NCSL Legislative Summit Improving Emergency Communications

Transcription

1 NCSL Legislative Summit Improving Emergency Federal Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau William D. Lane, Ph.D., PE Chief Engineer Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Federal 1

2 First Telegraph Message May 24, 1844 Baltimore Railroad Depot (Alfred Vail) Old Supreme Court Room, Capital Washington (Samuel Morse) Samuel F.B. Morse What Hath God Wrought? Numbers 23:23 2 Source:

3 What Hath God Wrought? Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005 Loss of Power Courtesy: Wikipedia, Loss of! Loss of Secure Access Loss of Transmitters/Repeaters

4 Hurricane Katrina Damaged & Destroyed Infrastructure Gentilly Central Office Plaquemines Parish Central Office What can/will go wrong the next time?!

5 Commitment CPT Steve Gordon & NOPD Comm Div 72 of 140 Comm Div Members Returned The Division was not performing any of their duties, but only protecting bottled water and MRE s so we could stay alive.

6 Topics Overview of the FCC s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Public Safety Initiatives DHS Initiatives

7 PSHSB Structure Office of the Bureau Chief and Three Divisions Chief Derek Poarch Deputy Chiefs Ken Moran, Erika Olsen, Lisa Fowlkes Policy Division Tom Beers Public Outreach & Operations Division Joe Casey Systems Analysis Division Jeff Goldthorp Watch Center 24/7 Operations Tim Perrier Gettysburg Licensing Branch Tracy Simmons

8 PSHSB Mission To collaborate with the public safety community, industry and other government entities to license, facilitate, restore and recover communications services used by the citizens of the United States, including first responders, before, during and after emergencies by disseminating critical information to the public and by implementing the 's policy initiatives. For the purpose of promoting safety of life and property through the use of wire and radio communications, Section 1, Title 1, Act of

9 PSHSB Portfolio Develop and administer policies related to public safety communications Operability and interoperability of public safety communications infrastructure protection and disaster response Network security and reliability Public safety licensing Outreach and clearinghouse for public safety communications information

10 Current PSHSB Issues Spectrum Management 700 MHz Band 800 MHz Rebanding Other Bands Wireless Enhanced 911 Service (E911) VoIP Services Phase 2 Accuracy Requirements Emergency Alert System (EAS) Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) State/Regional Plans Non-initialized Phone Service

11 Interoperability Bureau seeks to promote interoperability at all levels: Federal departments and agencies Among and within states and local and tribal governments Among first responders: Law enforcement Fire departments Emergency medical services PSAPs Across disciplines, jurisdictions, boundaries

12 FCC Actions Promoted common technical standards Designated radio channels in the 800 MHz and 700 MHz bands for interoperability purposes Designated mutual aid channels for voice communications in UHF and VHF bands National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) Contact:

13 FCC Actions Clearinghouse web site supporting state, local and tribal governments and the public safety community. Includes: Best Practices, Case Studies/Lessons Learned; State and Local Plans, Continuity Plans, and Emergency Plans; Federal Resources and Grant Information; Public Safety Sector Emergency Planning Guidelines; Handbooks; State Interoperability Plans; Reference Materials

14 FCC Actions Coordination with other Federal agencies, including DHS, FEMA, NTIA, and with public safety agencies and organizations including APCO, NENA, and NPSTC Host summits In the works: planning suggestions for ensuring interoperability Visit:

15 700 MHz Band Create nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety Establish public safety/private partnership Ensure that first responders interests are represented Nationwide network to meet public safety needs Roll-out of next generation communications technologies

16 700 MHz Band Band Plan Prior to Revisions Public Safety Allocation Commercial Allocation Public Safety Allocation NB WB NB NB WB NB CH. 63 CH. 64 CH. 65 CH. 66 CH. 67 CH. 68 CH Band Plan After Revisions D Public Safety Allocation Public Safety Allocation Broadband G Commercial Allocation D G B Narrowband Broadband B Narrowband B CH. 62 CH. 63 CH. 64 CH. 65 CH. 66 CH. 67 CH. 68 CH

17 700 MHz Narrowband Consolidates narrowband in the upper portion of the public safety spectrum Shifts all spectrum down 1 MHz to avoid Canadian border interference concerns Establishes relocation process Mandates the P25 interoperability standard, and designates 64 paired channels for nationwide interoperable voice and data communications Administered by state licensees or via RPCs

18 700 MHz Band 700 MHz Public Safety/Private Partnership Partnership between single, nationwide public safety licensee and single, nationwide commercial entity o D-Block Licensee constructs a shared wireless broadband network o Network Sharing Agreement (NSA) governs partnership o NSA establishes broadband interoperability standard o Public Safety Broadband Licensee leases broadband spectrum to D-Block Licensee for commercial use on a secondary, preemptible basis

19 700 MHz Next Steps Auction did not produce a winning bidder for the D-Block is considering a number of options: Eligible Users Restrictions on Licensee Alternative Funding FCC Oversight New Licensee Roles of Partners Technical Requirements & Costs Triggering Mechanisms Fees Strongly encourage public input Next Step: Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FNPRM) Suggesting more specifics and direction

20 Interoperability: What is it and who needs it? What is interoperability: It is the ability for emergency responders and governmental agencies to communicate across jurisdictions, disciplines, frequency bands and levels of government as needed and as authorized Who needs it? Federal departments and agencies State/territory, local, and tribal governments and agencies First responders and public safety community: - Law enforcement - Fire departments - Emergency medical services personnel Interoperability Interoperability is is a People People Thing! Thing!

21 Why is Interoperability Important? Seamless emergency communications ensure the safety and security of our nation, its people and its resources Events like the Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and recent earthquakes and floods verified that those who respond to and participate in these kinds of events must have the ability to communicate in real-time and on demand Situational awareness is paramount to ensure an appropriate, coordinated response and to ensure the safety of all involved It s not just an issue of new or different technology (i.e., new radios) Emergency communications needs are different from State to State, locality to locality Federal systems must work with State/local equipment New technology is costly, requires careful planning to implement, and training is challenging Some localities will continue to use their legacy systems it is proven, understood, and, in some cases, preferred As technology quickly evolves, the demand for data, imagery, video, and access also grows use of digital radios is also on the rise adding new level of complexity More than a local or Federal issue first responders need to talk to State and Federal responders (and vice versa) to ensure a coordinated approach to the event The challenge cuts across disciplines, jurisdictions, regional boundaries, and borders Interoperability is a People Thing!

22 State, tribal, and local governments can Planning is key: develop a strategic plan addressing response levels for variety of events Planning should address: Response activities from local events up to national catastrophic events Top down and bottom up approaches from the Federal agencies to local and vice versa All jurisdictions and disciplines consider a synergistic view Establish a clear vision, set attainable goals, consider a timeline and milestones Establish governance to review, maintain and update the plan Ensure clear lines of authority and decision making Establish an approval process for adoption and implementation of the plan After a strategic view, consider a tactical approach for response Establish a focal point (an individual or group) to address interoperability planning, challenges, and issues: Establish a Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) Appoint a State and/or local Interoperability Coordinator Convene an Interoperability Working Group or Team Ensure all jurisdictions and disciplines are represented Gain leadership and policy maker commitment to the process and vision Meet regularly, document progress, share information Consider methods to share information: web site, , etc. Interoperability is a People Thing!

23 Federal government can Foster Federal partnerships to ensure Federal-to-Federal collaboration and coordination Partner with other Federal, industry and public safety officials to establish a roadmap for emergency communications and interoperability Review Federal emergency plans to identify potential communication gaps Support State, tribal and local initiatives for interoperability Provide technical assistance as needed Create a National roadmap to guide State and local planning activities and provide focus for the future Establish communications equipment standards Establish grant funding for interoperability initiatives Conduct outreach to ensure information is disseminated throughout the nation Conduct training and exercises to ensure familiarity and preparedness

24 FCC has Promoted adoption of common technical standards Designated radio channels in 700MHz band for interoperability purposes Designated mutual aid channels for voice communications Allocated bandwidth for fixed and mobile services supporting the public safety community Established the Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) which addresses issues related to: Public safety Homeland security National security Emergency management and preparedness Disaster management PSHSB has established a clearinghouse web site supporting State, tribal and local governments and the Public Safety community for information exchange Clearinghouse Web Site includes: Best Practices, Case Studies, Lessons Learned, Grant Information, Plans, Continuity Plans, Emergency Plans, Information, Guidelines, Handbooks Interoperability Plans, Resources and Reference Materials The link can be found at:

25 DHS has Under Title XVIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Congress established the Office of Emergency (OEC) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OEC is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating interoperable and operable communications for the emergency response community at all levels of government Major programs include: SAFECOM; Integrated Wireless Network (IWN); Interoperable Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP), Interoperable Emergency Grant Program (IECGP) OEC has: Provided technical assistance through ICTAP Drafted the National Emergency Plan (NECP) to identify needed capabilities, recommend solutions, provide goals and timeframes for deployment and much more a Federal roadmap for the future Managed the development of a new Interoperability Grant Program as part of the Homeland Security Grant Program Established in early 2008, $1.6B for FY Supported the development of Statewide Interoperability Plans (SCIPs) Strategic plans documenting State interoperability plans, steps SCIPs were due to OEC in Dec 07 and are awaiting approval by DHS An approved SCIP is required to be eligible for IC grants Supported interoperability exercises

26 Other Actions Standards are being established by DHS under the Project 25 (P25) Compliance Assessment Program, but they take time to develop and implement it is a long term solution P25 CAP was established by Congress to ensure equipment complies with national standard and can interoperate across manufacturers Federal, public safety, and industry partnerships are available to discuss and support interoperability some identified below: National Reliability and Interoperability Council (NRIC) Provides recommendations to the FCC and communications industry that, if implemented, shall under all reasonably foreseeable circumstances assure optimal reliability and interoperability of wireless, wireline, satellite, cable, and public data networks. Emergency Preparedness Center (ECPC) Inter-departmental group to assess and coordinate federal emergency communications operability and interoperable assurance efforts Federal Partnership for Interoperable (FPIC) Federal coordination group focusing on technical and operations matters related to Federal wireless communications APCO Project 25 Interface Committee (APIC) Industry partners and Public Safety officials Industry representatives and public safety officials serving as liaisons to facilitate evolution and use of P25 standards National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) Federation of organizations helping to improve public safety communications and interoperability through collaborative leadership National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) Presidential advisory committee composed of industry chief executives representing the major communications and network service providers and information technology, finance, and aerospace companies, providing industry-based advice and expertise on issues and problems related to implementing national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications policy

27 Keep Hope Alive! Absolutely, Prayer from others was what kept me working continuously. CPT Steve Gordon, NOPD

28 Federal Federal Dr. Bill Lane PSHSB, FCC Phone: