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• Lessons Learned from the Commonwealth of Virginia: One Year Later; Supplemental Information on the Statewide Communication Interoperability Planning (SCIP) Methodology

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  "The Statewide Communication Interoperability Planning (SCIP) methodology provides guidance for states and regions to plan for improved interoperable communications in the public safety community. Developed and supported by SAFECOM, the SCIP methodology draws on the planning approach used by the Commonwealth of Virginia to develop Virginia's FY 2005 Strategic Plan for Statewide Communications Interoperability. The SAFECOM program provides research, development, testing and evaluation, guidance, and assistance for local, tribal, state, and federal, public safety agencies. This helps these agencies to improve public safety response through more effective and efficient interoperable wireless communications. Now, one year after Virginia's planning process, SAFECOM has sponsored and conducted the study discussed in this report to test and validate the SCIP as a strategic planning model. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the SCIP in: 1. Improving overall statewide coordination of communications interoperability 2. Developing and maintaining the practitioner-driven approach 3. Providing a replicable resource for state and regional planning The study provides eight lessons learned, as well as five components of success, that led to a more effective implementation of Virginia's Strategic Plan."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. SAFECOM

  2005-01
• Enhancing Communications and Interoperability: Perspectives and Key Considerations for Improving Local and State Coordination

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  "This report offers key considerations for emergency responders seeking to improve coordination among their local and state agencies. Local and state emergency responders stand to benefit from coordinated efforts to improve communications interoperability in the following areas of opportunity: 1. Improved Use of Funding Resources 2. Enhanced Incident Response 3. Shared Technical Expertise 4. Outreach to and Education of Public Officials and the Public This document identifies three functional areas around which local and state emergency responders can coordinate efforts to improve communications interoperability. The functional areas of work are: 1. Planning: Tasks include developing near- and long-term goals and strategic objectives, collecting and disseminating valuable information, and collaborating to achieve common objectives. 2. Operations: Tasks include establishing procedures for the use of communications interoperability assets by multiple agencies and jurisdictions during incident response, and conducting training and exercises to promote awareness and enhance operations. 3. Policy Development: Tasks include educating public officials and the general public on the needs of the public safety community, and developing policies that support coordination to enhance communications interoperability. For each functional area of work, supplemental checklists that include questions to consider are provided. The considerations in the checklist are intended to encourage local and state emergency responders to take actions to improve local and state coordination; thereby, realizing improvements to communications interoperability."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. SAFECOM

  2010
• Department of Defense Instruction 8330.01: Interoperability of Information Technology (IT), Including National Security Systems (NSS), May 21, 2014

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  "This instruction: a. In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5144.02 (Reference (a)) and the guidance in DoDD 8000.01 (Reference (b)): (1) Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides direction for certifying the interoperability of IT [information technology] and NSS [National Security Systems] pursuant to sections 2222, 2223, and 2224 of Title 10, United States Code (Reference (c)). (2) Establishes a capability-focused, architecture-based approach for interoperability analysis. (3) Establishes the governing policy and responsibilities for interoperability requirements development, test, certification and prerequisite for connection of IT, including NSS (referred to in this instruction as 'IT'). (4) Defines a doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P) approach to enhance life-cycle interoperability of IT. (5) Establishes the requirement for enterprise services to be certified for interoperability. b. Incorporates and cancels DoDD 4630.05, DoDI 4630.8, and DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) memorandum (References (d), (e), and (f))."

  United States. Department of Defense

  2014-05-21
• Secure Communities: IDENT/IAFIS Interoperability Monthly Statistics Through January 31, 2012

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  "Secure Communities' use of IDENT/IAFIS [Automated BiometricIdentification System/Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System] interoperability produced over 32,000 alien IDENT matches in the fourth month of FY 2012 compared to over 27,000 alien IDENT matches in the fourth month of FY 2011. Since Secure Communities' use of IDENT/IAFIS Interoperability was first activated in Harris County, TX, ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] on October 27, 2008, ICE has removed over 169,300 aliens and over 45,300 Level 1 convicted criminal aliens were identified through use of IDENT/IAFIS interoperability. Deployment continues to be the primary driver for increased identifications. ICE has deployed use of IDENT/IAFIS interoperability to 2,187 jurisdictions in 44 states and territories. There were 32,001 alien IDENT matches in January 2012 compared to 29,749 alien IDENT matches in December 2011. In January 2012, SC observed 8,161 LESC Level 1 matches compared to 7,511 LESC Level 1 matches in December 2011. 5,870 aliens identified through use of IDENT/IAFIS interoperability were removed from the country in January 2012. Of these, 1,651 removals were Level 1 convicted criminal aliens."

