Communications
Communication Project
Managers and Telecommunication Specialists at BGA plan, design, and manage the
implementation of complex communication networks which include wireless systems, terrestrial
microwave, fiber optic, and satellite systems. This division has
been commissioned for engineering
services on major communication systems in the United States. Over sixty complex communication
networks for governmental, public, and private entities have been studied, designed, and implemented.
Computer-based planning programs developed by the staff assist engineers and system
specialists in producing unique technical and economic data customized for each client's project.
Programs developed include radio propagation, life-cycle cost analysis, system optimization,
project scheduling, and project costing.
The magnitude and complexity of
many large scale communication networks require that long-term professional relationships be
established between the engineering firm and client. BGA takes pride in having established extended
(five to ten years) professional relationships with communication clients.
Communications Project Summary
Below
is a partial list of communication projects for which Buford Goff &
Associates, Inc. (BGA) has had communications engineering
responsibility. Engineering services ranged from specific
engineering task accomplishment to total project management
responsibility.
Please click on the project name or associated
arrow to view detailed information.
Arizona
Transit Communications System Study, City of Phoenix, Regional Public Transportation Authority and Valley Metro Rail - Phoenix, Arizona
The City of Phoenix, on behalf of the Regional Public Transportation Authority and
Valley Metro Rail engaged Buford Goff & Associates to perform a wireless communications
system assessment to support transit operations and vehicle management applications.
Working with Valley Metro partners through a series of interviews and focus
group discussions, the firm cataloged operational, functional and technical
requirements that support present and future transit operations. These requirements
encompassed security, vehicle management systems, and computer aided dispatch
applications. The result of this study was a strategic transit communications plan.
Phoenix Regional Wireless Network - Phoenix, Arizona
Buford Goff & Associates through a competitive bid process was selected by the City of
Phoenix to provide Quality Control and Engineering Advisor services for the
implementation of an 800 MHz digital, trunked radio system designed to serve
the City’s fire, police and municipal departments. As the City’s Quality Assurance
Advisor, the firm provided oversight of the activities of the Prime Contractor in
the implementation and commissioning of the wireless system infrastructure,
subscriber equipment procurement, and contract compliance. The firm was selected
based upon its extensive knowledge of large, public safety trunked radio systems
and the proficient quality control methods and techniques employed, as evidenced
by the successful commissioning of similar projects. With twenty-five remote radio
sites operating in simulcast and non-simulcast modes, the system will serve the needs
of over 7,500 users throughout the 1000 square mile metropolitan. Unique to this
system is the first time deployment of over the air re-keying of encrypted subscriber
equipment, stringent system reliability parameters, and rigorous portable in-building
and on the street radio coverage requirements.
City of Mesa Trunked Open Arizona Network (TOPAZ) - Mesa, Arizona
The firm was contracted by the City of Mesa to provide Quality Assurance Advisor
services for the implementation and acceptance of an 800 MHz digital trunked
radio system. This system serves the public safety and public service users
of the City of Mesa and surrounding jurisdictions. Buford Goff & Associates
services included Prime Contractor oversight, subscriber equipment procurement,
and contract compliance. Additionally, the firm provided technical expertise,
advice, and guidance on system configuration, transition planning, and cutover
from legacy systems. Employing simulcast and non-simulcast remote radio sites, the
network provides portable in-building and on the street radio coverage for fire, law
enforcement, and city governmental agencies. The system serves over 3,500 subscribers.
Arkansas
State of Arkansas Wireless Information Network - Little Rock, Arkansas
The firm was contracted on a sole source basis to provide Program Management and
Quality Assurance services for the implementation of a statewide wireless information
network. This multi-facet project encompassed the upgrade of the Arkansas State
Police existing 800 MHz radio system from analog to digital technology, integration
of a planned radio system upgrade based upon Project 25 standards for a federal agency
chemical storage facility, and a multi-county pilot project demonstrating the full
potential of seamless radio communications for local and state first responders.
In an addition to Program Management, the firm provided technical and engineering
support for the testing and acceptance of all systems and subsystems associated
with the project. Completed in 2006, the AWIN network provides a wireless
information platform poised to support first responders well into the next decade.
State of Arkansas Statewide Radio System Study - Little Rock, Arkansas
The firm was contracted on a sole source basis to provide strategic planning services
to the Statewide Radio System Work Group which represented sixteen state agencies.
The focus of this working group was to make recommendations to the Governor and
General Assembly on the feasibility of implementing a statewide wireless information
network. Consulting services encompassed needs assessment, fact finding interviews,
asset inventory, cost-benefit analysis, business case development, and funding
recommendations. This project resulted in a final report to the Governor and
the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.
