Epiq Design Solutions, Inc. — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase I: DHS201-005

Description

The purpose of this SBIR project is to solve this critical problem of ensuring in-building emergency communications network coverage for the first. The challenge of in-building public safety communications in emergencies or disasters is well documented, and the advent of FirstNet as an equally critical communications network increases the complexity of this problem.Epiq Solutions intends to develop an in-building coverage analysis system (ICAS) based on its software defined radio (SDR) capability which are among the smallest commercial SDRs in the industry. The resultant system will be designed to be uNbtrusive, easy to use, and financially viable to have a major impact on how coverage is tested and delivered to first responders.In this project Epiq Solutions intends to make inNvations in sensing and measurement for commonly used first responders network types: 25kHz analog, P25 digital, and FirstNet LTE as well as the emerging commercial 5G NR techNlogy. Epiq Solutions will develop requirements and architectures for the technical components of the solution as well as the methodologies and user considerations to ensure alignment with the NFPA and IFC standards and DHS findings in this area.Critically, Epiq Solutions will also undertake proof of concept testing of these requirements and architectures to validate assumptions and reduce risk for Phase II.