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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.
NCS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
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(NS/EP) capabilities and superseded President Kennedy's original 1963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 24 Federal departments and agencies,
and began coordinating and planning NS/EP telecommunications to support
crises and disasters. The NCS membership currently stands at 24 members,
with the addition of the Office of the Director for National Intelligence
(ODNI) in September 2007.
NCS FAQ Index
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Where does
the NCS reside organizationally within the Department of Homeland Security?
In March 2003, the NCS was placed under the Assistant Secretary for
Infrastructure Protection, part of the Under Secretary for Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP) Directorate. The NCS was
one of four divisions, along with the Infrastructure Coordination Division
(ICD), the Protective Services Division (PSD) and the National Cyber
Security Division (NCSD). Following the implementation of the Secretary
of Homeland Security’s “Second Stage Review” in the
fall of 2005, the NCS and NCSD moved under the Assistant Secretary for
Cyber Security and Telecommunications – part of the Preparedness
Directorate. On April 1, 2007, the NCS, along with NCSD and the newly
formed Office of Emergency Communications, became part of the Office
of the Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security and Communications, within
the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate
NCS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are
National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) communications
?
NS/EP communications services which are used to maintain a state of
readiness or to respond to and manage any event or crisis (local, national,
or international) that causes or could cause injury or harm to the population,
damage to or loss of property, or degrades or threatens the national
security or emergency preparedness posture of the United States.
NCS FAQ Index
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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 industry-Government planning through its
work with the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory
Committee (NSTAC), the Network Security Information Exchanges (NSIEs),
the NCS’ National Coordinating Center (NCC), with its Communications
Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Com-ISAC), as well as through
the Communications Sector Coordinating Council and Government Communications
Coordinating Council.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is the
Executive Agent?
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff serves as the Executive
Agent of the National Communications System. The Secretary of Homeland
Security assumed duties of the Executive Agent on March 1, 2003 when
sponsorship of the NCS transferred from the Defense Department to the
Department of Homeland Security.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is the
Director of the National Communications System?
Mr. Lawrence C. Hale is the Acting Director of the NCS. He 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.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is the
Manager?
Mr. Robert D. Jamison, the Department of Homeland Security’s Acting
Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs, is the Manager
of the NCS.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is the
Deputy Manager?
Mr. Gregory Garcia, the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant
Secretary for Cyber Security and Communications is the NCS Deputy Manager.
NCS FAQ Index
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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
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How often does the NSTAC
meet?
The NSTAC conducts face-to-face meetings annually in May to report on
its activities and provide recommendations to the President. In addition,
the NSTAC membership conducts quarterly meetings via conference calls
to discuss ongoing work and potential issues between principals and
senior government leaders
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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.
.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who currently serves as
Chair and Vice Chair of the NSTAC?
Gary D. Forsee, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sprint
Nextel, is the NSTAC Chair. President Bush appointed Mr. Forsee as NSTAC
Chair in November 2006, replacing F. Duane Ackerman, Chairman and CEO
of BellSouth. Randall Stephenson, Chairman and CEO of AT&T, is the
vice chair.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Which companies
are currently represented on NSTAC?
As of March 18, 2008, the following companies are represented on the
President’s NSTAC
- Bank of America
- Boeing
- Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
- Harris Corporation
- Lockheed Martin
- Intelsat
- Juniper Networks
- Microsoft
- Motorola
- National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
- Nortel Networks
- Raytheon
- Rockwell Collins
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Telcordia Technologies
- Teledesic
- United States Telecom Association (USTelecom)
- Verizon Communications
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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. NSTAC members are classified as
“representatives.” 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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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 and an alternate.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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What is the
role of the NCS in regards to the NSTAC, the IES and other subcommittees?
Executive Order 12382 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 NCS 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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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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.
NSTAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
National
Communications System Committee of Principals (COP) FAQ
What is the Committee
of Principals (COP)?
