First Responders: Much Work Remains to Improve Communications Interoperability

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concurred with GAO's recommendation, and subsequently in 2009, DHS's Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program required that states' grant applications demonstrate how proposed projects align to needs, goals, objectives, and/or initiatives identified in the Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP). Officials indicated that this requirement is a primary element in the review criteria used by DHS to fund proposed projects. In addition, grantees are required to submit a SCIP Implementation Report that identifies their progress in achieving goals, objectives, and initiatives identified in their respective plans.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concurred with GAO's recommendation, and subsequently in 2008, DHS's National Emergency Communication Plan outlined a goal that by 2010, 90 percent of all high-risk urban areas designated within the Urban Areas Security Initiative(UASI) be able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. In order for DHS to assess whether this goal had been met, in 2010 OEC evaluated large-scale planned events at each UASI region that required public safety support from multiple agencies, disciplines, and jurisdictions. Based on the capabilities documented and observed by DHS officials, all 60 UASI regions demonstrated response-level emergency communications within one hour involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concurred with GAO's recommendation, and subsequently, in February 2009, DHS's Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) released its first strategic plan that outlines the office's visions, missions, and goals, and focuses on improving interoperable radio communications at all levels of government. For example, the plan states that two of OEC's goals are to (1) improve emergency communications capability through targeted interactions with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, and (2) develop policies and plans that guide, promote, and enhance efforts to improve emergency communications nationwide. Additionally, OEC has taken several steps to implement this plan. For example, it developed a national council of statewide interoperability coordinators. Moreover, the OEC developed a catalog of various technical assistance offerings that DHS provides to state and local governments to heighten their awareness of the support they are eligible to request to improve their interoperable communications. As a result, DHS's efforts to improve communications interoperability will likely be much more strategic and have a greater impact across all levels of government.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concurred with GAO's recommendation, and subsequently, in July 2008, DHS's Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) completed a strategic communications plan, referred to as the National Emergency Communications Plan. The Plan's three goals establish interoperability performance measures for the Nation's emergency response agencies. For example, the plan states that by 2010, 90 percent of all Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) regions are to be able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies, and that by 2013, 75 percent of all jurisdictions are able to demonstrate response-level emergency communications within three hours, in the event of a significant incident. In 2011, OEC reported on the progress in meeting the 2010 goal. Additionally, the communication plan contains quantifiable and time-bound milestones for achieving key portions of the plan. OEC officials have also developed evaluation surveys to formally asses the effectiveness and usefulness of their tools, assistance, and outreach. As a result, OEC is taking key steps to obtain the necessary feedback needed to determine the effectiveness of its services and approach.