(a) Purpose. It is the purpose of this rule to allow
for the integration of appropriate technologies into the 9-1-1 call-taking
equipment that enhance or facilitate the delivery of a 9-1-1 call
(voice or text), while providing safeguards to protect the 9-1-1 equipment
from failure due to the integration of faulty or inappropriate applications.
(b) Definitions. Unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise, terms contained in this rule are defined as shown in Commission
Rule 252.7, Definitions.
(c) Integrated Services. A regional planning commission
(RPC) shall meet the following requirements for integration:
(1) Integrated Services.
(A) Eligible Services. Personal Computer (PC) based
Integrated Workstation (IWS) 9-1-1 call-taking equipment has the capability
of expanding the traditional 9-1-1 Automatic Number Identification
(ANI) and Automatic Location Identification (ALI) feature functionality
to allow for additional public safety software applications. The Commission
is supportive of such advancement in emergency services call-taking
capabilities; however, 9-1-1 funds may only be used for applications
that are eligible strategic plan budget components for the purposes
of the delivery of a 9-1-1 call. To ensure the integrity of 9-1-1
is maintained, only the following 9-1-1 funded and non-9-1-1 funded
features are eligible integrated services:
(i) Expanded or Supplemental Location Information;
(ii) Call Recording and Playback;
(iii) Paging;
(iv) Texas Law Enforcement Teletype Services (TLETS);
(v) Computer Aided Dispatch Gateway;
(vi) Graphical/Mapping Displaying of Location;
(vii) Call Handling Protocols;
(viii) Information Management (MIS);
(ix) Short Message Service (SMS); and
(x) Real Time Text (RTT).
(B) Other Services. Integrated services other than
the above-mentioned applications must have a demonstrated applicability
to the direct provisions of delivering 9-1-1 and emergency call-taking
services and will require Commission approval.
(C) System Security. Operating procedures must be established
by the RPC, and security measures taken and demonstrated, to ensure
that non-Commission-approved software applications cannot be integrated
into the IWS platform. At no time should the 9-1-1 call-taking equipment
permit access to the Internet.
(D) Memory Usage. Baseline memory and CPU usage of
the operating system should maintain the "80/20" performance rule,
thereby demonstrating that 80% of the total memory and CPU is available
to the operating system applications, while 20% of the total memory
and CPU remains unused. The installation and use of software should
not lead to the degradation of equipment or services subsequent to
the installation of the ancillary software.
(E) Testing. Prior to integrating and deploying the
expanded applications onto a IWS 9-1-1 call-taking environment, the
following testing must be completed according to Commission policy,
to ensure the stability and reliability of the 9-1-1 system:
(i) Documented "Lab" testing shall be completed by
the IWS Vendor and RPCs or Districts demonstrating the successful
integration of the authorized applications. Test scenarios should
include documentation of the operating system requirements, detailed
functionality results as each application is integrated and evaluated
independently, and load testing results of all systems operating together
on the IWS workstation.
(ii) Documented "Live" testing in a PSAP shall also
be completed by the IWS Vendor with cooperation and coordination by
the RPC or District, demonstrating the successful integration of the
authorized applications. Test scenarios should include documentation
of the operating system requirements, detailed functionality results
as each application is integrated and evaluated independently, and
load testing results of all systems operating on the IWS workstation,
as well as a standardized set of basic call-taking functions.
(F) Testing Documentation. Documentation of the testing
shall be maintained by the RPC, and submitted to the Commission upon
request.
(2) Graphical Display (Mapped ALI). Requirements of
RPC. Prior to the implementation of graphical display of location
information at a PSAP, a RPC shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Develop a digital map in accordance with standards
to be determined by the Commission.
(B) Establish and adopt a database maintenance plan,
including GIS data.
(C) Perform testing to ensure that the telephone number
(TN) data is mapping correctly on the PSAP screen prior to implementing
mapped ALI "live" at a PSAP.
(D) Submit a strategic plan amendment according to
Commission policy.
(d) Applicability to Emergency Communications Districts
(Districts). This rule shall apply to Districts receiving 9-1-1 Equalization
Surcharge funds.
|
Source Note: The provisions of this §251.7 adopted to be effective December 13, 1995, 20 TexReg 10187; amended to be effective May 31, 1998, 23 TexReg 5425; amended to be effective September 5, 1999, 24 TexReg 6711; amended to be effective July 6, 2003, 28 TexReg 4885; amended to be effective July 18, 2004, 29 TexReg 6621; amended to be effective June 3, 2014, 39 TexReg 4235; amended to be effective October 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 6815 |