DHS Task Force to Create Interoperable Communications Standards

May 30, 2006

On the heels of a report highlighting the need for accelerated adoption of interoperability standards for emergency communications devices across various agencies and jurisdictions, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intention to assemble a task force to develop such standards.

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff said the events of Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina vividly demonstrated the inadequacy of communications equipment in facilitating coordination among local, state and federal response efforts.

"Achieving interoperable communications for those on the front lines of dealing with terrorism or natural disasters is critical to enhancing our country's preparedness and response capabilities," Chertoff said.

"The problems associated with the lack of coordination in the public safety community stem throughout all of our jurisdictional boundaries," said Chertoff. "They include lack of a shared and agreed-upon priority for achieving interoperability, and they also involve limited sharing of interoperability solutions."

To facilitate coordination, the initial work of the task force will be to reach agreement on terminology and language, proper governance, standard operating procedures and training on the use of the equipment. First responders are invited to participate on the task force to identify functional requirements for interoperability and to guide purchasing decisions for the next generation of emergency equipment. The task force will partner with the private sector, all levels of government and international standards organizations to achieve its goals.

The department is using the National Baseline Interoperability Survey to assess the current state of interoperability among state and local governments. DHS called upon 75 metropolitan area governments to submit an interoperable communications plan. By the end of 2006, each urban area will be asked to submit a public scorecard identifying gaps in interoperability. DHS also published a communications interoperability planning strategy to guide states in developing their individual plans.

Since 2003, DHS allocated more than $2.1B to states for interoperable communications, equipment, planning and training.

Source: American National Standards Institute (ANSI).