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Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains a comprehensive list of Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) that pertain not only to the NCS but also to the
various services and programs that we offer.
National Communications System (NCS)
FAQ
What is the mission of the National
Communications System (NCS)?
The mission of the NCS is to assist the President, the National Security
Council, the Homeland Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology
Policy and the Office of Management and Budget, in the coordination
of the planning for and provisioning of national security and emergency
preparedness communications for the Federal Government under all circumstances,
including crisis or emergency, attack, recovery and reconstitution.
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What is the
current structure of the NCS?
On April 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order (E.O.)
12472 which defined the NCS' national security and emergency preparedness
(NS/EP) capabilities and superseded President Kennedy's original 1963
memorandum that established the NCS. The NCS expanded from its original
six members to an interagency group of 22 Federal departments and agencies,
and began coordinating and planning NS/EP telecommunications to support
crises and disasters. The NCS membership currently stands at 23 members,
with the addition of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.
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Describe
the link between Government and industry. What roles and relationships
does each have in the NCS?
The NCS Committee of Principals (COP) -- and its working body, the Council
of Representatives (COR)-- represents the member organizations of the
NCS. The COP -- formed as a result of Executive Order 12472, provides
advice and recommendations through the NCS to the National Security
Council on NS/EP telecommunications and its ties to other critical infrastructures.
The NCS also participates in joint industry-Government planning through
its work with the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory
Committee (NSTAC), with the NCS’ National Coordinating Center
for Telecommunications (NCC), and with its Telecommunications Information
Sharing and Analysis Center (Telecom-ISAC).
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Who is the
Executive Agent?
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge serves as the Executive Agent
of the National Communications System. Secretary Ridge assumed that
duty from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on March 1, 2003 when
the Office of the Manager, NCS transferred from the Defense Department
to the Department of Homeland Security.
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Who is the
Manager?
Robert P. Liscouski, the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant
Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, is the first civilian Manager
of the NCS. Air Force Lieutenant General Harry D. Raduege, Jr., who
relinquished the Manager’s position in March 2003 when the NCS
moved from the Defense Department to the Department of Homeland Security,
last held the position.
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Who is the
Deputy Manager of the National Communications System?
Dr. Peter M. Fonash, Chief of the NCS Technology and Programs Division,
is the Acting Deputy Manager and Director of the NCS and is responsible
for the day-to-day policy, technical, and programmatic oversight of
all Federal government-wide activities in national security and emergency
preparedness communications
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National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) FAQ
What is the National
Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC)?
The National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee is a committee
composed of up to 30 Presidentially appointed industry leaders (usually
chief executive officers) representing various elements of the telecommunications
industry. The NSTAC advises the President on national security telecommunications
matters. Executive Order 12382, signed on September 12, 1982, established
the NSTAC and the Federal Advisory Committee ACT (FACA) governs its
operations. In its advisory role to the President, the NSTAC provides
industry-based analysis and recommendations on a wide range of policy
and technical issues related to telecommunications, information systems,
information assurance, infrastructure protection and other NS/EP concerns.
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What is the purpose of NSTAC?
The NSTAC provides industry-based analysis and recommendations to the
President and the executive branch regarding policy and enhancements
to national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications.
NSATC FAQ Index FAQ
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How often does the NSTAC
meet?
The NSTAC meets approximately every nine months to report on its activities
and provide recommendations to the President.
NSATC FAQ Index FAQ
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Who can be NSTAC members?
Executive Order 12382 provides for no more than 30 NSTAC members who
“shall have particular knowledge and expertise in the field of
telecommunications and represent elements of the Nation’s telecommunications
industry.” In addition to the criteria set out in the Executive
Order, the FACA requires “balanced” membership. As applied
to NSTAC that means not all 30 members should come from the same segment
of the telecommunications industry or be from large companies. Only
the President may appoint or terminate a member. Any member may resign.
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Which companies are currently
represented on NSTAC?
As of September 7, 2004, the following companies are represented on
the President's NSTAC:
- Advanced Micro Devices
- AT&T
- Bank of America
- BellSouth
- Boeing
- Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association
(CTIA)
- Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
- EDS
- Lockheed Martin
- Lucent Technologies
- MCI
- Microsoft
- Motorola
- Northrop Grumman
- Nortel Networks
- PanAmSat
- Qwest Communications
- Raytheon
- Rockwell Collins
- SBC Communications
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Sprint
- Teledesic
- Unisys
- United States Telecom Association (USTA)
- VeriSign
- Verizon Communications
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Who or what
does the NSTAC principal represent?
The principal represents the member company. If the President appointed
a member to provide advice as an individual, the Government would consider
the member as a “Special Government Employee” and subject
to the conflict of interest statues. If a principal leaves the company,
the company may nominate a new principal for the President’s consideration.
