DHS Joins Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium

 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has joined the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC) as a member. NCOIC is working to enable network-centric operations within and between all levels of governments and civil agencies by creating and advocating tools that will enhance development of network centric capabilities and enabling systems. As events such as September 11, 2001, and Katrina have proven, the ability for first responders to access and share essential information is critical for saving lives and property. DHS will be working with other members of the NCOIC on issues hampering first responders from developing a shared operational picture in an emergency situation.

"Interoperability is critical to the ability of our Nation's emergency responders to successfully respond to day-to-day incidents and large-scale emergencies. Ineffective communications risks the lives of responders in the field, and can mean the difference between life and death for those awaiting help," says Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary for DHS's Science and Technology Directorate.

"First responders must be able to quickly and easily access the information they need from government agencies, other response organizations and the private sector when and where they need it," states Lt. Gen Harry D. Raduege, Jr., USAF (Ret) of Deloitte & Touche LLP and NCOIC Chairman. "Common standards for voice and data communications are critical to developing such capabilities. The addition of DHS as a member of NCOIC further validates the importance of industry and government working in concert to develop a common framework for network centric operations."

NCOIC is establishing the technical approaches that will support interoperability across all levels of government departments, from first responders and local authorities to regional- and national-level military services. Earlier this year, the Consortium announced its next set of network-centric operations interoperability deliverables -- its first Protocol Functional Collection and its Mobile Emergency Communications Interoperability report.

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