The application is now closed. Selections will be posted in coming weeks.
RANET is pleased to announce that the Chatty Beetle terminal will be distributed to participating hosts in 2009 (March - May) as part of an extended pilot. The goal of the pilot is to deploy enough units that can be field tested in a variety of scenarios and locations. The field test will look to prove the system from a technical perspective, as well as gain feedback on how to improve future designs. More importantly, however, this field pilot is intended to see how the Chatty Beetle terminals and system can best be incorporated into public alert and notification chains, as well as emergency response. To this end RANET looks to deploy the limited number of units with a variety of entities, as well as geographically across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Central America and Caribbean.
To assist with placement, the Chatty Beetle will be distributed based upon an application process. While the application is open to all, priority will be given to existing RANET countries and partners, as well as national entities (government agencies) involved in a part of warning dissemination or emergency response. Furthermore, applications will be given priority which can demonstrate that the host institution is able to produce or receive existing streams of warnings, and that there notionally exists already a warning chain in which authorities and responsibilities are well articulated. Despite these priorities, applications will be reviewed for regional entities or local NGOs that may wish to participate.
Applying to be part of the pilot does not guarantee acceptance now or at any future pilot or operational deployment. Nonetheless, applicants not accepted into the first pilot will be consider in future deployment if and as these occur. Please remember that due to a limited set of pilot terminals, not all applications will be able to be approved.
By participating in the pilot, the partner and host will receive one or more Chatty Beetle terminal units in 2009 -- expected around sometime between March and May. RANET will provide the terminal and all necessary peripherals, although the host will be responsible for installation costs, which might include a small pipe to fix the stationary antenna, in-country / local travel for installation, etc. RANET will also cover messaging and satellite service fees associated with the units, assuming use is related to its operation and purpose.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the online form. This form may also be printed, filled out, and then either e-mailed to application 'at' ranet.mobi or faxed to +1-240-846-6123. For any questions please contact raw 'at' ranet.mobi. Applications need not be completed in English to be accepted or favorably reviewed.
Things to Know Before Applying:
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Terminal units are limited, so not all applications will be accepted in the 1st planned pilot deployment.
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Selection is made by the IEPAS / RANET program coordinator at UCAR JOSS. The coordinator may potentially consult with partners and donors, and/or request additional information from the applicant. Selection and decisions are final.
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The Chatty Beetle terminals are largely meant for national entities involved in some part of a sub-national warning chain, nonetheless, regional entities and local organizations (both government and non-government) are encouraged to apply.
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The goal of the pilot is to field test terminals for technical performance, as well as 'fit' within operations and warning chains.
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Targeted geographies include remote and rural communities / areas in parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Central America and Caribbean.
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RANET will provide accepted participants / hosts with terminals. Messaging and service costs associated with the purpose and intent (appropriate use) of the device will be covered.
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The pilot period will last for a minimum of nine months. While RANET reserves the right to recall the terminals, the intent is to leave them in place and operation.
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Application closes Feb. 11th, 2009 at 5pm Eastern.
The application is now closed. Selections will be posted in coming weeks.
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