Monterey County Next Generation Emergency Network (NGEN) Radio

The County of Monterey Information Technology Department (ITD) communications systems were developed in the mid 1980s. Many of the tower systems have since aged, and were developed in accordance with older building codes. To foster use of proven state-of-the-practice information and telecommunication technologies in the most strategic, cost-effective and efficient ways possible to support county operations, the County ITD implemented the Next Generation Emergency Network (NGEN) project. The NGEN project is a collaboration to implement a consolidated radio communications system within the County of Monterey, including all of its incorporated cities and a number of special districts.

NGEN Radio Replacement

The project team, Harris Corporation and Black & Veatch, replaced the existing public safety and local government voice and data radio networks, including radios, portables, base station equipment, repeaters, and radio control systems with inter-operable narrowband and digital trunking technologies.

Harris Corporation, with structural and site design support from Black & Veatch, was awarded a contract for the design and build of this regional digital radio system. In addition, the County ITD built an analog overlay system for firefighter voice paging, greater countywide coverage, and interoperability. The completed system will provide enhanced coverage, functionality and interoperability for all users within the County.

Black & Veatch provided the following services for Harris Corporation:

• Initial site evaluations and recommendations

• Preparation of preliminary engineering reports

• Site development design

• Geotechnical services

• Boundary and topographic surveys

• Environmental assessment

• Tower and foundation mapping

• Structural analysis and design

• Building permit application preparation and processing

• Construction administration support

As part of this project, Black & Veatch completed full services on 11 sites and preliminary services on two additional sites.