STATE OF ARIZONA PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK … Hualapai Exercise AAR...feet beyond the edge of...

STATE OF ARIZONA

PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK TRIBAL FULL-SCALE EXERCISE

AFTER-ACTION REPORT

DECEMBER 2016

Sponsored by: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

HUALAPAI NATION

Prepared by: Mission Critical Partners, Inc.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Table of

Contents Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE After Action Report


i

ADMINISTRATIVE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

1. This document is entitled the State of Arizona Public Safety Broadband Network Tribal Full-Scale Exercise After-Action Report.

2. The information contained in this after-action report (AAR) is designated for Official Use Only. This

AAR is intended for limited distribution to participants of the Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) tribal full-scale exercise (FSE). The contents of this document should be treated as security-sensitive in nature. The document may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA).

3. The primary contacts for this exercise project are: Arizona Department of Administration Office of Grants and Federal Resources 100 North 15th Avenue Suite 305 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Karen Ziegler Phone: 602-542-6032 email: [email protected] Mission Critical Partners, Inc. 502 N. Carroll Avenue Suite 120 Southlake, TX 76092 Scott Neal, Project Manager Phone: 814-325-9246 email: [email protected] Richard Gaston, Exercise Director Phone: 817-213-6954 email: [email protected]


Table of

Contents Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE After Action Report


ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ADMINISTRATIVE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................ I

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................... II

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 1

SECTION 1: EXERCISE OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 3

SECTION 2: EXERCISE DESIGN SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... 6

A. EXERCISE PURPOSE AND DESIGN ..................................................................................................... 6

B. EXERCISE OBJECTIVES, CAPABILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ..................................................................... 7

C. EXERCISE SCENARIO ......................................................................................................................... 8

D. DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR EXERCISE EVENTS .................................................................................... 9

SECTION 3: ANALYSIS OF CAPABILITIES ...................................................................................................... 13

SECTION 4: CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 18


Executive Summary Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE

After Action Report


1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2016 the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) implemented an outreach program that was intended to inform members of the public safety community on the capabilities of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) being implemented under the auspices of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The ADOA elected to sponsor a full-scale exercise (FSE) that was intended to serve as proof-of-concept demonstration of the long-term evolution (LTE) technology that will provide the backbone for this network. Specifically, the exercise was expected to demonstrate the ability of LTE technology to enhance data and voice interoperability among local, state, federal, and tribal first responders in a rural environment. The Hualapai Nation volunteered to host the Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE. The exercise was conducted on the grounds of the airport that serves Grand Canyon West, a tourist area located along the west rim of the canyon. Several telecommunication vendors volunteered to support the exercise by providing the network infrastructure that served as the communication backbone of the exercise. The exercise design team (EDT) utilized the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology to design, develop, conduct, assess, and document the exercise. The EDT determined that the exercise players would utilize applications on handheld wireless devices and notebook computers. The selected applications would support activities necessary to demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Promote situational awareness among first responders and remote participants • Provide real-time tracking of first responders • Transmit live video from responders equipped with a handheld device • Access foreign language translation services using handheld devices

The EDT developed and adopted the following objectives that served as the basis for the design of the exercise scenario:

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to deliver effective just-in-time training for public safety personnel, and assess the ability of first responders to properly utilize PSBN LTE devices during the exercise

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to establish and maintain common situational awareness throughout the course of the exercise using LTE technology

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to implement and support data interoperability and data-sharing capabilities

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to enhance interoperability among agencies at the tribal, local, state, and federal levels.

The exercise scenario simulated a transportation-based mass-casualty incident that involved the collision of a loaded tour helicopter and an occupied tour bus. This provided the foundation for the objectives and an opportunity for first responders to activate mass-casualty response plans. A key goal of the exercise was to avoid interfering with the operations of the Grand Canyon West airport and nearby attractions.


Executive Summary Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE

After Action Report


2

The exercise was conducted on Wednesday September 14, 2016, and featured the participation of more than 77 individuals. Participants included representatives of the Hualapai Police, Hualapai Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Grand Canyon West Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Mohave County Emergency Management, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Kingman Regional Medical Center, and others. The Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE was a unique event in that it involved a tribal nation, national monument, and a rural environment. The exercise was considered a success by the participating first responders and telecommunication vendors. The support of telecommunication vendors and the Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) was critical to the success of the exercise. The strengths that were identified and lessons learned will enhance the state’s PSBN implementation.