California
Pacific Gas and Electric Company - San Francisco, California
This project provided one of the largest utilities in the U.S. with a design and
program schedule for the implementation of a private wide area trunked radio system
which covered the northern portion of California. This multi-phased project involved
assessing PG&E's requirements for voice dispatch and mobile data, development of
functional specifications, and project implementation support.
Georgia
Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia Communications System Study - Atlanta, Georgia
This report investigated the feasibility of establishing communication links with
148 substations located in 44 cities in Georgia. Alternatives identified and evaluated
were dedicated leased lines, multiple address radio, telephone dial-up circuits, and
cellular telephone.
Illinois
Central Illinois Public Service 800 MHz Trunked Radio System - Springfield, Illinois
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was selected to investigate the feasibility and
write procurement documents for the implementation of a trunked radio system in
Central Illinois. This multi-phase project included 3000 users system wide and
radio coverage in the power company's three operating divisions and five power plants.
Initial planning was for the replacement of the existing voice dispatch low band
system, but final system capability would have supported mobile data systems.
Louisiana
Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Communications Study - New Roads, Louisiana
This project included a study of the existing microwave system and the investigation
of upgrading the equipment to current technology. Consideration was given to
implementing digital technology along with expanding the present network to meet
requirements into the next century.
Michigan
State of Michigan 800 MHz Radio System and Telecommunications Backbone Network
- Lansing, Michigan
For this project, Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. provided Quality Assurance services
to the Michigan State Police and Department of Management and Budget in the areas of
vendor selection and evaluation, project scheduling and control, budget monitoring,
and technical support during system implementation. This multi-phase project supports
the governmental agencies of the State of Michigan and was designed, installed, tested
and accepted from 1994 to 2003. The systems consist of an extensive statewide trunked
radio system and digital microwave backbone network with over 180 remote radio sites.
Consumers Power Company, 800 MHz Trunked Radio System - Jackson, Michigan
As a result of the study performed by the firm, Buford Goff & Associates, Inc.
was elected to provide total communications engineering support for the implementation
of an 800 MHz trunked radio system which included voice and data applications.
Engineering support consisted of site selection, frequency assignment and licensing,
specification development, and acceptance testing. The system consists of 3000 mobiles
and sixty-five repeater stations.
Consumers Power Company Two-Way Radio Study - Jackson, Michigan
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was contracted by Consumers Power Company to
provide engineering services for the planning, and design of a new radio system for
the utilities service area covering the entire lower portion of the State of Michigan.
Involved in this project were the application of data to the radio network and an
analysis of modifying or replacing the existing radio system.
Consumers Power Mobile Data System Implementation - Detroit, Michigan
This project was added to the existing contract for this state wide utility.
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. provided project management and engineering support
for the design, development, testing, and field deployment of the first data system
integrated into the 800 MHz trunked radio network. System modeling, acceptance criteria
and plans, performance parameters, and field acceptance testing support was provided.
Downriver Mutual Aid Trunked Radio Project - Wayne County, Michigan
Buford Goff & Associates provided the planning and engineering support for the
development of a shared trunked radio system among 16 member consortium of communities,
law enforcement agencies and cities. The completed system provides voice dispatch,
mobile data, and computer aided dispatch for 1600 users in Wayne County.
City of Detroit Regional 800 MHz Radio Project - Detroit, Michigan
The firm provided specialized technical services to the Detroit Water and
Sewerage Department through the Program Managers of PMA Consultants, LCC for
the procurement and implementation of an 800 MHz trunked radio system. The system
serves public safety fire, police, and emergency users as well as all other City
departments. Included in the overall network was a ten site simulcast trunked,
digital radio system within the city limits, microwave backbone network, and
integration of the city users into the statewide Michigan Public Safety Communications
System. This wireless network spans 1000 square miles, supports over 10,000 users, and
encompasses eight primary dispatch locations.
Mississippi
State of Mississippi Wireless Information Network - Jackson, Mississippi
Based upon an extensive background in implementing complex statewide wireless communications projects, Buford Goff and Associates was directly contracted by the State of Mississippi through the Mississippi Department of Transportation for the development of a request for proposals for the acquisition and phased implementation of a statewide mobile radio communication system. A succinct and comprehensive request for proposals was produced and coupled with an acquisition strategy provides a phased project scalable to available funding. Working within an accelerated time frame, the firm developed a unique approach for solicitation of bids that meets the wireless needs of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Emergency Management Agency and other local and state first responders. The System is scheduled for a multi-year implementation cycle beginning in 2007.
Missouri
Ameren Central Illinois Public Service Information System Projects - St. Louis, Missouri
Buford Goff & Associates entered into a master contract to provide a wide range
of planning and engineering services in the information technology field. Under
a master agreement, BGA provided engineering and program management services for a
company-wide Y2K assessment for all existing wireless radio systems; and the design
and implementation of 900 MHz trunked radio systems in five power generation facilities.
New Jersey
Atlantic Electric Fiber Optic System - Pleasantville, New Jersey
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was chosen to provide engineering services for the
design and implementation of sixty miles of optical ground wire. This system consists
of multi mode and single mode fiber which will carry voice, data, and protective
relaying. Additionally, this network interfaced with two DS-3 digital radio links
and provided a fully redundant looped backbone digital network throughout Atlantic
Electric's service area.
Atlantic Electric 800 MHz Trunked Radio System - Pleasantville, New Jersey
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was contracted to provide technical support to an
existing client in the implementation of their 800 MHz trunked radio system. This
mobile radio network consisted of eight sites located throughout New Jersey and 500
mobiles. The system operated in a simulcast mode and interfaced into a 45 Mbs digital
microwave network.
Atlantic Electric Digital Microwave System - Pleasantville, New Jersey
This project included the technical feasibility of implementing a 45
Mbs digital microwave system to provide communication links for voice,
data, and two-way radio circuits. As a result of an in depth study, a
twenty-one site network was designed and constructed throughout New Jersey.
North Carolina
Four County Electric Membership Cooperative Comprehensive Communications System - Burgaw, 
North Carolina
This project encompassed the development and implementation of a company wide communication system consisting of 2 GHz microwave and multiple address radio systems.
Charlotte/Mecklenburg County Law Enforcement Center - Charlotte, North Carolina
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. responsibilities for this consolidated law enforcement
complex include planning and design of the communications and security systems.
Included is the central communications center which provides "911" and radio dispatch
services incorporating computed aided dispatch systems. Buford Goff & Associates, Inc.
responsibilities also include microwave communication links, fiber optic interfaces to
county-wide networks, video systems for conference networks, 800 MHz trunking systems
interface, building integrated cabling systems for voice and data, and
telecommunications systems.
Ohio
State of Ohio Multi-Agency Radio Communication System - Columbus, Ohio
For this project, Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. provided Quality Assurance services to
the Department of Administrative Services in the areas of vendor selection and
evaluation, system design, project scheduling and control, budget monitoring, and
technical support during system implementation. This multi-phase project supports the
needs of multiple governmental agencies in the State of Ohio and was completed in 2004.
This system encompasses a statewide trunked radio system, mobile data system, and a
computer aided dispatch network with automatic vehicle location.
Oregon
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District Radio Communications Study - Portland, Oregon
This project was an investigation of the alternative radio communication systems available to the agency responsible for fixed-route bus, light rail, and paratransit operations in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. The essence of this work was to determine if the transportation agency should embrace 800 MHz trunking technology to satisfy the present and future communications needs of the transportation community.
Pennsylvania
Allegheny Power System Microwave Radio Project, Allegheny Power System - Greensburg, Pennsylvania
This project encompassed the planning and implementation of a backbone microwave system to carry voice, data, and radio control circuits within three electric operating companies' service areas. Phase one of the project included installation of a looped microwave system consisting of 32 hops of 6 GHz and 2 GHz microwave equipment located throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. Phase two of the project involved radial extensions off the backbone system which added 41 sites to cover the remaining operating companies' service areas. Also included in phase two were fiber optic extensions of the microwave system at power plant generation facilities.
South Carolina
Santee Cooper Public Service Authority 900 MHz Trunked
Radio Project - Monks Corner, South Carolina
The firm was contracted to develop a detailed request for proposal for the procurement and implementation of a system wide trunked radio network. This radio system met the needs of the generation and transmission departments as well as extending wireless services to the fifteen member cooperatives of the Central Electric Cooperative Power Cooperative Corporation. This project completed in 2001 consists of 60 remote radio sites, 2000 users, and three major dispatch centers.
Santee Cooper Public Service Authority Trunked Radio System Study - Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was commissioned to investigate the feasibility of implementing a land mobile radio system throughout the power Authority's service area in the lower portion of the State of South Carolina. Included in the detailed engineering analysis was frequency availability and radio frequency coverage from 45 existing conventional high band radio sites.