The former principal does not take the NSTAC membership to his or her
new company. Two NSTAC companies that merge may have only one NSTAC
principal to represent the surviving company.
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Who is the
Designated Federal Official (DFO) for NSTAC and what is the DFO’s
role?
The FACA requires that each Federal advisory committee have what is
called a Designated Federal Official. For NSTAC, the DFO is the NCS
Manager. The DFO attends or chairs, and adjourns each meeting. No committee
meeting may be held in the absence of the DFO or without his advance
approval. There is a difference in the duties of the DFO of the NSTAC,
a Presidential Federal advisory committee, and non-presidential Federal
advisory committees. FACA does not require that the DFO of a presidential
advisory committee approve the meeting agenda.
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What is the
Industry Executive Subcommittee (IES)?
Executive Order 12382 authorizes the NSTAC to establish subcommittees.
The NSTAC Principals, in accordance with its committee by-laws, established
the IES. The purpose of the IES is to assist the NSTAC on matters concerning
procedures, plans, and policies for the telecommunication and information
systems that support national security and emergency preparedness. The
IES may establish working group, task forces, and ad-hoc groups to address
pertinent issues. Each member of the NSTAC may appoint one member of
the IES.
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May the IES
provide advice to the Government?
No. The IES is not a Federal advisory committee. Should it appear to
be giving advice, it could become an unauthorized de facto Federal advisory
committee. IES members may be polled individually for their opinions
and the responses consolidated by the Government. However, the result
of the poll of individual IES members does not constitute a formal NSTAC
endorsement of a product and should not be represented as such. Only
matters voted upon by NSTAC Principals represent NSTAC products.
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What is the
role of the NCS in regards to the NSTAC, the IES and other subcommittees?
Executive Order 12472 assigns the NCS the role of providing staff support
and technical assistance to the NSTAC, and therefore the IES and other
subcommittees. The NCS Manager is the Designated Federal Official of
the NSTAC. The NSTAC bylaws name the Deputy Manager as the non-voting
IES Chair. Since the IES is not an advisory committee, the Deputy Manager
is not a formal Designated Federal Official.
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Must the NSTAC,
the IES and other subcommittee meetings be open to the public?
The purpose of the FACA was to allow the public to be aware of the advice
its Federal Government was getting and who was giving it. Federal advisory
committee meetings are generally required to be open to the public.
However, the FACA does contain a national security exception to the
general rule and it is on that basis that NSTAC closes most its meetings.
IES and other subcommittee meetings are not subject to the openness
requirements of the FACA since they are not Federal advisory committees.
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Who may
have access to the records of the NSTAC?
The FACA established the public’s right to be kept informed with
respect to the number, purpose, membership, activities and cost of Federal
advisory committees. The Federal Register publishes notices of meetings.
Unless the meeting is closed for national security reasons, interested
persons are permitted to attend. FACA requires that “…the
records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendixes, working papers,
drafts, studies, agenda, or other documents which were made available
to or prepared for or by each advisory committee shall be available
for public inspection.” For NSTAC purposes, this means the material
presented by the IES to the NSTAC itself, not any subcommittee material,
be made available. The NSTAC fulfills this responsibility by posting
the reports on its website. Again, a national security exemption may
be applied. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) does not apply to
the NSTAC since it is not a Federal “agency” subject to
that act. Material in the physical possession of the NCS, in its role
as the provider of support and assistance to the NSTAC can be deemed
NSTAC material and not releasable under FOIA.
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National
Communications System Committee of Principals (COP) FAQ
What is the Committee
of Principals (COP)?
The Committee of Principals (COP) is a Presidentially designated interagency
group that provides advice and recommendations on national security
and emergency preparedness telecommunications to the Executive Office
of the President. High-level Government officials representing Federal
operational, policy, regulatory, and enforcement organizations compose
the COP. Its diverse representation across 23 Federal departments and
agencies embraces the full spectrum of Federal telecommunications assets
and responsibilities. As an interagency group, it serves as a forum
for members to review, evaluate, and present views and recommendations
on current or prospective NCS programs to the Manager, NCS, the Executive
Agent (the Secretary of Homeland Security), and the Executive Office
of the President (EOP).
NCS COP FAQ Index FAQ
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What Federal Organizations
Maintain Seats on the Committee of Principals
- The Department of State
- The Department of Defense
- The Department of Treasury
- The Department of Justice
- The Department of Commerce
- The Department of Interior
- The Department of Energy
- The Department of Agriculture
- The Department of Health and Human Services
- The Department of Transportation
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The Joint Staff (DOD element)
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS element)
- The National Security Agency (DOD element)
- The Central Intelligence Agency
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(DOC element)
- The Federal Reserve Board
- The General Services Administration
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- The Federal Communications Commission
- The United States Postal Service
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Who chairs the COP?
The Manager of the National Communications System chairs the Committee
of Principals.
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What are the responsibilities
of each COP representative?
The COP member is responsible for providing the position of their parent
organization on policy, technical, and programmatic NS/EP telecommunications
issues. Principals ensure that written reports, comments, and recommendations
are made available to the Committee through the Executive Secretary
(the NCS Deputy Manager). Principals also participate as members of
subordinate groups, as required, and provide guidance and direction
to their respective organizations' representatives.
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What is the Council of Representatives
(COR)?
The Committee of Principals bylaws formally established the Council
of Representatives (COR). The COR is a permanent subordinate group which
participates in NCS activities. Each department and agency provides
a representative to the Council of Representatives (COR). The Office
of the Manager, NCS, provides support to the COP, COR, and their subgroups.
As needed, the COR establishes technical and planning subcommittees
and implementation teams which support processes of the COR. These subcommittees
and teams play an important role in the NCS and its deployment of NS/EP
communications programs.
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How often does the COP meet?
What is a COP meeting like?
The COP meets a minimum of twice annually. At these meetings, the COP
receives a series of reports from the COR, which are designed for action
or information. The Committee is asked to recommend forwarding a report
or issuance to the Executive Office of the President. It is by the COP's
consensus and direction that the majority of the programs and activities
of the NCS take place. The COP bylaws outline these procedures.
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How often does the COR meet?
How are they tasked?
As the working group of the COP, the COR meets frequently and always
meets a month prior to the COP meetings. At COR meetings, members consider
initiatives from various sources, for forwarding to the COP. For example,
the Executive Office of the President or the National Security Council
may task the COP to investigate a specific area and produce recommendations
for action. The Committee, in turn, often tasks the COR to study that
area and provide a report within a specific period of time. The COR
may convene a subcommittee to fulfill the COP's request. As another
example, the OMNCS may present or initiate a new program for consideration
by the COR and the COP. Alternatively, an NCS member organization may
present a briefing for NCS consideration.
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Does the COP have subcommittees?
As needed, the COR establishes technical and planning subcommittees
and implementation teams which support processes of the COR. These subcommittees
and teams play an important role in the NCS and its deployment of NS/EP
communications programs.
NCS COP FAQ Index FAQ
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National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC) FAQ
What is the National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC)?
The National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications is an Industry-Government
operations center, established in 1984. The NCC mission is to assist
in the initiation of national coordination, restoration, and reconstitution
of national security/emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications
service or facilities under all conditions, crises or emergencies. Full
and part-time telecommunications industry and Government representatives
support the NCC and serve as liaisons with their parent companies or
organizations. The cooperation fostered between the telecommunications
industry and the Government in the NCC provides an operational focal
point for all Government/industry NS/EP telecommunications response
across the spectrum of emergencies.
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Where is the NCC Located?
The NCC facility is physically located within the headquarters of the
Defense Information Systems Agency in Arlington, Virginia.
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Who is the Manager of the
NCC?
The NCC Manager is Mr. Donald Smith.
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Is the NCC a joint effort
between the Government and industry?
Yes, the NCC is a joint effort between Government and industry. In addition
to the NCS, there are nine Federal Participants (as of 11/05/03) –
Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce,
Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Federal
Communications Commission, Federal Emergency Management Agency (part
of the Department of Homeland Security), Federal Reserve Board, and
the General Services Administration.
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How many industry members
belong to the NCC?
There are 31 Industry members (as of 11/05/03) – Americom, AT&T,
AT&T Wireless, Avici, BellSouth, Boeing, Cable and Wireless, Cincinnati
Bell, Cingular, Cisco Systems, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC),
Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), EDS, Intrado,
Level 3, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, McLeod USA, MCI, Nextel,
Nortel Networks, Northrop Grumman, PhotonEx, Qwest, Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC), SBC, Sprint, Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA), U.S. Telecom Association (USTA), VeriSign, Verizon.
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What type of liaison exists
between the telecommunications industry and Government representatives
in the NCC?
The telecommunications industry and the Government staff work together
to coordinate support to national security and emergency preparedness
issues and to prevent and mitigate impact on the national telecommunications
infrastructure.
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Is there any coordination
between the NCC and other similar coordinating centers?
Yes, the NCC coordinates with Federal departments and agencies, and
telecommunications companies.
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Is the information received
in the NCC available to the community at large?
Information is normally sensitive or proprietary, and not releasable
to the public.
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Is the FCC represented in
the NCC?
The FCC’s a non-resident member of the NCC, participates in weekly
meetings, and supports the NCC in the event of an emergency.
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Is there information available
on the NCC and the National Communications System?
Information on the NCC is available through its Web Site at http://www.ncs.gov/ncc/
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Do the major telecommunications
companies in the U.S. provide status reports at a regular frequency
to the NCC?
