Mr. Thayer initially began working with the State of Indiana in 1997 as the project leader to develop a wireless communications strategic plan for the Indiana State Police. Based on the team's research, Mr. Thayer recommended that Indiana develop a multi-agency wireless voice and data system that would serve the needs of local, state and federal agencies operating in the state.

After the plan was ratified, Mr. Thayer and Mr. Hudson developed specifications and an RFP for a statewide system and led the procurement process for Indiana's Project Hoosier SAFE-T, a wireless voice and data system. After leading the team in selecting the vendor, Mr. Hudson and Mr. Thayer assisted in negotiating a contract that fully protects the state.

Implementation of the SAFE-T system began in 2000 and Mr. Thayer was retained as the state's consultant on the project. During the past three years, Mr. Thayer has provided subject matter expertise on implementation planning, policies and procedures, integration of local agencies, grant writing, site development, system testing and RF engineering. Based on Mr. Thayer's review of the vendor's initial design, the state has been able to improve overall mobile and portable coverage, while eliminating the need for at least 4 sites. Cost savings on these sites alone are projected to be more than $2M.

For the first time in Indiana's history, Project Hoosier SAFE-T has brought together the State's local, state and federal agencies to develop a cooperative public safety communications system. By jointly developing this voice and data communications system, Indiana is benefiting from increased interoperability, significantly discounted equipment costs, reduced maintenance fees and greater system reliability. (more)