NASCIO Awards

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2008 Awards: Information Communications Technology (ICT) Innovations

RECIPIENT:
Arkansas - Implementing the Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN)

Prior to the implementation of the Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN), public safety personnel across the state responded to emergencies with a sense of isolation. With each individual agency communicating on separate radio systems, a coordinated emergency response was not only delayed, but limited. AWIN is making a positive and significant impact on the emergency response process in Arkansas. AWIN, as a tool, assists agencies for a more efficient response to emergency situations. The State of Arkansas’ implementation of the interoperable system eliminated steps in the previous process in which agencies had to first determine a source of communication for an event and then provide or distribute that means of communication. AWIN also works as an additional backup source of communication for agencies in the event that an agency experiences problems with local systems, thereby limiting the amount of time an agency is without radio communications.

AWIN is a multi-phased program that leveraged new and existing wireless resources to create a statewide interoperable wireless communication system for first responders and Arkansas public service entities. AWIN is a multiple site, trunked communication system based on a digital 700/800 MHz system using the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) Project 25 (P-25) standard, which is the industry standard.

The return on investment in AWIN for the state is not only proven through the increased coverage for emergency responders to communicate throughout the state, but through lives saved because of the increased communications among agencies. The implementation of AWIN provided first responders with a tool to warn public safety personnel of other agencies in the state of severe weather, respond to severe weather aftermath and other emergency events, coordinate search and rescue efforts, and communicate from areas of the state that were previously isolated from any radio communications.

“The Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN) provides more than 13,000 first responders with a critical tool to protect our citizens. The ability for public safety and emergency responders to communicate in times of crisis is critical, and the AWIN program works daily to meet the needs of first responders in the field. We are proud of the interoperable system that has been implemented with the support of state, county, and local leadership, and we are working to enhance the system and expand capacity for additional users.”
....Governor Mike Beebe, State of Arkansas

FINALISTS:
Click on the title to download program submission.

California
Telecommunications Infrastructure Replacement Project

Michigan
MI Drive Web Site Project

OTHER NOMINATIONS:
Click on the title to download program submission.

District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Public Schools Communications Enhancement Project

Delaware
Delaware's TLS Initiative

Iowa
Iowa School Alerts

Kentucky
Kentucky Launches New Education Centric Network

Maine
CORIS Inmate Phone System

North Carolina
The e-NC Authority: Capturing the Promise

New York
New York Statewide Wireless Network: SWN Rapid Application Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle (RAMER)

Pennsylvania
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Leveling the Playing Field