by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Guam Fire Department has wrapped-up the first stage of the procurement process for interested bidders to submit recommendations regarding the purchasing of a next-generation 911 system. GFD has been using the same Motorola Centralink e-911 system for the last twelve years.

Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas says the department is trying to avoid protests, as they work to upgrade the system. He told KUAM News, "Due to experiences in past efforts to procure whether it be the system or, for instance our fire trucks, we found some technical difficulties that maybe there are some subject matter experts out there that might be able to advise us as far as the technical aspects of the system. We do know what we want and we do know what we think is best for Guam, but it's always good to get that third review."

The chief says the next-gen 911 system is fully capable of utilizing 3G networking, Internet access, triangulation of mobile phone callers, using GPS technology and has vehicle and incident tracking. GFD is also discussing the possibility of securing a new 911 facility and using the center at the Department of Homeland Security as its redundant station.