The national E9-1-1 Implementation Coordination Office launched an initiative to create a technical assistance center, which will be led by L. Robert Kimball & Associates and a team of 911 experts, including the National Emergency Number Association. The center will provide 911 centers and authorities with a new resource to promote and enhance efforts for deploying advanced 911 capabilities and improve receiving and processing of calls and data.

An information clearinghouse will accumulate a collection of resources related to 911 and emergency services. The center will make technical, operational and policy information available; address frequently asked questions; provide the latest information on new technologies, wireless deployment and Next Generation 911; and provide information to facilitate improved Public Safety Answering Point operations. It also will provide an up-to-date tool to demonstrate where the emergency communications industry stands as it works to develop advanced 911 systems that support new communications devices. A Web site will be established for users to post questions to experts.

“It is our vision to make the TAC an indispensible 'go to' source for the 911 community to find up-to-date, reliable, and helpful information relating to 911,” said Gordon Vanauken, telecommunications specialist at Kimball.

The technical assistance center will be available this summer.