The NCS 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 24 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 Index
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 Office of the Director for National Intelligence
- 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
NCS COP FAQ Index
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Who chairs the COP?
The Manager of the National Communications System chairs the Committee
of Principals.
NCS COP FAQ Index
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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.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
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.
NCS COP FAQ Index
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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, 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.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How often does the COR meet?
How are they tasked?
As the working group of the COP, the COR normally meets on a quarterly
basis. 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.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Does the COP have subcommittees?
As needed, the COP or COR establishes working groups or implementation
teams to address specific issues and technical matters. These subordinate
working bodies play an important role in the NCS and its deployment
of NS/EP communications programs.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
National
Communications System Issuance System FAQ
What is an Issuance?
An Issuance is a reference document that implements, establishes, guides,
describes or explains organizational responsibilities, authorities,
policies, and/or procedures.
NCSIS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are the various types
of Issuances?
There are six types of issuances:
- Directive - Establish and implement organizational
responsibilities, authorities, policies, and procedures of a continuing
nature.
- Circular - Promulgate subject matter either pending
incorporation into a NCS directive or requiring a one-time action.
- Manual - Provide a detailed description, explanation
or procedural or technical guidance concerning matter addressed in
directives or circulars.
- Handbook - Provide a detailed description, explanation
or procedural or technical guidance concerning matter addressed in
directives, circulars or manuals.
- Notice - Promulgate immediate subject matter, usually
informational, and either pending incorporation into an NCS manual
or of transitional interest.
- Office of the Manager NCS (OMNCS) Office Order
- Implement and provide procedural guidance supplementary to NCS and
other directives, manuals, or authority, and outline managerial requirements
NCSIS FAQ Index
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Who issues the Issuances?
Directives are issued by the Director, Office of Science and Technology
and/or Director, Office of Management and Budget, both of which are
part of the Executive Office of the President (EOP). Prior to issuance,
the proposed text of the directive is considered by the Committee of
Principals (COP), the Executive Agent, NCS, and the Assistant to the
President for National Security Affairs.
Circulars are issued and approved by the Director, Office
of Science and Technology and/or Director, Office of Management and
Budget, both of which are part of the Executive Office of the President
(EOP). Prior to issuance, the proposed text of the circular is considered
by the Committee of Principals (COP), the Executive Agent, NCS, and
the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
Manuals are issued by the NCS Manager and are submitted
for approval before the COP, Executive Agent, NCS. EOP review may also
occur if requested pursuant to paragraph 9e of NCS Directive 1-1.
Handbooks are issued by the NCS Manager and are not considered
before the COP, the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs.
Notices are issued by the NCS Manager and are not considered
before the COP, the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs.
Office of the Manager, NCS (OMNCS) Office Orders
are issued by the NCS Manager and are not considered before the COP,
the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant to the President for National
Security Affairs.
NCSIS FAQ Index FAQ
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Under what
authority are Issuances created?
Directives are issued under the authority of Executive Order No. 12472,
“Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications
Functions,” April 3, 1984, Vol. 49, No. 67, Federal Register 13471
(1984), (amended by Executive Order 13286 of 28 February 2003); and
NCS Directive 1-1, “National Communications System (NCS) Issuance
System,” November 30, 1987.
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To whom are Issuances
applicable?
Directives, Circular, and Manuals are considered binding on the Executive
Agent, NCS; Manager, NCS; NCS Committee of Principals and member organizations;
and other affected Executive entities.
Handbooks and Notices are considered non-binding. They
are not required to be submitted for a formal approval and therefore
are not considered binding.
OMNCS Office Orders are only binding on OMNCS internal
operations, administration, and personnel.
NCSIS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Do Issuances expire
or can they be amended?
Directives remain in effect until superseded or cancelled.
Circulars expire after whichever of the following occurs
first
- it is incorporated into a directive
- one year from the date of promulgation, or
- at a specified time period
Manuals remain in effect until superseded or cancelled.
