CA Interop Buzz

June 4-6, 2013~ All-Hazards COML Train-the-Trainer (TtT) ~La Mesa, CA

2013-05-08T11:10:00.003-07:00

NIMS ICS All-Hazards COML Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Course June 4-6, 2013 (La Mesa, CA)

This is a FEMA sponsored course approved by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (DHS-OEC). This service offering helps States/territories create a self-sustaining COML training program by providing instructor training to individuals who have completed the Communications Leader training at the Unit Leader level. This course helps attendees develop essential core competencies required for teaching the Communications Unit Leader (COML) course within their own State. The course supports learning through discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple exercises. It provides a realistic, hands-on approach to mastering the skills of instructing the COML course.

Student candidates will be required to meet course prerequisites in order to attend this class. Classes are limited to 30 students. To request admission to this course, click the link below to register.

Prerequisite requirements to attend the COML TtT Course:

Must complete a FEMA Form 119-25-1 General Admissions Application during the registration process
Students must have or apply for a FEMA Student Identification Number (SID) https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid
Completed COML Position Task Book (PTB) (attach a copy with appropriate signatures of the PTB verifiication page to the FEMA Form 119-25 -1, General Admissions Application)
Must submit a resume documenting their experience as an instructor * Should have experience serving in a functional, support, or unit leader position on a Type I, II, or III All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT), or a desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions, and possess the necessary training and desire needed to teach the course.

Pre-requisite Courses:

IS-100.b, Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS);
IS-200.b, Incident Command System (ICS) for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents;
ICS-300, Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) for Expanding Incidents;
ICS-400, Advanced Incident Command System (ICS), Command and General Staff—Complex Incidents;
IS-700.a, National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction;
IS-800.b, National Response Framework (NRF),

An Introduction. Students must also provide documentation that supports successful completion of formal adult education and/or training to include at least one of the following:

Emergency Management Institute's (EMI) Master Trainer Program
National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Facilitative Instructor (M-410) course
Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) Instructor Training Certification Course
Equivalents (i.e. Total Army Instructor Course (TAITC); Small Group Instructor Training Course (SGITC); G265 Basic Instructional Skills course, etc.)
State Certified Level II or higher Fire, Rescue, and/or EMS Instructor (NFPA 1041 - Level II)
State Certified Teaching Certificate
Advanced degree in education, educational psychology, technical education, or a related program

Note: Copies of all prerequisite documentation must be attached to the FEMA Form 119-25-1 General Admissions Application during the registration process and must be presented to the STO and coordinated with the SWIC or Site Course Coordinator (SCC).

Recommended: * IS-265 basic Instructional Skills * IS-265 Basic Instructional Skills E/L-449 Incident Command System (ICS) Curricula Train-the-Trainer (TtT)

To Register Click Here

The class will be held at the:

La Mesa Police Department
Community Room
located at:

8085 University Avenue La Mesa, CA 91942

Cost

This course and course materials are provided to students at no cost.

** Note: Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not reimburseable by the state.

Please email any questions to Carly.Landry@calema.ca.gov. Thank you!

FirstNet to Begin Consultations-- May 29-30 San Francisco

2013-05-07T12:05:00.003-07:00

Mark your calendars! The dates for the FirstNET consultations with State, Local, & Tribal entities statewide was released yesterday on the NTIA website. FirstNet will conduct six regional workshops to solicit input from attendees to help in the design of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. Each workshop will be a two-day program that will include presentations and breakout sessions. The link below is the press release.

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2013/firstnet-begin-consultations-state-tribal-territorial-and-local-entities-nationwi

May 15-16 Washington, D.C. Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia

May 21-22 Denver, Colo. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

May 29-30 San Francisco, Calif. Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, North Mariana Islands, Oregon, Washington

June 12-13 St. Louis, Mo. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin

June 19-20 Boston, Mass. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

June 26-27 Memphis, Tenn. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas

Why Can't Public Safety use Cell-Phones for Mission Critical Comms

2013-04-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

My apologies if you've already received this, but for those that have not; the link below is an informative one page summary describing why cell/smart phones can not be used as a primary means of communications during a critical incident. The document was developed and distributed by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council. Feel free to distribute and share.

Michael

Why Can’t PS Just Use Cell Phones-NPSTC 041513

CALCORD Plan Update

2013-03-11T15:37:00.002-07:00

Update: CALCORD Plan

CalEMA has uploaded an updated version of the CALCORD plan on the CalEMA website. On page 9 under the section titled Technical Standards and Procedures, we have edited the CTCSS section, it now reads: “Beginning in 2013, there will be tone protection on transmit. Tone protection will be 156.7 (Tone 6) with CSQ on receive. Users will add 156.7 (Tone 6) tone protection on receive starting in 2014.” Another key change is in the table of contents, the pdf version of the plan now includes links on the table of contents that will directly take you to the different sections of the plan, making it more user friendly.

Here is the link to the location of the plan so you all can download and read it for yourselves. http://www.calema.ca.gov/TechnologyOperations/Documents/Interoperability/2-2013_CALCORD%20Plan_Final.pdf

Please share this information with anyone you know who would be affected by these changes.

DHS OEC Guidance on Emergency Comms Grants

2013-03-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

DHS Office of Emergency Communciations (OEC) just released the FY2013 SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants. The document can be found on the SAFECOM Website at: http://www.safecomprogram.gov/grant/Default.aspx.

The SAFECOM Guidance is developed in coordination with stakeholders and Federal agency partners, and provides grantees with the most up-to-date information on Federal policies and initiatives affecting emergency communications, and technical standards for improving interoperability. Many agencies strongly encourage grantees to consult and comply with the FY 2013 SAFECOM Guidance as a condition of grant funding.

Grantees and sub-grantees are strongly encouraged to read the FY 2013 SAFECOM Guidance before developing and submitting projects for funding under FY 2013 grants. Compliance with the FY 2013 SAFECOM Guidance will not only strengthen project proposals, but will also help to ensure that emergency communications projects are coordinated, compatible, and interoperable.

For questions on the FY 2013 SAFECOM Guidance, please email OEC at: oec@hq.dhs.gov.

Recruitment for FEMA IMAT Pilot Program

2013-02-05T11:58:00.001-08:00

FEMA is recruiting for new Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs). Two of the three new IMATs that are being developed for the pilot program will be created in Northern California. A Type I National Team in Sacramento and a Type II in Oakland, California.

If you're interested in applying for the IMAT positions, the openings will be solicited on www.usajobs.gov beginning February 6, 2013 for only 7 days.

Click the link below to view the recruiting memo from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B09AyBXvew_eOWZJdUFIMnAwMGs/edit?usp=sharing

March 26-28~All-Hazards COML Training~Los Angeles, CA

2013-01-24T15:09:00.001-08:00

All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) Training

March 26-28th, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA)

Cal EMA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) will be sponsoring an All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) training course in Los Angeles, CA on March 26-28, 2013. This course is based on a three-day curriculum covering the functions, duties, and responsibilities of an All-Hazards COML. Instructors will ensure that trained personnel will be capable of coordinating on-scene communications during a multi-jurisdictional response.

Student candidates will be required to meet course prerequisites in order to attend this class. Criteria is available on the SAFECOM website. Classes are limited to 30 students. To request admission to this course, click the link below to register.

To Register Click Here

The class will be held at the:

LAFD Department Operations Center (DOC)

500 East Temple St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Cost
This course and course materials are provided to students at no cost.

** Note: Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not reimburseable by the state.

Please email any questions to Carly.Goodrich@calema.ca.gov. Thank you!

Feb 19-21~All-Hazards COML Training~Orange, CA

2013-01-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) Training

February 19-21, 2013 (Orange County, CA)

Cal EMA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) will be sponsoring an All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) training course in Orange County, CA on February 19-21, 2013. This course is based on a three-day curriculum covering the functions, duties, and responsibilities of an All-Hazards COML. Instructors will ensure that trained personnel will be capable of coordinating on-scene communications during a multi-jurisdictional response.

To Register Click Here

The class will be held at the:

Orange County Emergency Operations Center located at:

2644 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA 92676

Cost
This course and course materials are provided to students at no cost.

** Note: Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not reimburseable by the state.

Please email any questions to Carly.Goodrich@calema.ca.gov. Thank you!

