NIMS Testing & Evaluation

NIMS Supporting Technology Evaluation Program (NIMS STEP)

The NIMS sets forth the requirement for interoperability and compatibility to enable public and private organizations to conduct well-integrated and effective incident management operations. Systems operating in an incident management environment must be able to work together and not interfere with one another. Interoperability and compatibility are achieved through the use of tools such as common communications and data standards.

The NIMS STEP supports NIMS implementation by providing an independent, third party evaluation of supporting technologies - the use and incorporation of new and existing technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of incident management.

The purpose of NIMS STEP is to provide an independent, objective evaluation of commercial and government hardware and software products related to incident management to assist in the implementation of the NIMS. Evaluation activities are designed to help create a uniform level of compliance, expand technology solutions, and provide the emergency response community with findings to assist in making informed procurement decisions that support system interoperability and NIMS. Participation in the program is voluntary and does not constitute certification of NIMS compliance or an official DHS endorsement of the product.

Incident management product evaluations are conducted based on NIMS criteria derived from the NIMS Document and on NIMS technical standards.   The NIMS criteria assessment is qualitative and subjective in nature and is based on Subject Matter Experts (SME's).  The NIMS technical standard evaluation is quantitative and objective in nature and based upon adopted standards.

Adopted NIMS technical standards linked to IMSI testing and evaluation activities include the following:

Questions about the program can be sent to nimsstep@nimssc.net.

Citations from FEMA 501 "National Incident Management System"
"Coordinate basic, applied, developmental, and demonstration research, testing, and evaluation activities to meet needs for new technologies, procedures, protocols, and standards to facilitate incident management requirements…"

"Systems operating in an incident management environment must be able to work together (across disciplines and jurisdictions) and not interfere with one another. Interoperability and compatibility are achieved through the use of tools such as common communications and data standards, digital data formats, equipment standards, and design standards."

Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2008 14:19:33 EDT