Handbooks remain in effect until superseded or cancelled
Notices expire after whichever of the following occurs
first,
- it is incorporated into a handbook
- one year from the date of dissemination, or
- at a specified time period
OMNCS Office Orders remain in effect until superseded
or cancelled.
Types of NCS Issuances*
Type
|
Duration |
Use |
Text Approved/ Considered by |
Issued by |
Binding or
Nonbinding |
| Directive |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To establish and implement organizational responsibilities, authorities,
policies, and procedures of a continuing nature |
COP, EA, APNSA |
EOP |
Binding |
| Circular |
Expires after: a. Incorporation into a directive, b. One year
from date of promulgation, or
c. A specified time period
|
To promulgate subject matter either pending incorporation into
a NCS directive or requiring one-time action. |
COP, EA, APNSA |
EOP |
Binding |
| Manual |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To provide detailed description, explanation or procedural or
technical guidance concerning matters addressing in directives or
circulars. |
COP, EA, EOP** |
NCS MGR |
Binding |
| Handbook |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled To provide detailed
description, explanation or procedural or technical guidance concerning
matters addressing in directives, circulars or manuals |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Nonbinding |
| Notice |
Expires after: a. Incorporation into a manual, b. One year from
date of promulgation, or c. A specified time period |
To promulgate immediate subject matter, usually informational,
and either pending incorporation into a NCS manual or of transitional
interest |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Nonbinding |
| OMNCS Office Order |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To implement and provide procedural guidance supplementary to
NCS and other directives, manuals, or authority, and outline managerial
require |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Binding on OMNCS internal operations, administration and personnel |
Legend: APNSA (Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs); COP (NCS Committee of Principals); EA
(Executive Agent, NCS); EOP (Executive Office of the President); NCS
MGR (NCS Manager)
* The abbreviated descriptions shown above
are subject to the more detailed provisions of NCS Directive 1-1
** EOP review will only occur when requested pursuant
to paragraph 9e of NCS Directive 1-1
NCSIS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
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.
NCC FAQ Index
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Who is the Manager of the
NCC?
The Manager of the NCC is Mr. Brian Carney.
NCC FAQ Index
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Is the NCC a joint effort
between the Government and industry?
Yes, the NCC is a joint collaborative effort between government and
industry. In addition to the NCS, there are nine federal participants
(as of 02/21/2008) - Department of State, Department of Defense, Department
of Commerce, Department of Energy, HITRAC, Federal Communications Commission,
Federal Emergency Management Agency (part of the Department of Homeland
Security), Federal Reserve Board, and the General Services Administration.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How many industry members
belong to the NCC?
There are 46 industry members belonging to the NCC(as of 02/11/2008)
– Alcatel-Lucent, Americom, Association of Public-Safety Communications
Officials - International, Inc. (APCO International), AT&T, Avici
Systems, Inc., Boeing, Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA), Cisco Systems, Cincinnati Bell, Comcast Cable, COMPTEL, Computer
Sciences Corporation (CSC), Cox Communications, EDS, EutelsatAmerica,
Global Crossing, Globalstar, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Internap, Intrado,
Juniper Networks, Level 3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, McLeod USA,
Mobile Satellite Ventures, Motorola, National Association of Broadcasters,
New Skies, Nortel Networks, Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, Qwest Communications,
Raytheon, SAVVIS, Inc., Science Applications International Corporation
(SAIC), Sprint Nextel, Telecom Industry Association (TIA), T-Mobile,
Time Warner, United States Telecom Association (USTelecom), USA Mobility,
VeriSign, Verizon, Verizon Business, and Verizon Wireless.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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/
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
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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.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
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 99 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 July 2007, the SHARES network consists of 1,343 HF radio stations,
representing 99 Federal, State, and industry resource contributors.
There are SHARES stations situated in every state and at 17 overseas
locations. Nearly 200 emergency planning and response personnel also
participate in SHARES. Over 150 HF frequencies are earmarked for use
in SHARES. The NCS also has the ability, if needed, to communicate via
non-government emergency radio groups such as SATERN, Maritime Mobile
Service Net, REACT, INTERCON, Radio Rescue Net and the Hurricane Watch
Net. The National Communication System publishes SHARES HF Radio Bulletin’s,
to periodically keep members updated on program activities that can
be accessed at http://www.ncs.gov/n3/shares.
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 110 members, representing 107 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
NCS Priority
Telecommunications Service Center FAQ
What is the purpose of the
NCS Priority Telecommunications Service Center?
The purpose of the Service Center 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.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What organization in Department
of Homeland Security implements the Service Center?
Within the DHS, Cyber Security & Communications Division, National
Protection and Programs, the NCS Technology and Programs Division provides
NS/EP priority telecommunications services to Federal, State, local,
and tribal governments, industry, and other authorized NS/EP organizations.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What NCS programs and services
are administered by the Service Center?
The Service Center administers 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
Telephone Network (PSTN). 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 - SHARES 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.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How do NCS customers contact
the Service Center?
The Service Center has created a virtual call center, which provides
a single number for all NCS customers to call for priority communications
services. The Service Center may be contacted by calling 1-866-NCS-CALL
[2255], or in the metro Washington, D.C. area at (703)-760-CALL [2255].
This call center provides one centralized access point with multiple
selections for the various NCS NS/EP priority telecommunications services.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Can I utilize the Service
Center using the worldwide web?
The NCS implemented a consolidated web-based approach for NS/EP priority
communications services using a web portal to streamline the application
process for access to the NCS programs. 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.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How are the processes of the
Service Center being implemented?
The architecture used for consolidation of the technical/information
processes for all NCS priority telecommunications services/programs
administration will utilize web-based technology and a web-based information
delivery service. Partitions or other security measures have been established
to protect more sensitive information as required.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who do I contact for
further information?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the NCS Priority
Telecommunications Service Center: Telephone: 1-866-NCS-CALL [2255],
or in the metro Washington, D.C. area at (703)-760-CALL [2255]; Fax:
[(703)-607-4984]; or Website - http://www.ncs.gov.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Emergency Support Function
#2 Training Conferences FAQ
What is the role
of the National Communications System within the National Response Plan?
The National Communications System (NCS) is designated as the Primary
Agency for implementation of Emergency Support Function (ESF) #2 (Communications)
Annex of the National Response Plan. ESF #2 supports the restoration
of the public communications infrastructure and ensures the provision
of Federal communications support to response efforts during Incidents
of National Significance. In this role, the NCS ensures that our Nation’s
communications infrastructure can respond throughout any crisis or emergency
condition. The ESF #2 missions are executed by the Emergency Communications
Teams (National and Field) (ECT-N and ECT-F) in response to any communications
infrastructure crisis or emergency condition. The readiness level of
the team is sustained by the semi-annual ESF #2 Training Conferences
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are the ESF #2 Training
Conferences?
The semi-annual ESF #2 Training Conference consist of a myriad of training
topics and exercises which are used to educate, exercise and assess
the Emergency Communications Team personnel at all proficiency levels.
These training conferences ensure that the ECT-N and ECT-F teams are
staffed with diverse skills sets that enable successful performance
of the ESF #2 missions.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the purpose of the
ESF #2 Training Conferences?
The conferences provide an opportunity to train and develop the Emergency
Communications Team members with diverse, functional telecommunications
responder skills, such as, telecommunications management, telephony
engineering, spectrum analysis/ management, resource acquisition, and
administration. Additionally, the conferences build upon these skills
sets by reinforcing classroom instruction with a scenario-driven emergency
response exercise. The exercise is designed to replicate the activation,
deployment, response and recovery, and deactivation processes that are
required for ESF #2 operations during an Incident of National Significance.
