Interoperability Continuum

Governance: A common governing structure for solving interoperability issues will improve the policies, processes, and procedures of any major project by enhancing communication, coordination, and cooperation, establishing guidelines and principles, and reducing any internal jurisdictional conflicts. This group should consist of local, tribal, state, and federal entities as well as representatives from all pertinent public safety disciplines within the identified region. A formal governance structure is critical to the success of interoperability planning.

Individual Agencies Working Independently - A lack of coordination among responding organizations.

Informal Coordination Between Agencies - Loose line level or agency agreements that provide minimal incident interoperability.

Key Multidiscipline Staff Collaboration on a Regular Basis - A number of agencies and disciplines working together in a local area to promote interoperability.

Regional Committee Working with a Statewide Interoperability Committee - Multidisciplinary agencies working together across a region pursuant to formal written agreements as defined within the larger scope of a state plan. Such an arrangement promotes optimal interoperability.

Standard Operating ProceduresStandard operating procedures (SOPs) are formal written guidelines or instructions for incident response. SOPs typically have both operational and technical components.

Individual Agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Uncoordinated procedures across agencies that can hinder effective multidiscipline/multiagency response.

Joint Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Planned Events - The development of SOPs for planned events. This typically represents the first phase as agencies begin to work together to develop interoperability.

Joint Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Emergencies - SOPs for emergency level response that are developed as agencies continue to promote interoperability.

Regional Set of Communications Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Region-wide communications SOPs for multiagency/mulitdiscipline/multihazard responses; an integral step towards optimal interoperability.

National Incident Management System Integrated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Regional SOPs molded to conform to the elements of the National Incident Management System.

Technology

Although technology is a critical tool for improving interoperability, it is not the sole driver of an optimal solution. Success in each of the other elements is essential to its proper use and implementation, and should drive technology procurement.

Technology is highly dependent upon existing infrastructure within a region. Multiple technology solutions may be required to support large events.

Swap Radios - Swapping radios, or maintaining a cache of standby radios, is an age-old solution that is time-consuming, management-intensive, and may only provide limited results due to channel availability.

Gateway - Gateways retransmit across multiple frequency bands providing an interim interoperability solution as agencies move toward shared systems. However, gateways are inefficient in that they require twice as much spectrum because each participating agency must use at least one channel in each band per common talk path, and because they are tailored for communications within the geographic coverage area common to all participating systems.

Shared Channels - Interoperability is promoted when agencies share a common frequency band, air interface (analog or digital), and are able to agree on common channels. However, the general frequency congestion that exists across the United States can place severe restrictions on the number of independent interoperability talk paths available in some bands.

Proprietary Shared Systems and Standards-based Shared Systems - Regional shared systems are the optimal solution to interoperability. While proprietary systems limit the user's choice of product with regard to manufacturer and competitive procurement, standards-based shared systems promote competitive procurement and a wide selection of products to meet specific user needs. With proper planning of the talk group architecture, interoperability is provided as a byproduct of system design, creating an optimal technology solution.


Training and ExercisesProper training and regular exercises are critical to the implementation and maintenance of a successful interoperability solution.

General Orientation on Equipment - Agencies provide initial orientation to their users with regard to their particular equipment. Multijurisdiction/multiagency operations are often an afterthought to this training, if provided at all.

Single Agency Tabletop for Key Field and Support Staff - Structured tabletop exercises promote planning and identify response gaps. However, single agency activities do not promote interoperability across disciplines and jurisdictions. Additionally, management and supervisory training is critical to promoting routine use of interoperability mechanisms.

Multiagency Tabletop for Key Field and Support Staff - As agencies and disciplines begin working together to develop exercises and provide field training, workable interoperability solutions emerge.

Multiagency Full Functional Exercises Involving All Staff - Once multiagency/multidiscipline plans are developed and practiced at the management and supervisory level, it is then critical that all staff who would eventually be involved in actual implementation receive training and participate in exercises.

Regular Comprehensive Regional Training and Exercises - Optimal interoperability involves equipment familiarization and an introduction to regional/state interoperability at time of hire (or in an academy setting). Success will be assured by regular, comprehensive, and realistic exercises that address potential problems in the region and involve the participation of all personnel.

Despite the best planning and technology preparations, there is always the risk of the unexpected -- those critical and unprecedented incidents that require an expert at the helm who can immediately adapt to the situation. Within the Incident Command System (ICS), these specialists are called Communications Unit Leaders. The role of the Communications Unit Leader is a critical function that requires adequate training and cannot be delegated to an individual simply because that person "knows about radios." Rather, the proper training of these individuals is of significant importance to a region's ability to respond to unexpected events, and it should prepare them to manage the communications component of larger interoperability incidents, applying the available technical solutions to the specific operational environment of the event.

Usage

Usage refers to how often interoperable communications technologies are used. Success in this element is contingent upon progress and interplay among the other four elements on the Interoperability Continuum.

Planned Events - Events for which the date and time are known. Examples include athletic events and large conferences/ conventions that involve multiple responding agencies.

Localized Emergency Incidents - Emergency events that involve multiple intra-jurisdictional responding agencies. A vehicle collision on an interstate highway is an example of this type of incident.

Regional Incident Management - Routine coordination of responses across a region that include automatic aid fire response as well as response to natural and man-made disasters.

Daily Use Throughout Region - Interoperability systems that are used every day for managing routine as well as emergency incidents. In this optimal solution, users are familiar with the operation of the system and routinely work in concert with one another.

Click here for a PDF version of the SAFECOM Continuum (303K)

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