Section 1: Exercise Overview Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE

After Action Report


3

SECTION 1: EXERCISE OVERVIEW Exercise Name: Arizona Public Safety Broadband Network Tribal Full-Scale Exercise Exercise Type: Operations-based full-scale exercise Exercise Start Date: September 14, 2016 Exercise End Date: September 14, 2016 Exercise Duration: Four hours Exercise Location: Hualapai Nation Reservation, Grand Canyon West Sponsors: Hualapai Nation Arizona Department of Administration Funding: Funding to conduct the exercise was coordinated by the ADOA Office of Grants and Federal Resources (ADOA-GFR), and provided by a State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) award, number 04-10-S13004, through the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) within the U. S. Department of Commerce. Mission: Demonstrate interoperable communications and data sharing among first responders. Demonstrate the capabilities of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology and information technology (IT) systems across governmental departments and agencies. Scenario Type: Transportation-related, mass-casualty incident



After Action Report


4

Exercise Planning Team Members:

Arizona PSBN Tribal Exercise Design Team Members

Name Organization Chief Francis Bradley, Sr. Hualapai Nation Police Department (PD) Ronald Quasula, Director Hualapai Nation Fire Department Det. Samuel Tsosie, Jr. Hualapai Nation PD Sgt. Brian Frayer Hualapai Nation PD Valen Quasula Hualapai Nation Emergency Medical Services Angela Chavez, Director Hualapai Adult Detention Leon Calico Hualapai Adult Detention Philip Wisely Hualapai Public Services Ray Martinez Grand Canyon Resort Corporation Ken Zachreson Grand Canyon Resort Corporation Mike Browning Mohave County Byron Steward Mohave County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Shawn D. Garnenez Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) – Office of Justice Services Mary Ellen Pease BIA – Truxton Brian Hunt Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department (SD) Jeff Jennings Yavapai County SD Duane Clarke Emergency Service Dina Martinez ADOA Jordan Hibbs ADOA Scott Neal MCP Richard Gaston MCP Bonnie Maney MCP



After Action Report


5

Participating Organizations:

Organizations Number of Participants

Hualapai Nation Emergency Services 15 Hualapai Nation Police Department 7 Hualapai Adult Detention 3 Grand Canyon West Fire & Rescue 6 Grand Canyon Resort Corporation 25+ Mohave County Division of Emergency Management 4 Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services 2 Kingman Regional Medical Center 1 Care Flight 3 Arizona Department of Public Safety 1 Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs 6 Arizona Department of Administration 2 Mission Critical Partners 6 Parallel Wireless 6 Comprehensive Communication Solutions 3 Mutualink 2 General Dynamics Mission Systems 3 Texas A&M University, Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center 2 General Dynamics Satcom 1 IPaccess 2 Intrepid Networks 1 ELSAG 1 Total 102+


Section 2: Exercise Design Summary Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE

After Action Report


6

SECTION 2: EXERCISE DESIGN SUMMARY

A. EXERCISE PURPOSE AND DESIGN The U.S. Department of Commerce, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has launched an ambitious initiative to create a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The NPSBN is intended to provide reliable, functional, safe, and secure operational communication capabilities for first responder agencies. The provisioning of rural coverage is recognized as a significant challenge to FirstNet’s plan for implementing the NPSBN. The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) implemented an outreach program to educate first responders regarding the capabilities of a future PSBN deployment within the state. As part of that outreach initiative, the ADOA’s Office of Grants and Federal Resources (ADOA-GFR) initiated an exercise program that was intended to demonstrate the capabilities and benefits of public safety Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies. The program included the design and delivery of a full-scale exercise (FSE) that was intended to provide telecommunication technology vendors with an opportunity to deploy the LTE technology during a simulated emergency event. The exercise also was intended to provide first responders with an opportunity to utilize the technology in a controlled and simulated emergency environment. The exercise was unique in that it featured the involvement of a tribal nation and a national monument in a rural environment. The lack of wireless communication infrastructure in the remote location provided a rigorous testbed for the demonstration of the PSBN LTE technologies. The exercise demonstrated the capability of the PSBN technologies to enhance interoperability of data and voice communications among tribal, local, state, and federal emergency response agencies. The Hualapai Tribe offered to host the PSBN Tribal FSE. The Hualapai reservation spans three counties in northwestern Arizona. The reservation includes 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. The Hualapai Tribe owns the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation (GCRC). The GCRC manages the attractions located at Grand Canyon West (GCW), which draws approximately 1.1 million visitors annually from around the world. The feature attraction at GCW is the Skywalk, which is a horseshoe-shaped structure that extends 70 feet beyond the edge of the canyon. The Skywalk’s clear glass floor offers visitors a remarkable view of the canyon and the Colorado River. Other attractions at GCW include helicopter tours and boat rides on the river. Visitors to GCW arrive by tour bus, personal vehicle, or fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft, typically helicopters. The GCW airport manages 86,000 flights annually carrying approximately 325,000 passengers. The support of the Hualapai Nation and the GCRC were vital to the success of the exercise. The GCRC’s IT manager and other staff provided exceptional support throughout the planning and execution of the

“The Hualapai is stepping up for all tribes”

Chief Francis Bradley Hualapai Nation Police Department



After Action Report


7

exercise. The GCRC provided exercise logistical support that included access to facilities, technology infrastructure, IT support, staff members who portrayed injured victims, and hospitality support services. The exercise would not have been possible without the support of key telecommunication vendors and Texas A&M University’s Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC). The vendors not only supported the onsite exercise activities but also participated throughout the planning phase of the exercise. The following vendors donated time and resources that were essential to assuring the success of the exercise:

• Parallel Wireless (network infrastructure) • Comprehensive Communication Services (mobile emergency response center [MERC]) • General Dynamics (network infrastructure, system on wheels [SOW]) • Sonim Technologies, Inc. (handheld wireless devices) • IPaccess (satellite connectivity) • ELSAG (automatic license plate reader [ALPR] system)

The PSBN Tribal FSE featured the mobilization of personnel and equipment in response to a simulated but realistic emergency incident. Extensive preparation and planning were necessary to ensure the success of the exercise. An Exercise Design Team (EDT) composed of key individuals from tribal, state, federal, and local agencies guided the development of exercise. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology vendors also participated in the planning and development of this exercise. The EDT utilized the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology to guide the development, delivery, evaluation, and documentation of the Tribal PSBN FSE. The planning process involved a series of meetings that began with the Initial Planning Meeting that was conducted in Peach Springs, Arizona, on April 18, 2016. A combined Mid-Term Planning and Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) meeting was conducted on June 14, 2016. The major planning efforts concluded with the Final Planning Meeting that was conducted on August 23, 2016. A smaller Scenario Planning Team was created to focus on the development of the exercise scenario. This team met by phone many times to refine the scenario. The involvement of telecommunication vendors was coordinated through regular conference calls and a limited number of face-to-face meetings.

B. EXERCISE OBJECTIVES, CAPABILITIES AND ACTIVITIES The EDT developed the following objectives that formed the foundation for the exercise scenario:

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to deliver effective just-in-time training for public safety personnel and assess the ability of first responders to properly utilize PSBN LTE devices during the exercise




After Action Report


8

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to implement and support data and voice interoperability and data-sharing capabilities

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to enhance interoperability among agencies at the tribal, local, state, and federal levels

The scope of play for the PSBN Tribal FSE required that players respond to a variety of issues related to a mass-casualty incident involving the collision of a helicopter and tour bus. This included incident management, patient extrication, patient treatment and transport, coordination of resources, and dissemination of public information. The FSE’s broad scope was intended to elicit interaction between players at the exercise site using LTE technology and others at distant locations using common technology platforms and applications. The PSBN Tribal FSE was conducted on a single day. Pre-exercise preparation included site staging, vendor setup, and first responder training. All events were described and scheduled in the MSEL. A copy of the MSEL was provided to controllers and evaluators in the MSEL Package and Evaluator Package. Major exercise actions included:

