Kentucky Educational Development Corporation Partners with Industry Leaders to Advance School Safety Contracts awarded to Critical Response Group and nSide bring next-generation Critical Incident Mapping to Kentucky schools.
The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC), doing business as PurchasePros, has selected Critical Response Group, Inc. (CRG) and nSide, Inc. to deliver Critical Incident Mapping solutions across the Commonwealth. These contracts will provide Kentucky’s schools and first responders with cutting-edge, field-verified digital maps designed to improve emergency preparedness, streamline crisis response, and ultimately save lives. With members across the country, PurchasePros ensures these solutions can benefit schools both in Kentucky and nationwide.
Supporting Details
Critical Incident Mapping transforms static building diagrams into dynamic operational tools that law enforcement, fire, and EMS can access during emergencies. With standardized safety labeling, real-time data integration, and mobile-ready digital files, the systems ensure responders have precise, interoperable information at their fingertips.
- Critical Response Group, Inc. is a national leader in critical incident mapping, partnering with schools and public safety agencies across 42 states to deliver mapping for more than 22,000 schools—ensuring the data is accurate, standardized, and seamlessly integrated into the systems first responders use every day.
- nSide, Inc., with over a decade of school safety experience, has led statewide implementations in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Its School Safety Platform™ integrates mapping with training, data management, and emergency planning, covering more than 3,600 campuses to date.
Awarded under RFP PV-CIM-2025, the contracts reflect KEDC’s commitment to providing members with innovative, proven solutions that can be scaled statewide and beyond through the PurchasePros cooperative purchasing program.
Quotes
- [KEDC CEO]: “For 60 years, KEDC has focused on solutions that work in the classroom and in the community. Through PurchasePros, we can scale battle-tested critical incident mapping across Kentucky and beyond—bringing clarity, coordination, and confidence to every response.” Said Mrs. Nancy L. Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer
- [CRG Representative]: “We are proud to partner with KEDC to support Kentucky schools and public safety agencies in advancing preparedness and response. By providing reliable, standardized mapping data, we aim to give communities the tools they need to keep students and staff safe,” said Mike Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer of Critical Response Group.
- [nSide Representative]: “On behalf of the nSide Team, we are honored to partner with the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation to help schools prepare for emergencies and protect their students and staff. We do not take this responsibility lightly. Our goal is to provide schools and first responders with practical, reliable tools that make a real difference when it matters most. Through this partnership with KEDC, we can deliver interoperable, field-verified maps that improve communication, support coordination during critical incidents, and ultimately help create safer learning environments for everyone.” - Robert Nall, Senior Vice President
About KEDC / PurchasePros
The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC), doing business as PurchasePros, is one of the nation’s largest educational cooperatives, serving school districts and institutions across Kentucky and beyond. Today, more than 1,000 member organizations in 20 states leverage PurchasePros’ cooperative purchasing power to access cost-effective, innovative products and services. KEDC’s mission is to support education and community safety while maximizing value for its members. Learn more at www.kedc.org and www.purchasepros.net.
About Critical Response Group, Inc.
Critical Response Group, Inc. (CRG) is a national leader in critical incident mapping for K-12 schools.
Founded by U.S. Special Operations veterans and public safety professionals, CRG develops Collaborative Response Graphics® (CRGs) that create a true common operating picture for educators and first responders during crises. CRG’s system-agnostic mapping files are field-verified, standardized, and designed to integrate seamlessly into the everyday platforms used by schools and public safety agencies. With more than 22,000 schools mapped across 42 states, CRG partners with districts and first responders nationwide to strengthen communication, coordination, and safety. Learn more at www.crgplans.com.
About nSide, Inc.
nSide, Inc. offers the nSide School Safety Platform™, a comprehensive solution combining digital mapping, safety planning, training, and emergency management technology. With statewide implementations in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, nSide supports over 3,600 campuses nationwide. Learn more at www.nside.io.
Media Contact
Amanda Ramey Masters
Chief Corporate Strategy & Growth Officer
Kentucky Educational Development Corporation / PurchasePros
Phone: (606) 782-1380
Email: amanda.masters@purchasepros.net