Except for regulated reports to the FCC, all reports to the
Government, or to other industry, are voluntary. During periods of crisis,
NCC industry representatives work closely with the Government to provide
updates on telecommunications provisioning and restoration and other
issues. Daily voluntary sharing of information occurs within the Telecom-ISAC
function of the NCC.
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Will the general public be
able to call the NCC for information about their telecommunications
service?
No. The public should contact their telecommunication providers for
problems. Although the NCC will be monitoring potential problems, it
is the responsibility of the telecommunications companies to speak about
their areas of responsibilities and to interface with their customers.
The NCC does not speak on behalf of the telecommunications companies.
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What was the NCC response
to the September 11th Terrorist Attacks?
During the recovery efforts following the terrorist’s attacks
of September 11, 2001, the NCC provided non-stop national and regional
level support to for response and recovery efforts to Government and
industry organizations and personnel. The NCC prioritized the communications
assets, and restoration efforts, thereby ensuring NS/EP telecommunications
needs and national priorities were met. A major goal achieved was ensuring
the successful opening and continued operation of the financial markets.
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When did the National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications activate in reaction to the
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon?
The National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC) activated
minutes after the report of the first plane hitting the World Trade
Center in New York.
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Government
Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) FAQ
The Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained by the
GETS Management Team on the GETS
website.
GETS
FAQ Index FAQ Index
Telecommunications
Service Priority (TSP) Program FAQ
The Telecommunications Service Priority
(TSP) list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained by the TSP Management
Team on the TSP website.
TSP
FAQ Index FAQ Index
Wireless Priority
Service (WPS) FAQ
The Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained by the WPS Management
Team on the WPS website.
WPS
FAQ Index FAQ Index
SHAred RESources
(SHARES) High Frequency Radio Program FAQ
What is the mission
and purpose of the SHARES Program?
SHARES combines existing high frequency (HF) assets from 93 Federal,
state, and industry organizations into a single emergency voice and
data message handling network, supporting national security and emergency
preparedness (NS/EP) when normal communications are destroyed or unavailable.
SHARES FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the make-up of
the SHARES network?
As of June 2003, the SHARES network consists of 1105 HF radio stations,
representing 93 Federal, State, and industry resource contributors.
There are SHARES stations situated in every state and at 20 overseas
locations. Nearly 200 emergency planning and response personnel also
participate in SHARES. Over 150 HF frequencies are earmarked for use
in SHARES. The National Communication System publishes the SHARES HF
Radio Program Bulletin, to periodically keep members updated on program
activities. They can be accessed at http://www.ncs.gov/n3/shares/shares.htm.
SHARES FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How does the SHARES program
service the Federal Government community?
SHARES provides the Federal community a forum for addressing issues
affecting HF radio interoperability. The SHARES HF Interoperability
Working Group (IWG), established as a permanent standing committee under
the NCS Council of Representatives, is responsible for providing guidance
and direction for the SHARES radio network and for fostering interoperability
of Federal HF radio systems through examination of regulatory, procedural,
and technical issues. The SHARES HF Interoperability Working Group currently
consists of 146 members, representing 106 separate participating organizations.
SHARES FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is responsible
for the SHARES program? Who manages the everyday operations of SHARES?
Overall support for the SHARES HF Radio Program is the responsibility
of the Manager, National Communications System. The Chief, Critical
Infrastructure Protection Division, Office of the Manager, NCS, is responsible
for administering the SHARES program. The Manager, National Coordinating
Center for Telecommunications, is responsible for day-to-day operations
of SHARES.
SHARES FAQ Index
FAQ Index
One-Stop Shop Service
(OSSS) FAQ
What is the purpose of
the One-Stop Shop Service (OSSS)?
The purpose of the NS/EP Priority Communications One-Stop Shop Service
(OSSS) is to enable National Communications System (NCS) customers to
acquire information on NCS priority communications services, programs,
and operations from a single source by consolidating user support, operational,
subscription, and help-desk services for the NCS telecommunications
information.
OSSS FAQ Index FAQ
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What organization in Department
of Homeland Security implements the OSSS?
Within the DHS, the NCS Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Division
provides NS/EP priority telecommunications services to Federal, State,
and local governments, industry, and other authorized NS/EP organizations
that participate in the OSSS.
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What NCS programs and services
are included in the OSSS?
The One-Stop Shop Service (OSSS) consolidation began its implementation
in September 2002 and includes user and operational support for the
following programs:
- Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) - The Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) provides NS/EP personnel emergency access and priority
processing in the local and long distance segments of the Public Switched
Network (PSN). Its intended use is in an emergency or crisis situation
during which the probability of completing a call over normal or other
alternate telecommunication means has significantly decreased.
- Wireless Priority Service
(WPS) - The Wireless Priority Service (WPS) provides a means
for NS/EP telecommunications users to obtain priority access to available
wireless radio channels when necessary to initiate emergency calls.