The exercise phase of the training will:
- Incorporate lessons learned from previous conferences,
previous national or regional disasters/emergencies, and other ESF
#2 deployments
- Improve on traditional methods for effective communications
coordination prior to and immediately following a major disaster
The training agenda for future conferences will include
topics, such as, network management, non-terrestrial telecommunications
networks, restoration of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks, Public Safety
Access Point operations, the Stafford Act, the acquisition process,
Joint Field Office operations, and state and local government Emergency
Operations Center operations. The training will combine classroom lectures
with team exercises and off-site tours of government and commercial
communications facilities and equipment.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is eligible to attend
the ESF #2 Training Conferences?
This unique training opportunity is offered to the volunteers from the
ESF #2 Support Agencies and the member agencies of the National Communications
System. The training provides a forum for educational interaction and
team building relationships among the Federal partner agencies and the
State and local emergency management officials, tribal officials, and
private sector partners. All costs to attend the training events are
the responsibility of the attendee’s parent agency
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
NCS Augmentee Program
FAQ
What is the Augmentee Program?
The National Communications System (NCS) Drilling Individual Mobilization
Augmentee (DIMA) Unit was established in 1988 to provide a cadre of
skilled US Army Reserve officers to augment the NCS’ emergency
response capabilities during an Incident of National Significance, as
defined in the National Response Plan.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the IMA Mission?
The NCS IMA Unit provides trained personnel to coordinate the restoration
and provisioning of emergency communications services in response to
a federal mobilization for an Incident of National Significance (i.e.,
natural or man-made disaster, civil crises, special events, etc). The
IMA officers become members of the Emergency Support Function #2 (ESF
#2) Emergency Communication Teams that are activated to provide communications
support for the emergency response operation. The IMA officers may be
deployed for duty at the NCS headquarters, FEMA’s National and
Regional Response Coordination Centers, a state Emergency Operations
Center, or a federal Joint Field Office.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is an Individual Mobilization
Augmentee?
The members of the NCS IMA Unit are US Army Reserve officers (typically
Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels) with military and/or civilian training
and experience in communications planning and operations; information
system planning and operations; and management of an Operations Center.
The NCS IMA Unit is based in Arlington, VA; however, the assigned personnel
are geographically dispersed throughout the United States and Puerto
Rico. Each officer conducts an individualized training program to maintain
skill proficiency and participates in NCS-sponsored training events
to maintain readiness for operational deployments.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who sponsors the IMA Program?
The Department of the Army / US Army Reserve sponsors the DIMA program
in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security / National
Communications System. The US Army Reserve Human Resources Command (St.
Louis, MO) assigns officers to the Unit in response to staffing requests
submitted by the NCS.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What experience is needed?
The IMA officers are normally US Army Signal Corps field grade officers
with staff officer experience and organizational skills that are adaptable
to an Operations Center environment. Successful IMAs are self-starters
who can work with little or no supervision, have strong communications
skills (verbal and written), and training/experience in the fields of
communications and information system planning and operations.
To be fully functional in their assigned positions within
the Emergency Communications Teams, the IMAs must obtain experience
in or knowledge of the following:
- National security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications
procedures
- Emergency preparedness and response operating procedures
- Communications planning and operations in support of the National
Response Plan
- NCS organization, functions, authorities, and intergovernmental
relationships
- Application of Telecommunications Service Priority for the restoration
and provisioning of commercial telecommunications services
- Use of automated resources to manage and track NS/EP actions, and
prepare accurate, timely reports to summarize emergency operations.
Augmentee FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What training is needed?
