Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $400,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to purchase and install additional strategic surveillance cameras and to procure new and replacement radios to be compliant with FCC radio rebanding requirements.
The TMC is the world's largest medical center, comprised of non-profit, governmental healthcare, education, and research institutions. The impact is such that even a partial loss of operation for any TMC critical care facility raises immediate and serious life and health issues for the region. TMC's Police and Security Services office operates the Emergency Communications and Mobility Center (ECMC). The ECMC strives to maximize regional communication using state-of-the-art technology for timely monitoring of security issues and traffic flow during all events and conditions as well as helping coordinate police and security service calls on the TMC campuses.
The two project areas addressed under this grant include: (1) 700/800 MHz Radio Re-banding ' Radio conversion to the 700 MHz Harris County Regional Radio System (HCRRS) bandwith and deployment of additional radios to smaller member institutions. This allows for improved notification capability with TMC member institutions; and (2) CCTV Enhancements - Development of the critical infrastructure protection system along with delivery and installation of additional strategic surveillance cameras on the TMC campuses. This project will help strengthen safety and situational awareness during disaster incidents and allow for efficient resource deployment and enhanced protection of TMC campuses, patients, visitors and employees.
Grant funds will be used to acquire communication equipment (new radios, replacement radios, and accompanying software); surveillance equipment (CCTV servers, cameras, and installation costs); and consultant services (engineering services to install cameras).
NCA/NCF