Public-Private Partnerships to Evaluate Communications Technology
Partnerships between public agencies and private vendors allow for objective evaluation of the implementation, deployment, and functionality of a vendor's technology solution in an operational environment within a State or local law enforcement agency. These public-private partnerships give public safety agencies access to cutting edge technologies at little to no cost.
How It Works
A vendor and one or more public safety agencies must first create a public-private partnership to implement an interoperability technology or technological solution. NIJ then works with the agency or agencies involved to advise on and evaluate the project.
Note: In accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the competitive solicitation process for research and development, NIJ cannot directly accept equipment from vendors for evaluation.
What NIJ Provides
Through the National Law Enforcement Corrections Technology Center system, NIJ serves three primary roles in a public-private partnership:
- Honest broker. NIJ works to broker partnerships between public safety agencies and vendors.
- Third-party independent evaluator. NIJ conducts operational evaluations of technology and potential technology solutions to determine whether the technology meets public safety's needs and requirements.
- Advisor. NIJ provides technology support, advice, assistance, and oversight to public safety agencies involved in public-private partnerships and is committed to thorough involvement in all phases of these projects.
NIJ does not provide:
- A "seal of approval" for a specific vendor technology. NIJ is interested in evaluating a generic type of technology, rather than specific vendor products.
- Funding to public safety agencies or vendors outside of the competitive research and development solicitation process.
Getting Started
NIJ requires three elements to participate in a public-private partnership:
- An interested State or local law enforcement agency must be willing to devote time and manpower resources to the project.
- A vendor must provide technology, expertise, and resources.
- An NIJ Technology Working Group requirement must be addressed through the project.
Contact Joe Heaps, NIJ Program Manager, at 202-841-2563 or Joseph.Heaps@usdoj.gov for further information on public-private partnerships.