• Reporting of the incident occurrence to the primary public safety agency • Response of appropriate public safety agencies • Establishing incident command and implementing mass-casualty response plans • Tracking personnel on-scene using a mapping application • Coordinating resources and information through the incident command post and the Mohave

County emergency operations center (EOC) • Maintaining situational awareness among personnel on-scene and others at remote sites

including the Mohave County EOC and the State of Arizona EOC LTE vendors provided pre-exercise training to first responders on the LTE system capabilities that included:

• Familiarization with the FirstNet NPSBN LTE system • Familiarization with the handheld wireless smart devices • Training on the use of various applications

C. EXERCISE SCENARIO The scenario established the context for the exercise through a description of chronological events leading up to the start of the exercise (STARTEX). The scenario provided the framework upon which subsequent information and circumstances were introduced by exercise control staff. STARTEX was initiated at 8:00 a.m. with the introduction of the following information via a radio transmission from a member of the GCRC security staff:

A loaded tour helicopter launching from a helipad adjacent to Buck and Doe Road failed to gain altitude and collided with a tour bus traveling north on the roadway. The force of the



After Action Report


9

impact caused the bus to roll over. The main rotor blades of the helicopter impacted the bus, causing debris to fly off in many directions. The aircraft’s momentum carried it away from the overturned bus and into an adjacent parking lot. The aircraft tumbled, the tail section separated from the cabin, and the fuselage came to rest among several vehicles. Aviation fuel is leaking across the area near the overturned fuselage. Several individuals in the parking lot appear to have been injured by flying debris.

D. DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR EXERCISE EVENTS The complexity of the exercise required not only extensive planning but several days of onsite preparation. Vendors delivered equipment to the site before the exercise. The following section describes the major pre-exercise events. Sunday, September 11—Tuesday, September 13 Technology vendors and the MCP Exercise Team arrived on Sunday, September 11. The vendors began the process of setting up and testing their equipment in preparation for the exercise. Comprehensive Communication Services (CCS) provided a MERC that served as the incident command post during the exercise. The MERC contained communications equipment that was housed in a climate-controlled shelter attached to a communications trailer. General Dynamics Corporation deployed a SOW that provided first responders with access to the Band 14 LTE network and satellite communications. GCRC provided notebook computers for use in the Mohave County EOC and the Kingman Regional Medical Center’s emergency department. The computers were configured with the applications that would be used to transmit data, voice, video, and images during the exercise. Sonim Technologies provided 30 handheld wireless devices for use by first responders during the exercise. An ITEC technician programmed the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards for the Sonim devices, and configured the devices with the applications that were used by first responders during the exercise. First Responder Sonim Device Training On Tuesday, September 13, a vendor representative provided training to first responders on the use of the Sonim handheld devices and applications that were to be used during the exercise. Evaluator Training Staff members from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs served as exercise evaluators. Evaluator training was conducted on

Figure 1: ITEC Personnel Programming Sonim Devices



After Action Report


10

Tuesday, September 13. The training provided the evaluators with an opportunity to review and discuss the Exercise Evaluation Guide (EEG) and assignments during the exercise. Exercise Site Preparation The GCRC staff completed preparation of the exercise site with the placement of a retired school bus, two salvage pickup trucks, and burn pans. The bus was intended to simulate the tour bus described in the scenario, though it was not tipped over. The pickup trucks were placed near the bus to allow firefighters to utilize extrication tools to simulate gaining access to the bus. Temporary Communications Center A temporary communications center was established in the airport fire station; it was intended to simulate the (BIA) dispatch center. This was done to provide access to applications on a laptop computer, and to avoid possible interference with actual public safety communications on the system. Wednesday, September 14—Full-Scale Exercise Exercise activities began at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 14 with the arrival of first responders (players) and victim actors at the Hualapai Fire and EMS station. All players and victim actors were registered. Players Briefing At 6:00 a.m., a briefing was conducted at the fire station to inform players of the exercise schedule, safety plan and communications plan. First responders that would be issued the Sonim devices for use during the exercise participated in more detailed training the previous day. The Sonim devices were distributed to the appropriate players after the briefing. Victim Actors Training Simulated victims were recruited from the Hualapai Tribe, GCRC, and other local organizations. Sixteen volunteers agreed to serve as victim actors. The training included the assignment of specific injuries to each actor. Each actor was provided with a printed form that contained a description of the signs and symptoms of their simulated injury, as well as an image that depicted the injury. The actors were instructed on how to physically present their symptoms. The responding medical personnel used these forms and images to diagnose injuries and initiate a course of treatment. The actors were transported to the exercise site and staged on the bus just prior to STARTEX. Some actors were unable to speak due to their simulated injuries. One actor was instructed to speak only in Chinese. This required the responders to utilize a translation application. Remote Exercise Participants Several participants were located at sites that were distant from the exercise. The remote sites provided the opportunity to demonstrate data sharing and situational awareness to various participants across the state. Remote participants were in the Mohave County EOC and the Kingman Regional Medical Center’s emergency department, both located 70 miles away in Kingman, Arizona. The Arizona

