NextGen9-1-1 stands for NextGeneration9-1-1 (abbreviated NG9-1-1 or NG911). NG9-1-1 refers to the ability to transmit, receive, process, transfer, dispatch, use, and store both voice and data (in the form of pictures, videos, text messages, and incident information) associated with a 9-1-1 call or request for emergency assistance.
The NG9-1-1 system that will be implemented in Wisconsin will contain the same functions of the current analog system while providing for greater accessibility, interoperability, and a more efficient use of 9-1-1 resources. NG9-1-1 will enable the transfer of 9-1-1 calls between geographically dispersed Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), increase sharing of data and resources to improve emergency response, and improve coordination and partnerships within the 9-1-1 community.
The Department of Military Affairs’ Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) is responsible for the creation, operation, maintenance, and oversight of a statewide ESInet that interconnects all public safety answering points in the state to begin the implementation of NG9-1-1.
NG911 Benefits
- Improved response times and location data
- Data sharing and call transfer interoperability between PSAPs
- Improved redundancy and reliability
- Greater visibility within emergency incidents: video from public-safety systems, video and images from citizens, and texts to and from citizens
NG911 Challenges
- Adequate funding mechanism for system maintenance particularly for smaller PSAPs
- Increased cost during initial implementation
- Up to date and relevant 9-1-1 legislation
- Training and StandardsStatewide governance, coordination, and planning
- Increased cyber security threats
Funding Opportunities
2019-22 Federal NextGen9-1-1 Reimbursement Grant Program
OEC is pleased to announce the availability of federal funding for Wisconsin PSAPs through the Federal 9-1-1 Grant Program. Wisconsin received $2.9 million in federal funds that must be spent by March 2022. This grant will assist local 9-1-1 centers in Wisconsin in the purchase of much needed 9-1-1 call answering equipment to move forward with NG9-1-1 capabilities and interconnect with the statewide ESInet that will replace the existing 9-1-1 infrastructure in the state.
The first round of funding will focused on primary PSAPs that responded to the 2019 system assessment survey and hadve “end of life” call answering equipment. More information on the awards issued under the first round of funding can be found here
Funds under this federal grant program must be spent during the specified grant period and cannot be for equipment that has already been purchased and installed.
Round Two Funding Information
A formal Grant Announcement for a second round of funding is under development to distribute the remaining federal funds to local PSAPs. A Federal NG911 Grant Program Round Two Guide has been developed in preparation for that formal announcement. Additional information forthcoming.
For eligible PSAPs interested in applying for the second round of funding, please see below for important links and application templates:
OEC Grant Announcement – Round 2
Application Templates:
Round One Subgrantee Information
In June 2020, OEC formally announced the award of 24 local grant projects totaling $2.1 million in federal funding for PSAPs to the upgrade and replace existing end of life equipment to be NG9-1-1 capable.
In the linked information below, Round One Subgrantees will find the resources and forms needed to comply with the administrative and reporting requirements: