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SAFECOM/Interoperability Overview

Dr. David Boyd, DirectorSAFECOM@dhs.gov

Public Safety Wireless Interoperability Policy Academy

March 22, 2005

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“We’re from the Department of Homeland Security. You left your damn door unlocked.”

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Public Safety Wireless Interoperability

Wireless interoperability is the ability of public safety service and support providers to talk with each other via voice and data:

on demand in real time when needed when authorized

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Current State of Interoperability: Five Key Challenges

2. Limited and fragmented budget

cycles and FUNDING

1. INCOMPATIBLE and AGING

communications equipment

3. Limited and fragmented PLANNING and COORDINATION

4. Limited and fragmented radio

SPECTRUM

5. Limited equipment STANDARDS

These five issues were identified by the National Task Force on Interoperability in its February 2003

final report, Why Can’t We Talk? Working Together to Bridge the Communications Gap to Save Lives.

Interoperability Challenges

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Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC)

Responsibilities: Support the creation of interoperability standards Establish a comprehensive research, development,

testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) program Identify and certify all DHS programs that address

interoperability issues Integrate coordinated grant guidance Oversee the development and implementation of

technical assistance Conduct pilot demonstrations/technology transfer Create an interagency interoperability coordination

council (IICC) Establish an effective outreach program

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OIC Focus Areas

Communications (SAFECOM) Equipment Training

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SAFECOM Program

Mission – To serve as the umbrella program within the Federal Government to coordinate the efforts of

local, tribal, state, and federal public safety agencies working to improve public safety response through more effective, efficient,

interoperable wireless communications.

With its partners, SAFECOM is working to assure With its partners, SAFECOM is working to assure a safer America through effective public safety a safer America through effective public safety

communications. communications.

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Practitioner-Driven Approach

Lowest

Highest

Fre

qu

en

cy

Pri

ori

ty

Lowest

Highest

Local Agency-Specific

Regional Inter-Agency &

Inter-Disciplinary

State and

Federal

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SAFECOM Governance

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SAFECOM Resources

Grant Guidance

Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning (SCIP) Methodology

Interoperability Continuum

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Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning (SCIP) Methodology

Using SAFECOM’s bottom-up approach, the Virginia planning process was driven by local and state public safety officials

• Regional Focus Groups• Strategic Planning Session

Result: A collaborative, actionable plan that addresses the needs and challenges of Virginia’s public safety community as identified by Virginia’s public safety community.

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Interoperability Continuum

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www.safecomprogram.gov

info@safecomprogram.gov

1-866-969-7233 (SAFE)