Figure 2: Loading Victim Actor into an Ambulance



After Action Report


11

Department of Emergency and Military Affairs activated limited staff within the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) approximately 260 miles away in Phoenix to monitor the exercise using the applications. Full-Scale Exercise Exercise play was scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. A network failure resulted in a delay of approximately an hour. STARTEX was initiated once the problem was corrected and alternate devices were distributed to players. Exercise play began with the notification to the Hualapai Emergency Services that a helicopter had crashed into a bus. The initial response included the GCW airport fire department. The Hualapai Emergency Services arrived and assumed command of the operations. Personnel of the two departments worked well together to gain access to the passengers on the bus and establish a triage-and-treatment system. Responders used the Mutualink application on the Sonim devices to convey information regarding the situation and patient information to the command post. Mutualink provided a gateway bridge that enabled first responders operating on different radio frequencies to communicate with each other on a single talkgroup. The Mutualink application was used to transmit video and still images to the command post to provide situational awareness throughout the incident. EMS personnel used this application to send video of patients to the Kingman Regional Medical Center to support telemedicine activities. Responders used the Sting mapping application to mark, or tag, their locations. This provided the incident command team with the ability to monitor personnel movements. An application known as Communicator was used to provide streaming video from a law enforcement in-vehicle camera. One patient spoke only Chinese and was unable to communicate with responders. A responder utilized Google Translator on their Sonim device to communicate with the patient. All victims were extricated from the bus, triaged, treated, and transported from the site. Care Flight responded to the scene to simulate the transport of a critical patient by aeromedical helicopter. The network configuration was altered at various times during the exercise. This offered vendors the opportunity to assess the quality of service that was delivered using terrestrial broadband, commercial LTE, and satellite connectivity. Participant Hotwash A player debrief, or hotwash, was conducted at the conclusion of the exercise. The purpose of the hotwash was to gather both written and verbal comments from the exercise participants. The first responder participants were asked to provide their assessments of the technology that was utilized during the event. This included the Sonim handheld devices, applications, and network quality of service.

Figure 3: Screen Shot of Sting Mapping Application



After Action Report


12

Evaluator Debriefing A separate debrief was conducted for the evaluator team members. They were asked to complete the EEG document and to provide verbal descriptions of their observations.


Section 3: Analysis of Capabilities Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE

After Action Report


13

SECTION 3: ANALYSIS OF CAPABILITIES The PSBN Tribal FSE was intended to initiate a multiagency, multijurisdictional response to a simulated emergency incident. The exercise was to provide telecommunications vendors with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to deploy LTE technologies that would enhance interoperability of data and voice communications among tribal, local, state, federal agencies and allied organizations. The technology infrastructure that was created by the vendors established a temporary LTE network that was intended to replicate the FirstNet NPSBN that will exist in the future. Though the scenario was a mass-casualty incident, the focus of the exercise was on technology and not the rescue response capabilities. The exercise was intended to demonstrate the application of emerging technologies that are intended to enhance emergency response operations including: video conferencing; streaming video from body-worn cameras, vehicle cameras, and drones; telemedicine to coordinate the treatment of victims; land mobile radio (LMR) to PSBN LTE interoperability; and personnel tracking. The anticipated outcome of the exercise was to provide first responders with the opportunity to utilize applications designed to enhance on-scene operations using the PSBN LTE technologies. The applications provided the following capabilities: • Enhanced situational awareness for all first responder

players • Ability to broadcast imagery in real-time to the Mohave

County and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs EOCs

• Ability to share patient-condition information with hospitals via the telemedicine network

• Enhanced first responder safety by providing the ability to track individual resources (i.e., personnel, vehicles, equipment)

• Access to foreign language interpreters Sonim Technologies provided the handheld wireless devices that were deployed to first responders for use during the exercise. ITEC provided onsite personnel and remote support that was necessary to configure the devices for use in the exercise. The devices were configured with the appropriate SIM cards. Several applications also were loaded onto the devices that were used by first responders. The applications primarily used during the exercise were Mutualink Edge™, Communicator, and Sting.

Figure 5: Extrication Activities

Figure 4: Initial Firefighting Response



After Action Report


14

The following section describes the support that Parallel Wireless provided to the exercise, which included four physical elements:

I. Small cell coverage over the footprint of the exercise adjacent to the ARF building (35.991495, -113.819337 @ 4,787 feet)

II. Fixed macro cell coverage installed on the Canyon Vista tower (35.908153, -113.896406 @ 5,809 feet)

III. Deployable macro cell at Quartermaster Point (35.967876, -113.781953 @ 4,603 feet) focused to the Canyon (35.989567, -113.780050 @ 1235 feet)

IV. Mobile “bring your own coverage” (BYOC) small cell installed in a vehicle at various locations in Peach Springs, Arizona.

Parallel Wireless Lessons Learned: 1. The small cell covered the exercise grounds with the antenna back node reaching the security office.

The network operated successfully for 24 hours prior to the exercise, but then a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) anomaly detected by the eNodeB and the handsets interrupted system operations. The network was restored after a reset.

2. The fixed 40-watt macro cell provided a footprint of 6 kilometers (km) from a 120o-aperture

antenna mounted on the tower at a height of 20 meters. The deployable macro cell provided coverage to 2,500 feet down into the canyon. Contact was lost due to 2,000 feet of canyon rock in between.

3. The mobile BYOC vehicle network system with the embedded enhanced packet core (EPC) provided

a standalone Band 14 coverage bubble of 1 km radius. Access by the Band 14 access point to the carrier LTE backhaul enabled Band 14 coverage that leveraged the existing commercial coverage.

CCS provided a MERC with a Zumro inflatable shelter. The unit provided a mobile communications platform with a climate-controlled work space that served as the incident command post for the exercise. The MERC was equipped with a General Dynamics 1.2-meter auto-acquire satellite system that provided connectivity to satellite service provided by IP Access International. This satellite service provided a 20 megabits per second (Mbps) downlink and 5 Mbps uplink network connection that provided Internet access and hosted voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service for Cisco IP Phones that were set up in the shelter. The MERC was equipped with a 42-foot pneumatic mast (tower) that was equipped with a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera that monitored the exercise, and which allowed some LTE antennas to be mounted for better coverage. The MERC was equipped with three 21U equipment racks mounted on air bags to protect the electronics during transport.

Figure 6: CCS’s Deployable MERC



After Action Report


15

A Mutualink Incident Response System was installed in the MERC to provide a collaboration platform for the exercise. The Mutualink Edge™ software was installed on Sonim handheld devices to allow the participants in the exercise to communicate with each other (including via text), share videos, images and documents, and tie their phones into the local radio network. At different various times during the exercise, the LTE equipment was utilizing the MERC’s satellite network. There was no degradation of service, and audio and video transmissions were clear. CCS also provided a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was equipped with a high-definition PTZ camera and a wireless link back to the MERC. Due to airspace restrictions near the airport, the UAV was not allowed to launch. However, the UAV was operated from an elevated stationary position near the exercise. This successfully permitted the streaming of live video of the exercise activities back to the Mutualink system. CCS Lessons Learned:

1. The LMR coverage was limited because the fire department did not have an external antenna on its building to provide adequate coverage. According to CCS, future exercises would be better served by providing a repeater that is programmed to the customer’s frequencies, and by installing a radio antenna on the 42-foot mast to provide a wide coverage area.