  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

  2012-01-31
• Interoperability Technology Today, Summer 2011

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  "Interoperability Technology Today is published by the Science and Technology Directorate's First Responders Group (FRG) at no cost to subscribers. Its mission is to provide the emergency response community, policy makers, and local officials with information about interoperability initiatives nationwide, best practices, and lessons learned. FRG interoperability programs address both data and voice interoperability." This edition includes the following articles: "GODAWGS [Georgia Online Disaster Awareness Geospatial System]: Leader of the (Info-Sharing) Pack"; "R-Tech Tackles Top-Priority Needs"; "OIC [Office for Interoperability and Compatibility] Joins Forces with First Response Community to Alert and Warn the Public Using Social Media"; "Big-Time T&E [testing and evaluation] in the Big Apple"; and "Identifying Solutions in an Evolving Video Environment".

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

  2011
• Fact Sheet: National Baseline Survey on Interoperability

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  "More than two-thirds of emergency response agencies across the nation use interoperable communications, at varying levels, according to survey results announced today by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) SAFECOM program. The National Interoperability Baseline Survey queried interoperable capabilities from 22,400 randomly selected law enforcement, fire response, and emergency management services (EMS) agencies nationwide. [...] Survey findings provide a clear and unprecedented assessment of current interoperable capabilities to better assist local officials in making informed decisions on strategies to improve interoperability and target finite resources."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2006-12-08?
• Recommended Federal Grant Guidance Emergency Response Communications and Interoperability Grants FY 2007

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  "Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Appropriations make available grant funding to enhance communications interoperability across the Nation. By definition, communications interoperability refers to the ability of emergency response agencies to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions via radio communications systems, to exchange voice and data with one another on demand, in real time, when needed, and as authorized. In an effort to coordinate the way in which funding is allocated and to maximize the prospects for interoperable communications, SAFECOM, a communications program of the Office of Interoperability and Compatibility has developed some recommended grant criteria in concert with representatives of the emergency response community. What follows is an outline of recommended grant funding eligibility (including applicants and activities), application criteria, guidelines, and resources to assist the emergency response community in strengthening interoperability."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. SAFECOM

  2007
• 2006 National Interoperability Baseline Survey

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  "The goal of the National Interoperability Baseline Survey is to create a national and statistically valid snapshot of the capacity for and use of interoperability. The study plan engaged the public safety community to develop a descriptive and measurable definition of interoperable communications and a robust measurement methodology. In contrast to other studies on interoperability conducted over the past 10 years, this study is designed to assess the five critical elements--governance; policies, practices, and procedures; technology; training and exercises; and usage--that determine an organization's capacity for interoperability."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. SAFECOM

  2006-12
• Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Interoperability Profile (IOP) Overarching Profile, Version 0

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  "The Robotics Systems Joint Project Office (RS JPO) has launched an initiative to identify and define interoperability standards to be organized and maintained within an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Interoperability Profile (IOP). This IOP will be employed by UGV acquisition managers in the acquisition of future Programs of Record, the upgrade of fielded systems, and the evaluation/acquisition of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products. A primary goal of this initiative is to leverage existing and emerging standards within the Unmanned Vehicle (UxV) community such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) AS-4 Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) standard, the Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System (AEODRS) Architecture Description Documents Version 1.0, and the Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office IOPs with an end goal of: [1] Facilitating interoperability among new UGV initiatives and legacy systems; [2] Facilitating interoperability between controllers and UxV robotic system(s); [3] Facilitating collaboration between UGV and UAS systems; [4] Providing a path forward to standardized interoperable technology solutions; [5] Promoting payload and on-board subsystem modularity and commonality across the portfolio of UGV systems."

  Robotic Systems Joint Project Office

  2011-12-21
• National Interoperability Field Operations Guide [Version 1.6.1]

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  "The National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) is a technical reference for emergency communications planning and for radio technicians responsible for radios that will be used in disaster response. The NIFOG includes rules and regulations for use of nationwide and other interoperability channels, tables of frequencies and standard channel names, and other reference material, formatted as a pocket-sized guide for radio technicians to carry with them. If you are not familiar with interoperability and mutual aid communications, start with the 'How to Use the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide' section."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2016-04
• Interoperability Technology Today Spring 2009

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  "Interoperability Technology Today is published quarterly by OIC [Office for Interoperability and Compatibility] at no cost to subscribers. Its mission is to provide the emergency response community, policy makers, and local officials with information about interoperability initiatives nationwide, best practices, and lessons learned." This edition contains the following articles: "Spotlight: San Francisco's Chief Heather Fong"; "Director's Message"; "Utah Communications Celebrates 10th Anniversary"; "New York Optimizes PSIC [Public Safety Interoperable Communications] Funds"; "Project 25 ISSI [Inter-RF Subsystem Interface] Test Tool Wins the Gold"; "OASIS [Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards] Adopts EDXL [Emergency Data Exchange Language] Standards"; In Your Own Words"; and "NIEM [National Information Exchange Model] Updates OIC Data Messaging Standards."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

  2009
• Office for Interoperability and Compatibility

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  "Emergency responders--police officers, fire personnel, emergency medical services--need to share vital voice and data information across disciplines and jurisdictions to successfully respond to day -to- day incidents and large-scale emergencies. Unfortunately, for decades, inadequate and unreliable communications have compromised their ability to perform mission-critical duties. Responders often have difficulty communicating when adjacent agencies are assigned to different radio bands, use incompatible proprietary systems and infrastructure, and lack adequate standard operating procedures and effective multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary governance structures. [...]The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) in 2004 to strengthen and integrate interoperability and compatibility efforts in order to improve local, tribal, state, and Federal emergency response and preparedness. Managed by the Science and Technology Directorate, OIC is assisting in the coordination of interoperability efforts across DHS. OIC programs and initiatives address critical interoperability and compatibility issues. Priority areas include communications, equipment, and training."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

  2006
• Interoperability Technology Today, Spring 2007

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  "Interoperability Technology Today is published quarterly by OIC [Office for Interoperability and Compatibility] at no cost to subscribers. Its mission is to provide the emergency response community, policy makers, and local officials with information about interoperability initiatives nationwide, best practices, and lessons learned." This edition contains the following articles: "High-Speed Pursuit of Interoperability"; "Disaster Management Wins Excellence.Gov Award"; "Director's Message"; "Gateways: Bridging Gaps for the Near-Term"; "Benchmarking Success with Standards Working Group"; "Innovation and Cooperation in the Lone Star State"; "Blazing the Trail in Virginia"; "Ten-Codes: Over and Out?"

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

  2007
• Homeland Security: Challenges in Achieving Interoperable Communications for First Responders: Testimony of William O. Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice, before a Joint Hearing of the Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census and the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform

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  The inability of first responders-- police officers, firemen, hazardous materials teams, emergency medical service personnel, and others--to communicate effectively with one another as needed during an emergency is a long-standing and widely recognized problem in many areas across the country. When first responders cannot communicate effectively as needed, it can literally cost lives--of both emergency responders and those they are trying to assist. In this report, GAO examines the barriers to improved interoperability and the roles that federal, state, and local governments can play in improving wireless interoperability communications. Federal, state, and local governments face several major challenges in addressing interoperability in their wireless communications. The first challenge is to clearly identify and define the problem. The second challenge is whether and how to establish national interoperability performance goals and standards and balance them with the flexibility needed to address differences in state, regional and local needs and conditions. The third challenge is defining the roles of federal, state, and local governments and other entities in defining the problem, implementing any national goals and standards, and assessing alternative means of achieving those goals and standards. The fundamental barrier to successfully addressing these challenges has been the lack of effective, collaborative, interdisciplinary and intergovernmental planning. Failure to address these challenges at the federal, state, and local government levels risks spending funds ineffectively and creating new problems in our attempt to resolve existing ones.

  United States. General Accounting Office

  2003-11-06
• Strategic Recommendations to the Nevada Communications Interoperability Plan

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  "This strategic recommendations report provides four practitioner-developed strategic initiatives to improve the Nevada Communication Interoperability Plan, Version 1.0 (the Nevada Plan). See Appendix A for a complete copy of the Nevada Plan. The strategic initiatives were developed during the practitioner-driven strategic planning process facilitated by SAFECOM. Six practitioner focus groups-comprised of public safety practitioners, representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, and elected and appointed officials-were convened across the State of Nevada. The focus group participants addressed the current realities of regional communications interoperability in Nevada and shared a vision for what improved communications interoperability can provide. They suggested a course of action to move Nevada closer to that shared vision. Finally, they validated and prioritized the top four initiatives at the strategic planning session on September 14, 2005. SAFECOM used the practitioner-developed strategic initiatives and input to develop recommendations with specific implementation tasks to enhance public safety interoperable communications capabilities. The four practitioner-developed strategic initiatives are presented below."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security
• Interoperability Business Case: An Introduction to Ongoing Local Funding

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  "When flood waters rise, a bridge collapses, or a fire rages out of control, saving lives and property requires a coordinated response. Emergency response to incidents large and small is increasingly complex and often requires multiple agencies, jurisdictions and disciplines to communicate with one another through diverse interoperable solutions. Implementing and maintaining these solutions requires funding. In order to receive funding, communities need a good business case. A successful business case must demonstrate the value of the interoperability effort, provide a clear picture of the future of interoperability in the community, and speak to the interests and concerns of community leaders. This document helps emergency response officials develop a compelling business case by presenting steps and considerations to follow in order to tap into critical local funding sources for interoperability efforts."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Department of Homeland Security. SAFECOM

  2008
• First Responders: Much Work Remains to Improve Communications Interoperability

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  "As the first to respond to natural disasters, domestic terrorism, and other emergencies, public safety agencies rely on timely communications across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions. It is vital to the safety and effectiveness of first responders that their electronic communications systems enable them to communicate with whomever they need to, when they need to, and when they are authorized to do so. GAO was asked to determine, among other things, (1) the extent to which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and technical assistance has helped to improve interoperable communications in selected states and (2) the progress that has been made in the development and implementation of interoperable communications standards. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed grant information, documentation of selected states' and localities' interoperability projects, and standards documents. GAO is making recommendations to DHS, which include assessing how states' grant requests support statewide communications plans and modifying its guidance on acquiring interoperable equipment. DHS disagreed with the latter recommendation, but GAO believes that it is important to provide more flexibility until completed subsets of standards have been fully defined. DHS agreed or deferred comment on all others."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2007-04
• Tactical Interoperable Communications Scorecards: Summary Report and Findings, January 2007

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  The tactical interoperable communications scorecard assesses the maturity of tactical interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban/metropolitan areas. These scorecards were developed by subject matter expert panels that reviewed documentation on current communications plans, exercises, and a self-assessment to arrive at consensus findings and recommendations for each region on how to best improve that region's communications capabilities. These scorecards and the recommendations included are being distributed directly to each of the urban/metropolitan areas to focus their regional efforts to improve tactical interoperable communications. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using these scorecards to focus technical assistance programs and target specific areas of improvement in communications interoperability.

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2007-01
• Department of Defense Directive 4630.05: Interoperability and Supportability of Information Technology (IT) and National Security Systems (NSS)

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  "This Directive: Reissues reference (a) to update DoD policy and responsibilities for interoperability and supportability of Information Technology (IT), including National Security Systems (NSS), and implements DoD Chief Information Officer's (DoD CIOs) responsibilities contained in references (b) and (c); Defines a capability-focused, effects-based approach to advance IT and NSS interoperability and supportability across the Department of Defense; and establishes the Net-Ready Key Performance Parameter (NR-KPP) to assess net-ready attributes required for both the technical exchange of information and the end-to-end operational effectiveness of that exchange. The NR-KPP replaces the Interoperability KPP and incorporates net-centric concepts for achieving IT and NSS interoperability and supportability."

  United States. Department of Defense

  2007-04-23
• DHS Interoperability Initiatives

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  This document provides a background on the Department of Homeland Security's Interoperability Initiatives, including technology demonstration projects, interoperability tools, interoperability planning & technical assistance, standards acceleration & requirements alignment, national interoperability assessments, Federal Partnerships, and grant guidance.

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate

  2008
• Public Safety Nationwide Interoperable Broadband Network: A New Model for Capacity, Performance and Cost

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  "In March 2010, the FCC released the National Broadband Plan (NBP), which makes significant recommendations for improving access to broadband communications across America. A critical issue the NBP addressed was how to ensure the availability of broadband communications for public safety and emergency response on a cost-effective and technically feasible basis. For many years this issue has gone unresolved; today the goals of mission critical broadband networks for public safety use and nationwide interoperability for public safety communications have not yet been achieved. The NBP proposes a cost-effective and technically viable strategy for the creation and deployment of a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband wireless network for first responders and other public safety personnel. The recommendations in the NBP comprise a comprehensive plan to provide the public safety community with the capacity, performance, nationwide coverage, interoperability, technological growth and affordability required for reliable, nationwide, interoperable broadband communications."

  United States. Federal Communications Commission

  2010-06
• When They Can't Talk Lives Are Lost: What Public Officials Need to Know About Interoperability

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  This document provides guidance about the initial steps to take in developing interoperable public safety radio communication systems. "The inability of our public safety officials to readily communicate with one another threatens the publics safety and often results in unnecessary loss of lives and property. Recognizing that solutions to this national issue can only be achieved through cooperation between all levels of government, 18 national associations representing elected and appointed and public safety officials worked together on the National Task Force on Interoperability (NTFI) to address this issue. The task force met several times in 2002 to engage in an interactive dialogue on communications interoperability. The discussions provided an opportunity for public policymakers to partner their efforts with those of the public safety community to address interoperability issues in a more comprehensive way."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2003-02
• Department of Defense Directive 4630.5: Interoperability and Supportability of Information Technology (IT) and National Security Systems (NSS)

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  "This Directive: 1. Reissues DoD Directive 4630.5, dated January 11, 2002, to update policy and responsibilities for interoperability and supportability of Information Technology (IT), including National Security Systems (NSS), and implements DoD Chief Information Officer's (DoD CIO's) responsibilities contained in Subtitle III of title 40, United States Code, as amended and Sections 2223 and 2224 of title 10, United States Code, as amended. 2. Defines a capability-focused, effects-based approach to advance IT and NSS interoperability and supportability across the Department of Defense. 3. Establishes the Net-Ready Key Performance Parameter (NR-KPP) to assess net-ready attributes required for both the technical exchange of information and the end-to-end operational effectiveness of that exchange. The NR-KPP replaces the Interoperability KPP and incorporates net-centric concepts for achieving IT and NSS interoperability and supportability."

  United States. Department of Defense

  2004-05-05
• Serial No. 108-98: Protecting Homeland Security; A Status Report on Interoperability between Public Safety Communications Systems: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, June 23, 2004

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  From the opening statement of Fred Upton: "Today's hearing is entitled, 'Protecting Homeland Security: A Status Report on Interoperability Between the Public Safety Communications System,' and it represents this subcommittee's continuing effort to examine matters related to homeland security within its jurisdiction. Sadly, we live in dangerous times. Since 9/11, our Nation has tried to learn from the bitter events of the past and better prepare to respond during the next crisis, whether it is, God forbid, another terrorist attack, natural disaster, a criminal act or something like the blackouts of last summer. In all such events, it is our Nation's first responders who answer the call of duty. As citizens flee and evacuate to protect themselves, our Nation's first responders are running the opposite direction, usually into harm's way...However, achieving interoperability throughout our Nation has proved to a monumental and multifaceted challenge. Today, we will hear about some of those challenges are being confronted and the status of progress being made throughout our Nation. I am particularly pleased with the leadership demonstrated by the FCC, Department of Homeland Security, as they work with stakeholders at all levels of the government and communities around the country to achieve interoperability. As we will hear today from some of our witnesses, one critically important challenge is to ensure that public safety has the spectrum that it needs in bands which are well suited for interoperability." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Fred Upton, David G. Boyd, Gary Grube, Robert LeGrande, and John B. Muleta.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Serial No. 109-62: The State of Interoperable Communications Part I, II, and III: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, February 15, 2006, March 1, 2006, and April 25, 2006

