ranger contacted that the system is reporting a trouble alarm and not an actual alarm activation. As a result, if the Ranger is off duty, there will be no requirement to take a call out to respond to the call. If the Ranger is in service, he will handle the situation as a non-emergency call. Any system trouble alarms should be reported to the Law Enforcement Specialist by the responding Ranger along with any codes and error messages on the keypad.

X

Stolen, recovered, or seized firearms or personal property must be checked, entered, or cleared through eTrace in accordance with criteria established for the information systems used. All seized, recovered, or stolen federal government property must be entered or deleted in accordance with criteria established for the systems used.”

Dispatcher Qualifications

· Must be at least 18 years of age, unless state law requires a higher age to operate the Criminal Justice Information System.

· Must be a US citizen.

· Must not have been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor.

· Ability to speak and be fluent in the English language.

· Must pass the appropriate background investigation.

· Must pass pre-placement testing for dispatchers (as available).

· Passing initial and random drug testing for dispatchers will be required.

· Must sign and adhere to the law enforcement code of conduct.

· Must have a training plan, with goals of proficiency before working without direct supervision, and of meeting national standards.

X

Dispatch will maintain an accurate log of when NPS law enforcement Rangers are on duty. The log will reflect when the Ranger calls in and out of service, as well as calls for service, incidents, etc… If a Ranger fails to call out of service after 9 hours from beginning of shift (and there is no radio traffic to indicate they are still in service for an incident), Dispatch will do the following:

1. Try to contact the Ranger on the radio

2. Try to contact the Ranger on their mobile number

3. Contact another law enforcement Ranger that is in service and check the status of the missing Ranger.

4. Contact the Supervisory Ranger or the Chief Ranger.

X

NERI will provide all the radio communications equipment necessary to operate on the Park’s legacy radio communications system and/or the WV SIRN system. NERI will also provide the equipment needed in the Dispatch center to have solid and reliable radio communications with the Park. NERI will be responsible for replacing or repairing any Park owned equipment assigned to Dispatch as well as any associated cost.

X

NERI will be responsible for developing code plugs, programming mobile, portable and consolette radios being used by the Park, and any needed software or operating system updates for those radios and any subsequent expense.

X

NERI will provide Dispatch with employee contact information for law enforcement and emergency services personnel as well as any needed schedules, maps, etc…

X

NERI has patrol vehicles equipped with laptop computers and all the law enforcement Rangers carry mobile devices. Law enforcement Rangers will have the ability to use WVIX and WEAPONS to share and collect case information. However, due to connectivity issues, Rangers may still need and rely on Dispatch to run queries through NCIC, NLTES or other verified data systems to assist with developing or real time law enforcement incidents and investigations.

X

All staff at NERI will be responsible for notifying either an on-duty law enforcement Ranger or Dispatch in the event of an accidental intrusion alarm activation. For the purposes of this document, there is not an accidental suppression activation. If a Ranger is contacted, he will clear the alarm and then advise Dispatch. If Dispatch is contacted directly, then Dispatch should log the call and advise the Law Enforcement Specialist. The Park will provide Dispatch any policy or procedures it may have concerning accidental alarm activations.

X

Law enforcement Rangers will pick up printed queries as soon as it is practical, but no later than five days from the that they were run by Dispatch.

X

NERI will use IMARS for case incident records management. As such, case numbers will be pulled by law enforcement Rangers and assigned by IMARS. Dispatch will have no responsibility to maintain a NPS case incident log.

X

Period of Performance: Base plus four option periods as follows –