- Telecommunications Service
Priority (TSP) Program - The Telecommunications Service Priority
(TSP) Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program,
managed and operated by the NCS, that provides for priority provisioning
and restoration of critical NS/EP communications assets/circuits.
Critical NS/EP circuits are defined as those that are critical to
maintaining a state of readiness for, responding to, or managing telecommunications
during an event or crisis that could cause harm to the population,
damage property, or threaten the security of the United States.
- SHAred RESources (SHARES)
High Frequency (HF) Radio Program - The SHAred RESources (SHARES)
High Frequency (HF) Radio Program provides a single, interagency emergency
message handling system by bringing together existing HF radio resources
of Federal, state and industry organizations when normal communications
are destroyed or unavailable for the transmission of national security
and emergency preparedness information.
OSSS FAQ Index FAQ
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How do NCS customers use the
OSSS?
As an initial step toward implementation, the NCS created a telephone
connectivity OSSS Call Center by creating a NS/EP consolidated virtual
call center. The objective is to have a single number for all NCS customers
to call for priority communications services. The OSSS Call Center contact
information is: 1-866-NCS-CALL [(866)-627-2255], or in the metro Washington,
D.C. area at (703)-676-CALL [(703)-676-2255]. This call center provides
one centralized access point with multiple selections for the various
NCS NS/EP telecommunications services.
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Can I obtain OSSS service
using the worldwide web?
The NCS also implemented a consolidated web-based approach for NS/EP
priority communications services using a web portal to maximize the
overall benefits of one-stop service. The NCS home page will act as
the portal and will provide top-level information on the various priority
communications services available. Users will then be automatically
linked to the appropriate web pages for specific services. NS/EP program,
service, and operational information can be obtained via the NCS homepage
at http://www.ncs.gov.
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How are the processes of the
various OSSS services being implemented?
The architecture used for consolidation of the technical/information
processes for all NCS priority telecommunications services/programs
will utilize web-based technology and a web-based information delivery
service. Consolidation of the technical/information processes for administration
and operations of these services/programs provides an efficient method
for continuing to process them on an on-going basis while transitioning
to the consolidated environment. Partitions or other security measures
will be established to protect more sensitive information as required.
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What is the future goal of
the OSSS?
OSSS provides an efficient and effective means of managing and supporting
the consolidated operations/user support missions and functions of the
NCS and provides all NCS users/customers with priority communications
services and coordination/help-desk services and operations during any
circumstance. Support for the operational/administrative process activities
for all NS/EP communications services under a single organizational
environment allows continuity and integrity of management for the services/programs.
The goal is to understand the needs of the organizations with NS/EP
responsibilities across all levels of government, industry, and critical
infrastructure sectors and to determine how to assist them with services
provided by the NCS under the OSSS implementation. As the NCS implements
OSSS, it envisions that it will be able to provide its services not
only to the NS/EP programs and services but also to other services and
programs that are supported by the NCS.
OSSS FAQ Index FAQ
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Who do I contact for
further information on OSSS?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the OSSS Coordination
Group: Telephone:
1-866-NCS-CALL [(866)-627-2255], or in the metro Washington, D.C. area
at (703)-676-CALL [(703)-676-2255]; Fax: [(703)-607-4984]; or Website
- http://www.ncs.gov.
OSSS FAQ Index FAQ
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Emergency Response Training
(ERT) Seminars FAQ
What are ERT Seminars?
The Telecommunications Emergency Response Training (ERT) seminars, a
joint venture between the NCS, General Services Administration (GSA),
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the telecommunications
industry, train emergency responders at the Federal, regional, State
and local level on telecommunications resources and procedures that
are available to support emergency response operations.
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What is the purpose of ERT
Seminars?
The NCS conducts ERT seminars nationwide to reach emergency responders
and planners in the ten Federal Regions. A core program delivered within
an 8-hour period is augmented by specifically designed presentations
tailored to regional participant requirements. The seminar provides
an overview of current and future telecommunication services and capabilities
for use during disasters and emergencies. Course content varies depending
on regional participant requirements and always includes information
on emergency plans and activities with regard to:
- National resources including the Federal Response Plan
(FRP), Emergency Support Function (ESF) #2 (Communications), and National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC) support
- Regional emergency operations and telecommunication
services
- Future topics to be covered are: communications support
for response to terrorism incidents; an overview of the evolving National
Response Plan; and infrastructure protection.
In addition to providing training, the seminar facilitates
the development of working relationships among telecommunications emergency
responders. During the seminar, participants discuss essential processes
and procedures and share their experiences on emergency response and
operations coordination. Throughout the one-day program, seminar participant
interaction is emphasized, participants are encouraged to "agree
to disagree," with a primary goal of facilitating communication.
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What is the Seminar
Concept?