March 4-8~All-Hazards COMT Training~Los Alamitos, CA

2013-01-22T10:40:00.002-08:00

All-Hazards Communications Technician (COMT) Training Course

March 4-8, 2013

Los Alamitos, CA

Cal EMA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (DHS-OEC) will be sponsoring an All-Hazards Communications Technician (COMT) training course in Los Alamitos, CA on March 4-8, 2013. This curriculum trains emergency responders on practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians during all-hazards emergency operations and will help communications technicians to work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure. The COMT class is targeted for all local, regional, state and federal cross disciplinary emergency response professionals and coordination/support personnel with a communications background. The class is being held at: Cal EMA Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center located at 4671 Liberty Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.

CLASS TIME REQUIREMENTS
This is a five (5) day class for a total of 40 hours. The class is presented with facilitated lectures and student exercises. The first day’s class will begin at 0830 hours local time, unless other agreements have been reached. On subsequent days, class will begin at 0800.

STUDENT PREREQUISITES
Listed below are the All-Hazards COMT prerequisites candidates must possess to attend the class:

>A public safety communications background with exposure to field operations
>Fundamental public safety communications technology awareness
>Basic knowledge of local communications and communications system, frequencies and spectrum, technologies, local topography, system site locations including knowledge of local, regional, and state communication plans, and communications and resource contacts.

Students, prior to admission to the course, are required to provide proof of completion of the following courses:
o ICS-100
o ICS-200
o NIMS-IS-700
o NIMS-IS-800.b
o ICS-300 is recommended for students, but not required.

* A written recommendation from the student's supervisor attesting the student meets the neccesary requirements for this course.

TO REGISTER - CLICK HERE

** To register for the course, click the registration link above and fill out the information. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance at least 1 week prior to the class start date.

PRE-COURSE WORK

Each student will receive Study Materials in electronic format once their enrollment has been confirmed. Students will be tested during class time on materials provided in the Study Materials. Students are responsible for the information in the Study Materials. The student’s home agency should consider providing the student time to prepare to attend the class. Students will be required to bring a portable radio and a list of communications equipment and frequencies used within their jurisdiction.

FUNDING and REIMBURSEMENT

Due to budgetary limitations, CalEMA will not reimburse students for travel, lodging, back-fill or overtime. Students are encouraged to inquire with their organizations for reimbursement for training expenses. This class is being funded through a technical assistance request through the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC).

Contact the California Interoperability Coordinators Office (CICO) at Carly.goodrich@calema.ca.gov or (916) 845-8637 if you have additional questions.

March 2,9,16~All-Hazards COML Training~Los Angeles, CA

2013-01-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) Training

March 2nd, 9th, and 16th, of 2013 (Los Angeles, CA)

Cal EMA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) will be sponsoring an All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) training course in Los Angeles, CA on the first three Saturdays in March beginning March 2nd, 9th, and 16th. This course is based on a three-day curriculum covering the functions, duties, and responsibilities of an All-Hazards COML. Instructors will ensure that trained personnel will be capable of coordinating on-scene communications during a multi-jurisdictional response.

To Register Click Here

The class will be held at the:

LAFD Department Operations Center (DOC)

500 East Temple St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Cost
This course and course materials are provided to students at no cost.

** Note: Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not reimburseable by the state.

Please email any questions to Carly.Goodrich@calema.ca.gov. Thank you!

Newly appointed members of FirstNet

2012-08-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier today during a keynote speech at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Department of Commerce Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank announced the 12 newly-appointed members to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board.

Tim Bryan, CEO, National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative
Charles “Chuck” Dowd, Deputy Chief, New York City Police Department
F. Craig Farrill, Wireless telecommunications executive
Paul Fitzgerald, Sheriff, Story County, Iowa
Samuel “Sam” Ginn (Chairman), Telecommunications executive
Jeffrey Johnson, Fire Chief (retired); former Chair, State Interoperability Executive Council, State of Oregon; CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
William Keever, Telecommunications executive (retired)
Kevin McGinnis, Chief/CEO, North East Mobile Health Services
Ed Reynolds, Telecommunications executive (retired)
Susan Swenson, Telecommunications/technology executive
Teri Takai, Government information technology expert; former CIO, states of Michigan and California
Wellington Webb, Founder, Webb Group International; former Mayor, Denver, Colorado

These Board members join the three permanent Board members, which include Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Acting OMB Director Jeffrey Zients, and Attorney General Eric Holder. The FirstNet Board is tasked with deploying a nationwide, interoperable, public safety communications network as recommended by the 9/11 Commission in order to resolve communications challenges faced by emergency responders nationwide.

