PITTSBURGH, PA--(Marketwired - June 13, 2016) - Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced a partnership with the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) and Louisiana Geographic Information Center (LAGIC) to supply the Michael Baker International DataMark™ DX geospatial data software to support the GIS data component of the existing 9-1-1 operations and transition to next-generation 9-1-1 technology (NG9-1-1) in New Orleans, LA. The OPCD serves a population of nearly 550,000 residents, visitors and daily commuters. The partnership continues Michael Baker's response to the national mandate for NG9-1-1 upgrades to legacy systems that support first responders -- police, fire, emergency medical response and 9-1-1 Telecommunicators -- across the United States.

"Working with OPCD and LAGIC demonstrates the exemplary emergency response protocols within the state as they lead the charge to incorporate new technology into the emergency response infrastructure," said Sandi Stroud, public safety national director at Michael Baker International. "Michael Baker's DataMark products and supporting services offer a cost-effective and highly targeted solution for public safety organizations as we tailor each offering to adhere to the annual expenditures within each municipality."

The DataMark DX technology used by OPCD is part of Michael Baker's larger DataMark suite of geographic information systems (GIS)-centric solutions and support services for the NG9-1-1 call routing environment. DataMark is ideal for aiding public safety answering points (PSAPs) and their GIS stakeholders in this mission critical transition as it solves upgrade challenges, helps to improve public-safety communications and ensures the data meets the precise NG9-1-1 requirements.

The software considers all aspects of the data that is provisioned to a NG9-1-1 system (data creation, clean up, quality and maintenance workflows). With extensive expertise in GIS and public safety, Michael Baker can help GIS departments determine what they need to do to support NG9-1-1. The transition to NG911 architecture represents an inevitable overhaul and redesign of the nation's legacy 911 systems. It will allow any telecommunications device with Internet connectivity to reach a 911 call center or a public safety answering point (PSAP) for emergency services. The current business of emergency response comes down to saving lives and minimizing property damage. In the NG9-1-1 call routing environment, GIS determines to which PSAP the caller is routed.

"Michael Baker International presented the best product, at the best price, for our GIS QA/QC needs. They get NG9-1-1 and I look forward to working with a partner who brings a true GIS perspective to NG9-1-1," said Kathrine Cargo, GISP, ENP, GIS/Mapping Coordinator for OPCD. "Our collaboration and the use of this technology has the potential to reduce emergency services' response times and potentially save lives, and further showcases New Orleans as a technology-forward city."

This partnership announcement comes on the heels of Michael Baker's recent launch of its Public Safety practice, a dedicated group that supplies a full continuum of innovative GIS solutions and services to first responders. Michael Baker's Public Safety practice leverages a team of long-time leaders in public safety and GIS innovation who are solely focused on supporting both NG9-1-1 and FirstNet integration in states and municipalities across the country.

For more information on Michael Baker International's DataMark GIS for NG9-1-1, visit http://datamarkgis.com/.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.

About Orleans Parish Communication District
The Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1982 to provide E9-1-1 service throughout Orleans Parish/New Orleans. OPCD is a separate unit of government from the City of New Orleans, and is funded entirely through a service charge on all landline and wireless users in Orleans Parish. In partnership with New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department, and New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, OPCD is dedicated to providing the most effective and efficient E9-1-1 service for the protection of the lives and property of the citizens and visitors served. The OPCD serves a population of nearly 550,000 residents, visitors, and daily commuters.

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