Common use of Technical Background Clause in Contracts

Technical Background.  Capabilities The network infrastructure and subscriber units need to be configured to permit Encryption of selected Talk Groups. Whether or not Encryption will be utilized in subscriber radios, it is at the option of the user agency. Users also need to be trained to know how to activate the Encryption feature when needed on a specified talk group.  Constraints It will be the subscriber radio user’s responsibility to activate the Encryption feature when needed. In most cases the use of Encryption will be decided once a talk group is dedicated to the use by the personnel in the field that are involved in the operational situation. The Encryption feature blocks all non-approved/intruder radio users and scanners from hearing the conversation of the talk group that is being used for the situation. At this point in time (2007), only the City of Hollywood and County of Broward infrastructure support Encryption capabilities. Encryption can only occur on a digital capable talk group. Both the availability of digital Talk Groups and digital subscriber IDs is limited and must be coordinated with the System Managers prior to any desired implementation. Currently only DES-OFB and DES-XL Encryption algorithms are supported. Encryption Talk Groups that must appear on a console will need to have Encryption key loaded into the Console DIU. This has the potential to reduce the security of the talk group as others may be able to access the clear audio via a console.