Voice Interoperability Framework Research and Analysis

The Department of Homeland Security (Science & Technology Directorate) intends to award a sole‑source, 12‑month research contract to the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute at the University of Illinois to develop and analyze a Voice Interoperability Framework for broadband Mission Critical Services (MCX). The effort will assess industry solutions, create testing scenarios, define metrics, and support standardization and certification activities to ensure interoperable voice, video, and data services for public‑safety agencies. • Scope: research, testing framework finalization, participation in MCX standards work, certification support, stakeholder group leadership. • Deliverables: maturity assessment report, testing scenarios, metric definitions, participation summaries, certification recommendations. • Duration: 12 months, based at UIUC (Illinois) with DHS oversight. • Funding: sole‑source contract (no competitive solicitation). • Target audience: DHS components, first‑responders, broadband carriers, MCX vendors.