Wearable Panic Alert Devices

Overview

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and the Utah School Safety Center (SSC) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking vendors for the purpose of supplying wearable panic alert devices (WPADs) to public K–12 schools in accordance with Utah Code Section 53G-8-805. These services include providing WPADs that communicate directly with the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), supporting statewide school safety initiatives designed to enhance security and emergency responsiveness, and providing training, technical support, and system configuration necessary for successful implementation.

Local education agencies (LEAs) are not required to utilize the state-procured wearable panic alert devices. LEAs that have already implemented devices will not be reimbursed for prior purchases. However, all LEAs remain responsible for ensuring compliance with Utah Code Section 53G-8-805, regardless of the contractor selected. 

This program is supported through funding allocated by the Utah State Legislature. It is designed to ensure that at least every lead teacher and all school safety personnel across Utah's K-12 public schools is equipped with a WPAD.

USBE exclusively covers Tier 1 service costs only for submitted requests that have been approved by the Utah SSC. Please note that any services or devices - including previously purchased WPADs - acquired prior to formal approval are ineligible for reimbursement.

Timeline

Qualtrics Application Process:
Each LEA head needs to select one contractor and fill out the Request Form (Qualtrics link emailed separately).

• Release Date: August 3, 2026
• Due Date: 5:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026

Qualtrics Post Application Process:

• Once the request period closes, the Utah SSC will review all submissions and share LEA contact information with the selected contractors. Contractors will use this information only to:
  • Confirm Tier 1 services
  • Coordinate next steps
  • Create a quote for all designated schools with an LEA
  • Send the quote to USBE and the Utah SSC, and the LEA
  • Begin implementation upon USBE approval of the quote
• Contractors are expected to contact LEAs promptly to ensure a smooth rollout.

Request Form

Please review the preview of the Qualtrics request form questions before beginning the form.

The link to the form will be sent to LEA heads.

Available Cooperative Contracts

The State is funding wearable panic alert devices for each school at the Tier 1 service level. Each contractor offers different services, options and hardware. If you would like to know more about each vendor’s terms, contracts and optional cost items identified in their Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 services, click on their link below. (Accessibly remediated copies coming soon.)

• Carasoft/Saferwatch (USBE260125CT)
• Centegix (USBE260127CT)

Contacts

For questions please email schoolsafetyprograms@schools.utah.gov.