IMAs assigned to the NCS IMA Unit will attend an initial orientation
at the NCS headquarters in Arlington, VA. The orientation will address
the organization and mission of the NCS, and the priority telecommunications
programs that are provided to ensure the availability of communications
services during an emergency. Each IMA will also develop an individualized
Inactive Duty Training (IDT) program that may consist of distance learning
courses sponsored by the FEMA Emergency Management Institute or other
training institutions. The IDT program for each IMA is funded for forty-eight
4-hour Battle Assemblies (“drills”) each fiscal year.
In addition, as reservists, the IMAs will complete an
Annual Training (AT) assignment that encompasses a 2-week period each
fiscal year. The Annual Training assignments provide an opportunity
to ensure the IMAs receive training or exposure to the duties they will
be assigned during an actual deployment.
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
the public switched telephone network (PSTN), Internet Protocol (IP)
and next generation packet networks, and wireless, satellite and cable
infrastructures] under various stress conditions. NDAC software resources
include the telecommunications databases, tools, and models used to
assess network performance, perform modeling and simulation, and visualize
network topologies. The NCS continuously refines and expands the NDAC
through software updates, the acquisition of new data sets, 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 model natural and man-made disruptions to the PSN and
enables the NCS to perform vendor independent analyses, develop models
and methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and congestion, identify
critical infrastructures’ dependence on telecommunications, and
identify network effectiveness solutions. The NCS designed the NDAC
to detect and help mitigate damage caused by accident or attack and
to assist in reconstitution.
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What features does the NDAC
support?
- NS/EP communications planning
- Custom modeling/simulation studies under a variety of conditions
- PSN dependability and access analyses
- Examine effect of new technologies on the PSTN and Internet infrastructures
- 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 effects of emerging
technologies
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are some examples of
current studies using the NDAC?
- Priority Services in Next Generation Networks (NGN) Study - provide
timely quantitative analyses of specific NGN GETS Industry Requirements
issues; develop and exercise models that track longer term industry
capabilities; test the effectiveness (performance, security, availability)
of candidate NS/EP protocol and technology enhancements through prototype
development and experiments; integrate prototyping capability and
modeling team activities to support GETS program requirements
- Internet Analysis Study - characterize the Internet connectivity
and infrastructure across government and corporate institutional assets;
determine what events or incidents could disrupt or deny Internet
services to critical facilities; perform vulnerability assessments
on networks belonging to critical government and corporate facilities
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Telecommunications
Electromagnetic Disruptive Effects (TEDE) FAQ
What is TEDE?
TEDE refers to the disruptive effects that an electromagnetic source
could have on a telecommunications system or device. TEDE disruptive
effects include Electromagnetic Pulse, Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD),
High application module development.
TEDE FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Why is the NCS working on
TEDE?
Title 5 of the Federal Code of Regulations (C.F.R.), part 215 assigns
the Executive Agent of the National Communications System as the Federal
Government’s focal point for Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) technical
data and studies concerning telecommunications.
TEDE FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who at the NCS works on TEDE?
The NCS, specifically the Advanced Technologies Group of the NCS Technology
and Programs Division, coordinate, approve and conduct TEDE tests and
studies of telecommunications and associated control systems.
TEDE 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?
Participating Industry Members: Alcatel*Lucent, Americom, AT&T,
Avici Systems ,Inc., Boeing, Cisco Systems, Cincinnati Bell, Comcast
Cable, COMPTEL, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Cox Communications,
EDS, Global Crossing, Globalstar, Intelsat, Internap, Intrado, Juniper
Networks, Level 3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, McLeod USA, Mobile
Satellite Ventures, Motorola, New Skies, Nortel Networks, Northrop Grumman,
Qualcomm, Qwest Communications, Raytheon, SAVVIS, Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC), Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile, Time Warner,
USA Mobility, VeriSign, Verizon, Verizon Business, and Verizon Wireless.
Four Industry Associations: Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials - International, Inc. (APCO International),
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), Telecom
Industry Association (TIA), and the United States Telecom Association
(USTA).
Telecom-ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
How is information shared
among the Telecom-ISAC members?
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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