The seminar format of instruction combines lecture-style presentations
with interactive discussions by the seminar participants. The subject-matter
presentations establish a baseline of knowledge among all the seminar
participants by providing information about organizational structures
and priority communications programs. The interactive discussions allow
all participants to exchange knowledge and experiences of communications
resources that are available within the various levels of Government.
The seminar encourages discussion of key processes and procedures that
can facilitate communications interoperability. In addition to providing
training, the seminar’s goal is to facilitate the development
of working relationships among telecommunications emergency responders.
ERT FAQ Index FAQ
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Alerting and Coordination
Network (ACN) FAQ
What is the Background
of the ACN?
Prior to January 1, 2001, the National Telecommunications Alliance (NTA)
managed and operated the Alerting and Coordinating Network (ACN) - a
switched, private line network – to provide emergency communications
among the Regional Bell Operating Companies, their suppliers and certain
Government agencies. When NTA dissolved on January 1, 2001, the ACN
was in jeopardy of being disbanded. Because the ACN provides emergency
back-up communications capabilities that could help coordinate response
to and recovery from a widespread network outage, the Director, Office
of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), directed the NCS to acquire
the assets and provide operational support to ensure the continued viability
of the ACN. Operational responsibility for the ACN has been incorporated
into the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC) operations
to serve as a vital coordination resource in the event of severe congestion
or catastrophic damage to the Public Switched Network.
ACN FAQ Index FAQ
Index
What is the mission and purpose
of the ACN Program?
The ACN provides a stable emergency voice communications network connecting
telecommunications service providers, Emergency Operations Centers,
and Network Operations Centers. The ACN supports National Security and
Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications network restoration
coordination, transmission of telecommunications requirements and priorities,
and incident reporting when the Public Switched Network (PSN) is inoperable,
stressed, or congested. The ACN provides a telecommunications network
that is independent of the Public Switched Network (PSN).
ACN FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Who is responsible for
the ACN program? Who manages the everyday operations of ACN?
Overall support for the ACN Program is the responsibility of the Manager,
National Communications System. The Chief, Critical Infrastructure Protection
Division, Office of the Manager, NCS, is responsible for administering
the ACN program. The Manager, National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications,
is responsible for day-to-day operations of the ACN.
ACN FAQ Index FAQ
Index
NCS Augmentee Program
FAQ
What is the Augmentee
Program?
The National Communications System established the National Communication
Systems to provide a cadre of skilled civilian and military reservists
to enhance the efforts of the Office of the Manager, NCS (OMNCS), the
National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC), and NCS Regional
Managers (RMs) during national crises and emergencies. The NCS Augmentee
Program consists of two components: the civilian members of the National
Defense Executive Reserve (NDER) and the U.S. Army reservists participating
in the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Program.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the IMA Mission?
The original mission of the NCS IMA Program was to provide emergency
telecommunications support to the OMNCS during mobilization and wartime.
More recently, the NCS has expanded the IMA mission to reflect the all-hazard
NCS mission of providing emergency telecommunications support to the
full spectrum of wartime and peacetime contingencies, including Emergency
Support Function (ESF) #2 (Communications) under the FEMA Federal Response
Plan (FRP). NCS IMA personnel augment various NCS staffs during national
and regional crises and emergencies. IMA personnel are deployable to
support OMNCS headquarters, the NCC Emergency Operations Teams (EOT),
the RMs, or the Federal Emergency Communications Coordinator (FECC)
at the Disaster Field Office (DFO).
As a general rule, NCS IMAs serve as Regional Emergency Staff Officers
who are regionally trained and centrally managed by the IMA Program
Manager. Each IMA Regional Detachment is self-reliant within the region;
that is, the detachment is organized hierarchically within the region
and trained to fill the job of the FECC in the event of his/her absence.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who sponsors the IMA Program?
The U.S. Army Reserve sponsors the NCS IMA Program. The USAR assigns
senior reserve officer personnel to fill positions in Federal departments
and agencies that have significant military-related functions during
a transition to war, mobilization for war, and other national security
emergencies, as well as all-hazard emergency preparedness and response
activities. Within this context, IMAs’ assignments assist the
OMNCS and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regions in meeting
NS/EP requirements.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What experience is needed?
NCS IMAs are normally U.S. Army Signal Corps field grade officers with
staff officer experience that has demonstrated the leadership and organization
skills required to fulfill the responsibilities expected of NCS IMAs.
IMAs are screened carefully to ensure they meet the operational requirements
of the NCS. As Regional Emergency Staff Officers, NCS IMAs must possess
the requisite mix of skills and experience to perform any duties assigned
by the Regional Manager or FECC. Successful IMAs are self-starters who
can work with little or no supervision, have strong communication (presentation
and writing) skills, and have experience in the field of telecommunications,
for example NS/EP, switch networks.