On February 22, 2012, President Obama signed into law the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012,” which included provisions to fund and govern a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. It also called for the formation of FirstNet as an independent authority within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create the overarching framework for the network and secure nationwide standards for use and access to the network. The FirstNet Board is also responsible for issuing requests for proposals to build, operate, and maintain the network, and overseeing the contracts with non-federal entities to build, operate, and maintain the network.

The Act directed the Secretary of Commerce to appoint 12 FirstNet Board members, who will serve for staggered, three-year terms. By law, the FirstNet Board represents experts in public safety, technology, network operations, and finance. The Act also requires the Board’s inclusion of at least three public safety professionals and at least three members representing the interests of States, localities, tribes, and territories.

NPSTC to study impact of T-Band give back

2012-08-13T08:54:00.001-07:00

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) is seeking input from public safety professionals regarding legislation passed by Congress that requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to relocate public safety radios operating in the T-Band frequencies (470-512 MHz).

A special working group will be established to study the impact this will have on law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS agencies. Based on the findings, a series of recommendations will be shared with Congress and the FCC.

If your agency operates in the T-Band, its vital that your information is shared with NPSTC.

NPSTC would appreciate your help in responding to the web questionnaire by September 20, 2012. Your participation should take less than 30 minutes and your individual agency data will not be shared publicly without your written permission. A summary of the data will be used in our future efforts on behalf of the entire first responder community. This information is essential in educating policymakers on a national scale. Through your support and participation, we will be able to gather necessary information to calculate the cost and impact of the legislation.

Survey link: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/993962/T-Band-Frequency-Usage.

Communications Exercise Oct. 17-18, 2012

2012-07-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

Cal EMA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) will be conducting a communications exercise for personnel who have completed the ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) or the All-Hazards Communications Technician (COMT)courses. The exercise is intended to help our COMLs and COMTs complete core competencies as part of the positional tasks book.

The exercise will be held in Sacramento on October 17 & 18 running from 8am to 5pm. Seating is very limited and all applicant requests will be vetted and determined by the Exercise Planning Team.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please contact Carly Goodrich by email at carly.goodrich@calema.ca.gov or call (916) 845-8637. Access the registration portal by clicking the link below.

In addition to submitting your application, applicants must provide a letter of support from their supervisor. Letters must be received by August 13, 2012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

FCC waives Jan 1, 2013 Narrowband requirement

2012-04-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

The FCC released an order yesterday to waive their own motion on the January 1, 2013 narrowband mandate. (Not so fast)- This only applies to licensees operating in the 470-512 Mhz band commonly known as the "T Band Spectrum". This brings to rest all the questions regarding those jurisdictions operating in the T-Band spectrum, discovering that their investments to narrowband would be for nothing in nine years. If you recall, the Middle Class Tax Relief Act passed in February required all licensees operating in T-Band would need to vacate the spectrum to make way for future spectrum auctions to fund the build-out of the Public Safety Broadband Network.

This is good news for our folks in Los Angeles and a few others around the Bay Area. The big question is- how will this affect those adjacent UHF frequencies that will operate in narrowband? The link below will take you to the FCC Waiver.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B09AyBXvew_eSzJGcGN6dDNPZDA

New Broadband Directory for Public Safety

2012-04-17T08:47:00.001-07:00

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council has released the Public Safety Broadband Directory which contains links to a wide range of information related to efforts to build the National Broadband Public Safety Network. The directory includes the following resource categories:

Advocacy
Governance
Policy
Requirements
Standards
Testbeds
Training
New Information

Check out the website: http://www.npstc.org/broadbandDirectory.jsp

Free technical training to rural law enforcement agencies

2012-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

SEARCH received funding from the “FY 2009 Recovery Act Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement Grant” to help practitioners in local and tribal justice agencies understand how to use technology to share critical information. This grant is supported by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance, and they still have funding under this program to help additional rural jurisdictions.

SEARCH provides this assistance at no cost to the jurisdictions. To date, rural jurisdictions in Oregon, Montana, Vermont, Maine, Wisconsin and the Navajo Nation have benefited from this assistance. They have addressed topics like governance, policy development, interoperability, computer-aided dispatch and records management systems (CAD/RMS), and information sharing with the FBI.

SEARCH is asking for your help! Please inform your stakeholders of the availability of this free assistance. Click on this link "announcement" to see all relevant details, or interested agencies can request assistance through http://search.org/products/ta/.

For more details about this information sharing grant program, please contact:

· Mike Jacobson, SEARCH Justice Information Sharing Specialist
mjacobson@search.org or 916-208-7119

· Mallorie Teubner, SEARCH Information Sharing Director

mallorie@search.orgor 217-720-0729

Congress nearing D-Block Agreement

2012-02-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

Last night, House and Senate negotiators reached a tentative agreement on public safety spectrum provisions that are expected to be included in a long-term payroll tax extension. While details remain to be seen, particularly with respect to the governance model, below is what the National Governor's Association have heard thus far. Again this is still tentative and more information will become available as this moves forward.

Major Public Safety Provisions

Reallocates the D block of spectrum to public safety

Provides $7 billion for network construction

Does NOT require the giveback of 700 MHz narrowband spectrum – it would require public safety to give back other spectrum in the T band. The T band is broadcast spectrum used in some metropolitan areas by public safety under a waiver from the FCC. A fund to pay for public safety relocation costs is likely included and affected agencies may receive a waiver from FCC requirements that they reduce their use of this spectrum by half in 2012 (referred to as “narrowbanding”). The relocation is not expected to be required for 10-11 years.

Establishes a governance model that combines elements of both proposals – an independent board would be established under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FCC would set technical requirements and guidelines to ensure interoperability. States could choose to construct the network on their own but would be required to coordinate their efforts with the FCC and the board to ensure interoperability.

Provide an estimated $15 billion in revenue from spectrum auctions that could be used as an offset for other provisions in the bill. These would be voluntary incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum, similar to what was included in both the House and Senate proposals.

New Narrowband Summary Tracker from OEC

2012-02-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

The Office of Emergency Communications released a new version of their Narrowband Analysis Tool. It now includes an easy to read summation dashboard with color status information. A much needed capability from the previous version. Considering California has thousands of UHF & VHF licenses it took sometime to generate reports.

After a quick comparsion with the National average, Califonria appears to be on track to meet the mandatory FCC Narrowband mandate, which is only 327 days away. We know prepartions are in full swing statewide and I hope this tool can assist with your planning efforts.

If you interested in the status of your jusrisdiction, click on California for a breakdown of counties.

NARROWBAND SUMMARY TRACKER

Governor Brown's Proposed Budget for 2012-13

2012-01-19T12:21:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, the governor's proposed budget was released and posted on-line. As with most budgets, there are many changes and modifications that will occur between now and when the legislature votes on the final budget in the coming months. However, I want to highlight items in the Governor’s proposal that may have an impact on this program and possibly programs you manage.

Relocation of the California Specialized Training Institute

Consistent with the Administration’s continued efforts to streamline state government, the Budget proposes to relocate the California Specialized Training Institute from San Luis Obispo to more populated locations in northern and southern California. The Institute offers specialized training that focuses on emergency management, criminal justice, and hazardous materials. The relocation will result in state savings of $1.5 million ($0.2 million General Fund and $1.3 million other funds) in 2012‑13. In addition, local governments will save travel costs since the training will be available in central locations that are more easily accessible.

Elimination of the California Emergency Management Agency

The proposal reduces the number of agencies from 12 to 10. It eliminates the California Volunteer Agency, and its programs will be subsumed into the Office of Planning and Research. It eliminates the California Emergency Management Agency and makes it an office reporting directly to the Governor. It eliminates the California Technology Agency and makes it a department under the new Government Operations Agency. To better focus the missions of the agencies, it restructures the State and Consumer Services Agency and the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency…

Elimination of the Public Safety Radio Strategic Planning Committee

The elimination is based on duplicative functions currently being performed.

Elimination of the Governor's Emergency Operations Executive Council

The proposal calls for elimination of the Council but provides the Governor the ability to convene the group as needed.

You can read the budget in its entirety by visiting the state's budget site at http://www.ebudget.ca.gov