The program is the result of a bill passed by the state legislature in 2003 that delegated WASPC the responsibility to create and operate a statewide Critical Incident Planning and Mapping System. Congress appropriated more than $1.5 million to initially fund the program in 2004. In June 2005 WASPC issued a Request for Proposal that resulted in proposals from 10 companies nationwide. The proposals went through a formal review process, after which WASPC awarded the contract to Seattle-based Prepared Response, Inc. (PRI), which is expected to begin work on the project later this month.
"This innovative program is the result of strong governmental support by Gov. Christine Gregoire, Congressman Adam Smith, and State Representative John Lovick," said Don Pierce, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). "Whether it's a terrorist incident, a hazmat spill, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption, first responders in Washington state now will be better prepared to quickly respond and mitigate an emergency."
"The State of Washington is leading the nation in implementation of crisis management technology to assist police, fire, and other first responders during emergency situations," said Jim Finnell, president and CEO of Prepared Response, Inc. "Through our previous work with WASPC, PRI already has more than 80,000 images, 1,200 sites, and 6,500 individual buildings available to be entered into the CIPMS system."
Under an earlier $3.3 million contract with WASPC, PRI "digitally mapped" more than 400 Washington state high schools, a project that was completed this July. The company is now mapping the state's 1,275 middle and elementary schools under a recently awarded contract whose initial funding was provided by the 2005 budget passed by the legislature.
About WASPC
WASPC is an acronym for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The association was founded in 1963 and consists of executive and top management personnel from law enforcement agencies statewide. WASPC is the only association of its kind in the nation combining representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement into a single body, working toward a common goal.
WASPC's function is to provide specific materials and services to all law enforcement agencies in the state, members and non-members alike. The 1975 legislature made WASPC a legal entity designating the association a "combination of units of local government." WASPC regularly partners with other organizations and agencies to assist with and enhance efforts regarding public safety.
About Prepared Response, Inc.
Prepared Response, Inc. develops crisis management planning and response systems that enable police, fire, and other emergency responders to save lives and mitigate property damage. The company's flagship product, Rapid Responder, runs on a laptop computer and allows first responders to instantly access over 300 site-specific data points, including tactical plans, floor plans, satellite imagery, interior and exterior photos, staging areas, hazardous materials locations, utility shut-offs, and evacuation routes for virtually any facility. The Rapid Responder system is currently being deployed in educational facilities, public buildings, critical infrastructure, and private facilities across the U.S.
The privately held company, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, was formed in September 2000. Additional information can be found at www.preparedresponse.com or by calling 866-862-7741.
Contact:
WASPC Don Pierce, 360-486-2380 Email Contact