To be fully functional in their assigned NCS positions,
IMAs must obtain experience in and/or knowledge of the following:
- NS/EP telecommunications procedures
- Emergency planning and preparedness
- Telecommunications planning and operations supporting
the FRP
- NCS organization, functions, authorities, and intergovernmental
relationships
- National and regional telecommunications capabilities
and guidelines for the management and control of telecommunications
activities and personnel
- Appropriate employment of Telecommunications Service
Priority in commercial telecommunications restoration and service
ordering
- Use of automated resources to manage and track NS/EP
actions and prepare accurate and timely situation reports concerning
emergency operations.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What training is needed?
Participation in and support to emergency response efforts provides
peacetime training of IMAs that, in turn, prepares them to assume the
higher-level responsibilities of their mobilization positions immediately
upon call to active duty during a national security crisis or emergency.
Training of NCS IMAs begins with the understanding that individuals
considered for the program are normally Army Reserve Signal Corps field
grade officers.
The OMNCS IMA Training Plan provides a curriculum that
focuses on the functional requirements defined in the IMA position descriptions
and the requirements of the U.S. Army as outlined in Army Regulation
140-145, Individual Mobilization Augmentation (IMA) Program, dated November
23, 1994. As reservists, NCS IMAs are required to attend annual training
(AT) for one 2-week period each year. In addition, Drilling IMAs participate
in Inactive Duty Training (IDT) with 48 drill periods for pay annually.
During annual training and the IDTs, every effort is made to ensure
that IMAs perform the same duties to which they would be assigned during
an emergency. NCS IMAs are required to attend a one-week initial orientation
training at the NCS Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and a one-week
NS/EP off-site training course, before being deployed to support NCS
emergency telecommunications requirements. This training ensures that
the NCS IMAs are fully integrated into the NCS NS/EP mission and support
peacetime emergency telecommunications contingencies.
IMA Deployments
NCS IMAs also derive on-the-job-training benefits from actual NCS deployments
in support of exercises and peacetime natural disasters, crises, and
other emergencies. Since 1995, NCS IMAs telecommunications emergency
response activities consisted of various natural disasters, man-made
incidents and national special events.
Some of the significant events were: Northwest and Southeast
floods; wildfires in Florida and the western states; Hurricanes Marilyn,
Opal, Fran, Bonnie, Georges and Floyd; ice storms, typhoons and tropical
storms; earthquakes in California and Washington state; and terrorist
bombings in Oklahoma City, Atlanta, and New York City. Additionally,
the NCS IMAs participate in regional interagency exercises to enhance
the unit’s level of readiness for activation to support real-world
events.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are the objectives of
the seminars?
The seminar will explain the role of the NCS within the Department of
Homeland Security; highlight national telecommunications programs that
support emergency management and response operations; and facilitate
an inter-agency discussion of communications support for emergency response
operations. The seminar also provides an opportunity before a disaster
to meet and network with those individuals responsible for communications
coordination.
The intended purpose of the seminar is an interactive
session to promote problem identification and discussion.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is included in a typical
seminar Agenda?
A typical seminar agenda will include:
National Communications System
- an overview of the NCS’ history, dynamics and its coordinating
responsibilities/requirements during an emergency
Federal Response Plan
- an overview of policies, organizational structures, responsibilities,
and the interagency working relationships of the Emergency Support
Functions (ESFs). This will evolve to the National Response Plan as
the NRP matures.
Emergency Support Function
(ESF) #2 (Communications) operations:
ESF #2 (National) - an
overview of the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications
(NCC), including its mission, history, participants, emergency and
disaster response operations, and day-to-day operations.
ESF #2 (Regional)
- describes the organization and duties of the regional ESF #2 element
as a member of the interagency Emergency Response Team (ERT) during
a Presidentially-declared disaster.
Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) - describes the enhanced wireline communications
service and how it supports response operations, defines eligibility
criteria, highlights user costs, and explains how to apply for the
service.
Telecommunications Service
Priority System (TSP) - details how TSP supports response
operations, how to request a TSP and prioritization of requests.
Shared Resources High Frequency
Radio Program (SHARES) - describes the HF network and the
service it provides to emergency responders.
Wireless Priority Service
(WPS) - describes the enhanced cellular communications service
for key leaders during emergency operations, defines eligibility
criteria, and explains how to acquire for the telephone equipment
and service.
Group Discussion
- provides local, state, and Federal organizations and industry
representatives with the opportunity to participate in an interactive
discussion, which focuses on the coordination requirements among
the various emergency response organizations. The discussion highlights
the communications resources that are available within various organizations
and service providers.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Network Design and
Analysis Capability (NDAC) FAQ
What is the NDAC?
