RFSTUF

DHS: Fact Sheet: DHS End-of-Year Accomplishments

... Realizing Interoperable Communications: DHS, along with the Department of Commerce, has provided nearly $1 billion in Public Safety Interoperable Communications grants to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster. In 2008, the DHS/S&T published results of the National Interoperability Baseline Survey – a nationwide survey of first responders and law enforcement that assesses progress in achieving interoperable communications. The Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) serves as the departmental focal point for emergency communications. OEC completed the first-ever National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) this year to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. Additionally, DHS provided $50 million through the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program to states and territories to improve governance, standard operating procedures, and training and exercises. The grants are to be used to support the implementation of the NECP and the 56 DHS-approved statewide Communication Interoperability Plans. ...