South Carolina Educational Television ITFS Expansion Project - Columbia, South Carolina
Buford Goff & Associates was selected through a competitive proposal process to support the expansion of the existing Instructional Television Fixed Services network operated by this entity. This expansion included the addition of transmit towers and receive towers at locations throughout 9 counties in South Carolina. Development of specifications for competitive biding and construction supervision services were part of this project.
SCANA Communications, Inc. Trunked Radio System Upgrade Project - Columbia, South Carolina
The firm provided contract document development, technical support, and system implementation and planning services for a virtual private trunked network. This system provided wireless voice dispatch to utilities and state and local governmental agencies throughout South Carolina. The initial design involved approximately 100 remotes sites with 15,000 users.
State of South Carolina Integrated Microwave Communications System - Columbia, South Carolina
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. furnished total engineering services to the State of South Carolina for a state owned and operated analog and digital microwave system to support the composite communications requirements of state agencies. Engineering services included an extensive feasibility study which analyzed the communications needs of state agencies and provided the technical and financial data that allowed state government to justify expenditure of public funds. Eight channels of broadcast quality video services were installed and 672 channels of digital voice and data circuits were designed.
South Carolina Educational Television ITFS Transmit and Receive Towers - Columbia, South Carolina
This project included engineering services for the planning, design, and construction of over 350 microwave transmit and receive towers. Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. developed specifications for competitive bidding to construct these towers at remote locations throughout South Carolina.
PABX System for Providence Hospital - Columbia, South Carolina
Scope of this project included planning and implementation of an electronic PABX system for a major hospital facility specializing in coronary care which required highly reliable communication circuits. Tasks included planning for present and future requirements, evaluation of available electronic switches, development of contract documents, evaluation of vendor proposals, and engineering services to support implementation. System capacity was approximately 1,000 stations.
Richland Memorial Hospital Electronic PABX System - Columbia, South Carolina
This project provided technical support to the client for the design and implementation of a Bell System provided Dimension 2000 PABX. Engineering tasks included review and development of functional requirements for unique health care departments, inventory of existing telecommunications equipment and features, and recommendations for equipment configuration and software options. System was equipped with 1,500 stations expandable to 2,000.
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Fiber System - Lexington, South Carolina
This project included the planning, design, specification, and implementation of fiber optic cable to extend the microwave baseband. The microwave system was interfaced directly with a fiber optic system which eliminated the need for additional drop and insert equipment. The fiber route included aerial and buried cable.
Texas
Lower Colorado River Authority 900 MHz Trunked Radio System - Austin, Texas
The firm, through a competitive procurement process, was chosen to support this State chartered institution in the procurement of radio equipment for implementing a 900 MHz trunked radio network. Included in the engineering services was a formal Vendor Evaluation and Selection process. Additional technical support included contract development and contract negotiations with the successful land mobile radio equipment supplier.
Lower Colorado River Authority Digital Microwave System - Austin, Texas
This project encompassed the planning, specification development and contract negotiations for the implementation of a 110 site digital communication network. The network consists of a dual collapsed ring OC-3 digital microwave system integrated with a 45 Mbps looped digital microwave system, collapsed ring fiber optic system as well as other low density digital and analog microwave spurs.
Lower Colorado River Authority Two-Way Radio Project - Austin, Texas
Buford Goff & Associates, Inc. was contracted to investigate the existing multi-frequency band radio systems for this power generation authority. The goal of the engineering contract was to develop viable alternatives for system upgrade or replacement.
Lower Colorado River Authority Trunked Radio System and Microwave Relocation - Austin, Texas
The firm's original contract was expanded to encompass the unique requirement of LCRA partnering with a wireless radio vendor and Personal Communication Service provider. This alliance allows LCRA to obtain wireless communication services throughout its service area in exchange for the facilities, transport network, and frequency assets. Project responsibilities included business case development of the communication alliance between participating parties, contract negotiations with wireless vendor and PCS licensee, technical support and project management oversight of the all systems being installed. The final system design included fifty-five counties in central Texas and provides wireless voice dispatch to over 7500 customers.
Australia
Hydro-Electric Commission and State Disaster Radio Communications Committee, Telecommunications
Strategic Study - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Long-range studies were conducted for the state owned electric energy commission and the State Disaster Radio Communications Committee. BGA's involvement concentrated on the investigation and planning of a trunked radio system and digital microwave backbone network which would serve not only the electric authority but also over 13 state agencies which included public safety, law enforcement and disaster recovery. Extensive interviews were conducted with users and managers in order to translate needs into viable system designs. The systems investigated consisted of over 200 base station locations, 7500 mobiles, 1200 portables, and 2000 pagers.
