For many public safety agencies, the thought of upgrading or replacing a Land Mobile Radio (LMR) or NG911 emergency communications system can be overwhelming. One of the biggest hurdles? “STICKER SHOCK”. Initial vendor quotes can be staggering—often enough to stop a project before it even begins. But that’s where TUSA Consulting Services comes in.

As a veteran-owned vendor-agnostic emergency communications consulting firm, TUSA specializes in helping public safety agencies see beyond the numbers and toward a clear, strategic path forward. Our proven methodologies and phased approach turn confusion into clarity and fear into feasible action.

Why Sticker Shock Happens

When agencies begin exploring the upgrade or replacement of their aging LMR or NG911 systems, the first exposure to pricing—often directly from vendors—can be a punch to the gut. Multi-million-dollar proposals, complex technology specifications, and long implementation timelines can cause decision-makers to shelve critical upgrades indefinitely and in some cases put their public safety officials at risk.

But the problem isn’t the price, it’s the lack of context.

TUSA’s Road Map Approach: From Chaos to Confidence

At TUSA, we help customers shift their focus from short-term sticker prices to long-term strategic planning. Here’s how we do it:

PHASE I: Needs Assessment – Interview, Investigate, Inspect

We begin by evaluating your current system’s performance and lifespan, operational gaps, and future needs. Through detailed interviews with stakeholders, thorough investigations of your environment, and in-person inspections, we develop a realistic picture of what needs to be done—and what doesn’t.

Rather than jumping straight to vendor proposals, we outline multiple technical and financial pathways. We provide objective, comparative analyses of technologies, service models, and vendor-neutral alternatives that align with your specific goals, constraints, and budget.

PHASE II: Procurement & Vendor Engagement

TUSA creates clear, compliant RFPs and manages vendor evaluations to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples. We advocate for cost transparency and life-cycle value, not just flashy features. Most importantly, we ensure that every dollar spent contributes meaningfully to your public safety mission.

PHASE III: Project Implementation

TUSA Consulting Services manages the Implementation Phase by recognizing the added workload on customer stakeholders and developing a customized plan that aligns with the customer’s strengths. By clearly defining roles and collaborating closely, TUSA ensures a smooth, efficient, and successful project execution.

PHASE IV: Lifecycle & Maintenance Planning

Our commitment doesn’t end after implementation. We provide guidance on long-term maintenance strategies, budgeting for future refresh cycles, and training staff to support the system independently reducing long-term costs and vendor dependence.

Turning “Too Expensive” Into “Let’s Start”

By partnering with TUSA, you gain more than just a consultant—you gain a trusted advisor and advocate who can turn a seemingly unaffordable project into a well-defined, phased roadmap. We help our clients:

  • Explore options
  • Break large investments into manageable budget cycles
  • Prioritize upgrades based on risk, compliance, and operational impact
  • Explore state and federal funding opportunities
  • Communicate realistic timelines and costs to stakeholders
  • Build internal consensus and decision-maker confidence

 Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

TUSA has successfully guided dozens of agencies—from rural counties, urban metro areas, and statewide systems – through complex procurements and upgrades. Our vendor-neutral stance means our only interest is your best interest.

Don’t let the “sticker shock” stall critical upgrades—your first responders and the communities they serve depend on reliable emergency communications. Let TUSA Consulting Services show you the path forward. PUBLIC SAFETY MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE!

To schedule a consultation or learn more about our LMR and NG911 planning services, contact our CEO/Owner directly at dean.hart@tusaconsulting.com or (816) 518-9223.

TUSA is a veteran-owned independent consultant providing professional services to Public Safety. TUSA does not sell, provide, or represent any equipment or managed services that could deter our professional opinion towards anything other than a vendor agnostic solution to support the customer identified needs.