Next Generation 911 Interstate Playbook

Public safety answering points (PSAPs) across the nation are transitioning infrastructure and call-taking systems to Next Generation 911 (NG911), which will allow new methods of connectivity and information-sharing among multiple, separate jurisdictions and states. State 911 administrators that have worked together to connect two or more state 911 systems in an NG environment share their best practices and advice for others in a series of chapters of a NG911 Interstate Playbook.

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 1: NG911 Transition Issues, Planning, Policy Governance, Finance & Technical Considerations

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 1, released in October 2016, provides guidance on the many issues PSAPs must consider for successful interconnectivity and serves as a document for modeling best practices.

Topics addressed in Chapter 1 include:

• Suggestions for creating sample test calls among interconnected states

• Language for drafting interstate cooperative agreements

• Considerations for effective governance and collaboration

• Challenges and recommended methods to overcome them

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 2: NG911 Technology Maturation, What NG911 Is and Is Not, State-to-State Interconnection Considerations, GIS Policy and Standards, Interim SMS Text to 911 Implementation Considerations

Building on Chapter 1, the NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 2, released in June 2018, offers new information and elements for states to consider as they look to implement NG911.

Topics addressed in Chapter 2 include:

• What NG911 is and is not

• NG911 standards to consult when planning a transition

• Lessons learned regarding voice and text-to-911 call sharing with states using different providers

• GIS in the NG911 ecosystem

• Interim SMS text-to-911 test scenarios

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 3: Collaboration, Coordination and Partnership Guidance to Enhance Next Generation 911 Migration and Implementation

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 3, released in August 2020, traces the steps and processes followed by three neighboring jurisdictions to collectively plan and independently procure an integrated, interoperable regional solution.

Topics addressed in Chapter 3 include:

• Effective procurement practices across different governments

• Lessons on collaborative decision-making between agencies and states

• An example of an NG911 Alternate Routing and Information Sharing MOU

• Coordinated financial sharing models

• Establishing successful public-private partnerships for project success

• Ideas for integrating federal and military installations into your NG911 solution

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 4: ESInet Testing Guide, State Cost Challenges, Forest Guide 101, Integrating Military Installations into State and Local Solutions, Statute Review for NG911 Readiness

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 4, released in September 2020, provides guidance and best practices from four states on transitioning and retiring legacy network elements and rules to determine readiness for NG911.

Topics addressed in Chapter 4 include:

• ESInet testing between disparate service providers

• Cost challenges among deregulation of communication services

• Reviewing current statutes and rules for NG911

• The importance of coordinating with the Department of Defense (DoD) military installations in your state, region or county

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 5: Planning and Implementing Civilian and Military 911 System Integration for Improved Interoperability, Response and Mutual Aid

NG911 Interstate Playbook Chapter 5, released in September 2021, highlights an NG911 interoperability project between civilian and military PSAPs, and offers experiences to help guide the way for smoother NG911 transitions and more effective implementations of integrated processes.

Topics addressed in Chapter 5 include:

• How civilian/military collaboration can succeed

• The Department of Defense (DoD) modernization strategy and vision for NG911

• Coordination models specific to military operations

• Outage monitoring, crisis communication plans, and continuity of operations (COOP) planning

Questions regarding the Next Generation 911 Interstate Playbook can be sent to nhtsa.national911@dot.gov.