2. CCS stated that it should have allowed more time to provide training on the operation of the

Mutualink Edge software that was installed on the Sonim devices. For future events, CCS suggested that the phones be shipped to the customers sooner so that they could be used prior to the event, and that this same software also be loaded onto the customers’ cellular phones.

Field experience from the exercise affirmed that rural coverage needs a hybrid network that is different from the current legacy LTE architecture. Mobile BYOC small cell base stations with embedded EPC can provide incident coverage as first responders arrive on-scene. The same BYOC base station radio can have out-of-area connectivity by leveraging a carrier for backhaul. Fixed small cells can provide targeted coverage at public safety facilities. General Dynamics provided a SOW that included a three-sector LTE, fully integrated, completely self-contained deployable. The SOW demonstrated a completely isolated operational scenario and was activated earlier in the exercise demonstrating quick response. The SOW provided the Band 14 random access

Figure 7: Mutualink Incident Response System

Figure 8: General Dynamics SOW Deployable



After Action Report


16

network (RAN) and the EPC network for the public safety exercise. The deployable had 20 subscribers provisioned in the home subscriber server (HSS) database. The deployable backhaul link was connected to fixed infrastructure for the first phase of the exercise, and then was connected to General Dynamics’ SatCom satellite for the second phase of the exercise, in order to observe the effects of both backhaul options. No degradation of throughput was noted on either option, nor were any issues reported. Due to the virtual core network that resides in the SOW, there was little to no noticeable performance degradation on applications or video streaming to devices at the exercise. The deployable used during the exercise provided communications for real-time sharing of information, access across all agencies, and the ability to instantly deploy resources and make actionable decisions. The exercise was one of the largest showcase environments in which General Dynamics has participated. According to General Dynamics, the overall management of the exercise was exceptional, especially given the large number of applications being tested, the remote location, multiple network vendors, and the large number of participating agencies. General Dynamics Lessons Learned:

1. Users need to understand how the handheld devices and applications can help them in exercising their tasks/roles.

2. Handheld devices and applications need to be user-friendly

and simple. ELSAG North America deployed an ALPR system for use during the exercise. The reader was mounted in a speed-monitoring camera that was positioned near the GCW entrance. The unit captured vehicle license plate tags and queried them against a national database. The device was incorporated into the exercise scenario to suggest the possibility that the crash was an intentional act. User Experience Two of the exercise objectives focused on user capabilities and experience. One goal of the exercise was to promote support for the implementation of the PSBN by demonstrating the applicability of applications to support emergency response operations. Responders who utilized the Sonim devices were asked to provide additional comments regarding their experience and observations. The exercise design team recognized that the user training would provide only a rudimentary understanding of the handheld device and applications. Responders were not expected to demonstrate an advanced level of skill when using the devices. During training, some responders expressed a reluctance to devote time to using a handheld device during response operations. A common theme centered on the need to devote time to interfacing with applications rather than administering patient care or conducting other response activities. Others expressed concern with the need to carry an additional device or operating a device using protective gloves. Another concern involved the ability to

Figure 9: ELSAG ALPR Unit Near Roadway



After Action Report


17

carry and to safely secure a device in firefighting apparel (i.e., bunker gear). Law enforcement officers face a similar problem with addition of another device to carry and manipulate. As expected, responders who are more experienced in using wireless broadband technology expressed more interest in using the devices. These responders also demonstrated the ability to more quickly adapt to applications during the exercise. Senior officials serving in incident command roles expressed interest in utilizing the application to enhance situational awareness. Command level personnel expressed interest in the ability to track and monitor responders during a large-scale incident. However, they were also concerned about the time needed to manipulate devices and applications that may delay response activities. The incident mapping feature was successfully utilized during the exercise as responders used the devices to mark their locations. Situational awareness was also enhanced during the exercise through the use of live streaming video and images. A deficiency was noted involving the inability of the commander to switch between different live video provided by different responders. The incident command application should provide the ability to cancel the feed from a device. After the exercise the responders that utilized the devices expressed a greater level of interest and support for the PSBN system. All users demonstrated an increased proficiency in manipulating the devices at the end of the exercise. In general, the comments provided during the post-exercise debriefing were more positive than those expressed during the training course.


