This Request for Information (RFI) supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s efforts to conduct market research in support of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) -to-CAD Interoperability Compliance / Conformance testing for the Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS).

The purpose of this RFI is to perform market research and to identify qualified and interested sources with the capability and experience in providing services identified in the RFI.

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are an integral part of emergency response. Public safety personnel rely on CAD systems to track incidents, dispatch personnel based on location information, and send relevant information to these dispatched personnel, among other things. CAD-to-CAD interoperability is vital to successfully respond to incidents that require a unified response from multiple jurisdictions or public safety (Fire/Law Enforcement/ Emergency Medical Services (EMS)) disciplines. Without interoperable systems, personnel are incapable of efficiently sharing information and leveraging the CAD system’s full capabilities, costing incident responders precious time.

Most CAD technology in use today by first responders was not developed to be interoperable with other systems and no communication or data exchange standards are currently in widespread use. DHS S&T sponsored research has resulted in the development of a CAD-to-CAD Interoperability Functional Specification, Technology Solution Description, and other artifacts that can be potentially leveraged to develop a CAD-to-CAD interoperable testing approach that will encourage and ensure better reliability and consistency across the ecosystem.  

The ultimate objective is to address the lack of data communications that are interoperable between different first responder’s disciplines and systems.

Respondents are requested to use the attached Statement of Objectives (SOO) and respond to the questions in the attached RFI.