Interoperability

What is Interoperability?

As defined by the Department of Homeland Security, and with regard to Communications,

Interoperability is:

“the ability for public safety, emergency response agencies and government officials to

be able to communicate across levels of government, across disciplines/organizations,

across jurisdictions as needed, on demand and as authorized.”

Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC)

• In 2007, a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), required that each state form a multi-agency, multidisciplinary working group or State Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) to develop the plan

• This group, once established, became the foundation for SIEC structure and member agencies today

• These member agencies along with additions based upon DHS/OEC recommendations established NC’s SIEC

• NC SIEC is comprised of over 35 Departments and Agencies; meets on a quarterly basis.

Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP)

• A collaborative effort to synchronize the strategic planning of local, tribal, regional, state and federal government emergency response agencies.

• Provides all stakeholders with improved communications systems, improved first responder safety and support to their communities (Non-governmental emergency response organizations are included).

CY 2013 Training Sessions

• APR 23 & 24 - Incorporating Communications into Public Safety Exercises [RAL & CLT]

• JUN 1 & 2 – Training AUXCOMM: Auxiliary Communications Workshop [RAL]

• JUN 17 thru 20 - Public Safety Communications Center Operations Workshop [RAL & CLT]• Q4 2013 – AUXCOMM Train the Trainer [TBD]

CY 2013 Projects

• 3 Branch-based functional exercises during Q2-Q3 2013

• The development of a Tactical Interoperable Communications Field Operation Guide (TIC FOG) with mobile apps

Tactical Interoperable Communication Plans

• All nine (9) TICPs for each DPR is now posted to WebEOC

• Hosted at WebEOC for Emergency Responders’ “eyes only”

https://www.ncsparta.net/eoc7/plugins/filestore/display.aspx?function=filelist&filefolderid=70

Contact

North Carolina Department of Public SafetyDivision of Emergency Management - Interoperability4231 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27699-4231

Clay Benton - Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (Interim) (919) 825- 2256- office; clay.benton@ncdps.gov

Alyssa Young - Technical Writer(919) 825-2772 – office; alyssa.young@ncdps.gov