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  This series of hearings was held to study the issues surrounding interoperable communications during public emergencies. The first hearing analyzed the abilities of local first responders such as fire fighters, state troopers, and health care workers to communicate in times of crises; the second looked at the responsibilities of State and local government in implementation of interoperability; and the third examines Federal assistance given to State and local governments to achieve emergency interoperability, as well as current standards and technology applicable to interoperable emergency communication. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Dave Reichert, Bill Pascrell Jr., Bennie G. Thompson, Donna M. Christensen, Peter A. DeFazio, Charlie Dent, Norman D. Dicks, Bob Etheridge, Jane Harman, Bobby Jindal, Nita M. Lowey, Tim Bradley, Diane Linderman, William Moroney, Casey L. Perry, William W. Pinsky, Robert Drake, Gino P. Menchini, Steven H. Proctor, Charles L. Werner, David G. Boyd, Tracy A. Henke, Kenneth P. Moran, Carl Peed, James Gass, John Morgan, Dereck Orr, Bruce Walker.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2007
• Serial No. 111-138: Discussion Draft to Provide Funding for the Construction and Maintenance of a Nationwide, Interoperable Public Safety Broadband Network and for Other Purposes and On H.R. 4829, the Next Generation 911 Preservation Act of 2010, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, Second Session, June 17, 2010

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  This is the June 17, 2010 hearing on "Discussion Draft to Provide Funding for the Construction and Maintenance of a Nationwide, Interoperable Public Safety Broadband Network and for Other Purposes and On H.R. 4829, the Next Generation 911 Preservation Act of 2010," held before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. From the opening statement of Rick Boucher: "The subcommittee will come to order. Today the subcommittee will consider the steps that Congress can take to facilitate the creation of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for the public safety community. As the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina have starkly revealed, there are serious obstacles that prevent fire, police, and rescue personnel from one locality from communicating with first responders from other localities when they converge on the scene of a disaster. In some instances, fire police and rescue personnel in a single locality may lack a means of interoperable communications, one with another. There is a widely understood need to create a fully interoperable first responder network but as of today that network remains a goal. It is not a reality." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Rick Boucher, Cliff Stearns, John Shimkus, Bobby L. Rush, Joe Barton, Henry A. Waxman, Anna G. Eshoo, Marsha Blackburn, Jerry McNerney, Anthony D. Weiner, Kathy Castor, Jay Inslee, Jane Harman, James Arden Barnett, Jr., Charles F. Dowd, Jonathan Moore, Dale Hatfield, Steve Zipperstein, Joseph Hanley, Coleman D. Bazelon, and Brian Fontes.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2013
• NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 3.0

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  "Since the release of the last edition of the 'NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology] Smart Grid Framework and Roadmap for Interoperability Standards (Release 2.0),' in February 2012, significant technological advances in smart grid infrastructure have been implemented, supported by standards development across the entire smart grid arena. Examples include widespread deployment of wireless-communication power meters, availability of customer energy usage data through the Green Button initiative, remote sensing for determining real-time transmission and distribution status, and protocols for electric vehicle charging. The first release of the 'NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards (Release 1.0)' was published in January 2010. Release 3.0 updates NIST's ongoing efforts to facilitate and coordinate smart grid interoperability standards development and smart grid-related measurement science and technology, including the evolving and continuing NIST relationship with the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) public-private partnership. Over the last decade, Congress and the Administration have outlined a vision for the smart grid and have laid the policy foundation upon which it is being built. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) codified the policy of the United States to modernize the nation's electricity transmission and distribution system to create a smart electric grid." Release 1.0 is available in the HSDL database: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=30051. Release 2.0 is available in the HSDL database: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=701565.

  National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)

  2014-09
• Border Security: Additional Efforts Needed to Address Persistent Challenges in Achieving Radio Interoperability, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "The lack of communications interoperability--the capability of different electronic communications systems (e.g., radios) to readily connect with one another to enable timely communications--can affect mission operations and the overall effectiveness of agencies responsible for securing the border. DHS continues to face challenges in achieving interoperable radio communications within and among federal, state, and local agencies despite investment by these agencies to improve their radio systems. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to evaluate DHS border security and immigration tactical communications (TACCOM) programs and operational impacts resulting from interoperability challenges. This report addresses the extent to which (1) CBP [US Customs and Border Protection] and ICE [US Immigration and Customs Enforcement] have upgraded tactical communications equipment and infrastructure along the U.S. southwest border, (2) CBP and ICE have provided tactical communications training to radio users, and (3) DHS has taken actions to improve the interoperability of tactical communications along the U.S. southwest border and what challenges, if any, remain. GAO analyzed DHS documentation; visited four locations, selected for DHS prioritization of technology upgrade projects; and interviewed DHS officials. GAO recommends that CBP and ICE develop performance and program plans for their modernization programs, mechanisms to track training, and plans to address skills gaps in understanding radio systems. CBP and ICE concurred with the recommendations."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2015-03-23
• National Interoperability Field Operations Guide [Version 1.5]

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  From the 'Using the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide' section: "The 'National Interoperability Field Operations Guide' (NIFOG) is a pocket-sized listing of land mobile radio (LMR) frequencies that are often used in disasters or other incidents where radio interoperability is required, and other information useful to emergency communicators. […] The NIFOG may be used by radio technicians when programming channels in radios. We recommend having these channels programmed in radios at all times, as permitted by the applicable regulations, rather than waiting until a disaster is imminent or occurring to do the programming. The NIFOG also is a useful tool for emergency communications planners, providing them with information on the interoperability channels most likely to be in the radios of responders from another discipline or jurisdiction. […] If you are licensed under Part 90 of the FCC [Federal Communications Commission rules, you may program frequencies (other than maritime or aviation) that you are not licensed to use IF 'the communications involved relate directly to the imminent safety-of-life or property' or 'with U.S. Government stations ... in connection with mutual activities' (see FCC rules 90.427 and 90.417). However, note that 90.403(g) requires that '[f]or transmissions concerning the imminent safety-of-life or property, the transmissions shall be suspended as soon as the emergency is terminated.' Also, the 'safety of life' provision of 90.417(a) makes it clear that the exception applies only when the communications involved 'relate directly' to the 'imminent' safety of life or property. Because one overriding policy concern of the FCC is the prevention of harmful interference, any exceptions to the general prohibition on using non-licensed frequencies are limited to responding to an imminent threat to safety-of-life or property."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  Merlin, Ross

  2014-01
• Allocation of Responsibility for Meeting Interoperability Goals

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  From the abstract: "Today's tactical data networks are being expanded and enhanced to meet the needs of an expanding family of systems (FOS) involved in Theater Air and Missile Defense (TAMD). Goals for interoperability are needed to guide the evolution of the FOS and to realize the full capability of the participating units or even preserve the existing capability. Such overarching goals for TAMD systems are being established by Joint Forces Command. However, interoperability goals will not implementable unless the joint responsibility for meeting the goals can be allocated to individual systems. This paper traces the interoperability of the FOS as measured by the completeness, clarity, and accuracy of the tactical picture to the performance attributes of the contributing platforms. It is found that the interoperability objectives being set forth by JFCOM [Joint Forces Command] can be traced to engineering performance requirements for individual systems provided the intensity of the threat environment, the network architecture, and the number of participants with overlapping areas of responsibility are specified. Given these facts, the Joint objectives can be met through a combination of techniques, including improved network interfaces, limiting the joint-operational range of the participants, improved sensor performance or improved data processing, or fusion of sensor data."

  Command and Control Research Program (U.S.)

  Nicoll, J.F.; Cartier, J.F.; Dion-Schwarz, Cynthia

  2001?