Section 4: Conclusion Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE After Action Report


18

SECTION 4: CONCLUSION The PSBN Tribal FSE was intended to demonstrate the capabilities that will be available to first responders in the future with the build out of the FirstNet NPSBN. The FSE represented the culmination of a mere six-month planning period. The planning process brought together individuals from 11 agencies and five private-sector telecommunications technology vendors. The FSE was conducted at the Grand Canyon West tourist area on the Hualapai Nation Reservation. The exercise site was in a remote rural area adjacent to the west rim of the Grand Canyon. The exercise was unique in that it incorporated the involvement of a tribal nation and a national monument within a rural environment. The exercise scenario was developed to achieve the following objectives:

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to deliver effective just-in-time training for public safety personnel and assess the ability of first responders to properly utilize PSBN LTE devices during the exercise

o One of the valuable lessons learned from the exercise was the challenges of training on a new technology platform with new applications. Just-in-time training was able to be provided, however, it was not enough to allow the responders to become proficient with the devices or applications. If this had been a “real world” event, as opposed to an exercise scenario, the technology would not have been very useful. This stresses the importance of training and practice on new devices and applications to allow the responders to become comfortable and proficient in their use, otherwise they will be counter-productive as opposed to increasing efficiency.


o The technology performed as promised, and was able to provide a higher level of situational awareness than possible utilizing just land mobile radio (LMR).

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to implement and support data and voice interoperability and data-sharing capabilities

o Once again, the technology was able to provide the ability for a more seamless process for interoperability and data-sharing. As the technology evolves and improves, these capabilities will enable first responders to have a higher level of interoperability and incident situational awareness than currently possible.

• Demonstrate and assess the ability to enhance interoperability among agencies at the tribal, local, state, and federal levels

o The exercise was able to successfully demonstrate the ability to share information between multiple public safety entities in different locations. Both the Mohave County and the Arizona state emergency operations centers were able to participate in the exercise by accepting the situational awareness provided by the applications. The Kingman Regional Medical Center was also able to receive information from the exercise.


Section 4: Conclusion Arizona PSBN Tribal FSE After Action Report


19

The scenario involved a mass-casualty, transportation-based event that provided the opportunity to deploy and assess the capabilities offered by the proposed NPSBN. The scenario allowed the responders to use new technology, including Sonim smart handheld devices and various applications. The exercise allowed the technology vendors to assess the capabilities of their systems to support emergency operations in a remote environment. The agencies involved in the exercise demonstrated the ability to work together as a cohesive force. Prior to the exercise, several responders expressed doubt about the ability of the applications to enhance response operations. The responders that utilized devices and applications during the exercise participated in a formal post-exercise debriefing and completed written evaluation forms. Generally, the responders expressed their support for the technology and gained an understanding of the NPSBN. Users who were more experienced in the use of wireless broadband technology were more likely to express their support for the adoption of the technology. Several responders expressed concern about dedicating time to manipulating a device and delaying hands-on response actions. The biggest “take-aways” from the exercise would be that the network proved capable of transmitting and receiving data intensive applications between field responders and command centers. The devices utilized performed very well for the purposes of sending and receiving data. Device form factors will have to evolve to meet the needs of the first responders. They had difficulty in manipulating the devices with gloved hands, and it is impractical for most responders to use a handheld device when performing their duties, as both hands are needed to do their jobs effectively. The development of practical wearable devices is a must for use by field responders. The information gleaned from this exercise and contained herein will be shared with FirstNet and their partners at the Public Safety Communications Research Program for use in their efforts to build the NPSBN. It will also be shared with technology vendors for their use in further developing the applications and devices to serve the needs of public safety with the deployment of the NPSBN.

Date post:	08-Oct-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

STATE OF ARIZONA PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK … Hualapai Exercise AAR...feet beyond the edge of...

Documents