The Network Design and Analysis Capability (NDAC) is a modeling and
analysis tool designed to view the Public Switched Network (PSN) [including
Internet Protocol (IP), Internet Telephony, next generation packet switched
IP networks, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and wireless
and satellite infrastructures] under various stress conditions. NDAC
software resources include the tools, models, and telecommunications
databases used to assess network performance, perform modeling and simulation,
and visualize network topologies. The NCS continuously redefines and
expands the NDAC through software updates and application module development.
NDAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Why was the NDAC developed?
NCS developed the NDAC because of heavy NS/EP reliance on the PSN. The
NDAC works to study natural and man-made disruptions to the PSN, perform
vendor independent analyses, develop models and methodologies to identify
vulnerabilities and congestion, identify interdependencies between the
Nation’s critical infrastructures, and identify network effectiveness
solutions. The NCS not only designed the NDAC to detect and help mitigate
damage caused by accident or attack but also to assist in reconstitution.
NDAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
What features does the NDAC
support?
- Planning NS/EP communications
- Custom modeling/simulation studies under a variety
of conditions
- Analysis of PSN dependability and resiliency under
stress
- Examine effect of new technologies on the PSTN and
Internet infrastructure
- Laboratory test bed perspectives on network performance
resulting from emerging technologies
- Flexibility to customize network architectures and
routing schemes, introduce new carrier network data, and emulate the
affects of emerging technologies.
NDAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
What are some examples of
current studies using the NDAC?
- Backup Dial Tone (BDT) study - uses NDAC to examine
methods and technology approaches to enhance the communications reliability
in the Washington metropolitan area under emergency conditions.
- Next Generation Networks (NGN) study - uses NDAC to
develop likely NGN architectures and traffic streams, and apply multiple
traffic overloading scenarios to identify potential network bottlenecks.
Cyber attack and nuclear attack scenarios are also applied to the
simulated NGN architectures to assess their impact on performance.
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) study - uses
NDAC for an Internet modeling capability that captures the physical
and logical interdependencies between ISPs from both architectural
and traffic perspectives.
NDAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Telecommunications
Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Telecom-ISAC)
FAQ
What is the mission of the
Telecom-ISAC?
The Telecom-ISAC mission is to facilitate voluntary collaboration and
information sharing among Government and industry in support of Executive
Order 12472 and the national critical infrastructure protection goals;
to gather information on vulnerabilities, threats, intrusions, and anomalies
from multiple sources and perform analysis with the goal of averting
or mitigating impact upon the telecommunications infrastructure. The
scope of the Telecom-ISAC’s mission is all hazards, which include
natural and man-made disasters and physical and cyber attacks.
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
What are the operational
goals of the Telecom-ISAC?
Telecom-ISAC Operational Goals:
- Be an honest and impartial information broker
- Facilitate voluntary collaboration to support both
Government and industry information sharing requirements
- Foster working liaisons with external sources and
liaison partners
- Add value—provide information not available
elsewhere, filter appropriately, perform high quality analysis
- Ensure protection of information and the rights of
data owners
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
What criteria must companies
meet for membership in the ISAC?
Membership is open to companies that provide telecommunications or network
services, equipment or software to the communications and information
sector and to select professional associations or companies with participation/presence
in the communications and information sector. Currently, the Telecom-ISAC
membership consists of thirty companies and three associations that
together represent the majority of the telecommunications infrastructure.
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Who are the members of the
Telecom-ISAC?
Thirty Companies:
- Americom
- AT&T
- AT&T Wireless
- Avici
- BellSouth
- Boeing
- Cable & Wireless
- Cincinnati Bell
- Cingular Wireless
- Cisco Systems
- Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
- EDS
- Intrado
- Level 3 Communications
- Lockheed Martin/COMSAT General
- Lucent Technologies
- MCI
- McLeodUSA
- Motorola
- Nextel
- Nortel Networks
- Northrop Grumman
- PhotonEx
- Qwest Communications
- Raytheon
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- SBC Communications
- Sprint
- VeriSign
- Verizon
Three Associations:
- Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA)
- Telecom Industry Association (TIA)
- United States Telecom Association (USTA)
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
How is information shared
among the Telecom-ISAC members? (as of 10/6/03)
All information received from NCC Telecom-ISAC members and liaison partners
is deemed sensitive and proprietary, whether or not it is specifically
marked as such. Only the originator of information may approve its release
to anyone or any entity. The information owner retains its rights regardless
of the location of the information within the NCC Telecom-ISAC facility.
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Is there a watch function
to support the Telecom-ISAC?
The NCS operates the on-site continuous* Telecom-ISAC watch and analysis
operation (WAO). The WAO consists of senior analysts closely integrated
with the Government NCC operations staff and industry representatives
from Telecom-ISAC member companies. The Telecom-ISAC watch and analysis
operation serves a dual function as the operational arm of the Telecom-ISAC
and as one of The Department of Homeland Security’s Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection watch and analysis centers.
Telecom-ISAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
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