Equipment

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for KC-135 Recapitalization (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2006
Recapitalization of the KC-135 aerial refueling tanker is very important for U.S. national security and has a significant impact on the national budget. Aerial refueling tankers are a critical part of U.S. military and national security strategy. Without them, air power cannot be deployed to overseas theaters in a timely way; air power cannot be operated at militarily required distances from overseas bases; U.S.-based strategic air forces cannot execute overseas missions; and homeland defense air patrols would lose substantial effectiveness.

An Emergency Communications Safety Net: Integrating 911 and Other Services (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated February 28, 2008
Emergency calls (911) on both landline and wireless networks are often considered part of the public safety network. As technologies that can support 911 improve, many are suggesting the full integration of 911 into emergency communications and alerts. This report reviews this possibility, noting legislation that the second session of the 110th Congress may consider.

Best Practices: Using a Knowledge-Based Approach to Improve Weapon Acquisition (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, February 2004
This report examines a knowledge-based approach to weapons acquisition. If adopted, the approach could deliver new high-quality technology to the U.S. Department of Defense on time and within budget. The approach centers on three critical junctures that determine whether acquisition plans can move forward.

Chemical and Biological Defense: Improved Risk Assessment and Inventory Management Are Needed (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, September 2001
This report reviews U.S. forces' readiness in terms of the protective equipment needed for operations in a chemically or biologically contaminated environment.

Chemical Protective Clothing for Law Enforcement Patrol Officers and Emergency Medical Services When Responding to Terrorism With Chemical Weapons (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, November 1999
This report presents the results of tests conducted on clothing designed to protect law enforcement officers and emergency medical services personnel from chemical weapons.

Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Adequate Testing of Next Generation Radiation Detection Equipment (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, September 18, 2007
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is responsible for addressing the threat of nuclear smuggling and uses radiation detection portal monitors to help safeguard against this threat. In March 2006, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended that DNDO conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether new advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP) monitors, developed by DHS, were worth the additional cost. In October 2006, GAO concluded that DNDO did not provide a sound analytical basis for its decision to purchase and deploy ASP technology and recommended further testing. DNDO conducted this ASP testing between February and March 2007. This report addresses the test methods used to demonstrate ASP performance capabilities and whether test results should be used top make a full-scale production decision.

Data Mining: An Overview (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated June 7, 2005
Used to detect fraud, assess risk, and track retail products in the private sector, data mining employs data analysis tools to discover patterns and relationships in large datasets. In a homeland security context, data mining is a means for identifying terrorist activities such as terror financing, communications, and terrorist travel by tracking immigration records. However, there are implementation concerns that may affect a data mining project's outcome, including data quality, interoperability, "mission creep," and privacy. This report updates the Congressional Research Service's continuing coverage of the issues involved with this new technology.

Defense Acquisitions: Steps Needed to Ensure Interoperability of Systems That Process Intelligence Data (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, March 2003
This report assesses a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) initiative to develop a common ground-surface-based intelligence system. In particular, the report examines whether DOD has adequately planned this initiative and whether the department’s process for testing and certifying the interoperability of new systems is working effectively.

Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps' Body Armor Requirements, Controls, and Other Issues (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 6, 2007
On April 26, 2007, the Government Accountability Office issued a report reviewing the Army and the Marine Corps' individual body armor systems, as well as other efforts to protect military ground forces. This testimony summarizes the extent to which the Army and Marine Corps have met the theater requirements for body armor; have established controls to ensure that the manufacturing and fielding of body armor meet requirements; and have shared information regarding their efforts on body armor ballistic requirements and testing.

Department of Justice to Provide $33.6 million to Assist Law Enforcement in Replacing Zylon Vests
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, August 24, 2005
The U.S. Department of Justice, as part of its ongoing Body Armor Safety Initiative testing, announces that used Zylon-containing body armor vests may not provide the intended level of ballistic resistance. As a result, DOJ will adopt new interim requirements for its testing program and will add $10 million to the $23.6 million already available to law enforcement through DOJ's Bulletproof Vest Partnership program to help replace Zylon-based body armor vests.

Developing Multi-Agency Interoperability Communications Systems: User's Handbook (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness, 2003
Applicable to the ACU-1000 Modular Interface/Interconnect System and the TRP-1000 Transportable Radio Interconnect System, this handbook is a useful resource for ACU/TRP-1000 users throughout the United States. The ACU/TRP-1000 system provides radio interoperability during incidents or events requiring communications between diverse organizations using different radios and different frequencies.

Electronic Government: Progress in Promoting Adoption of Smart Card Technology (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, January 2003
This GAO report reviews smart card use within the Federal Government. Information about selected government smart card projects is included along with recommendations for improving the general effectiveness of this technology.

Emergency Communications: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and All-Hazard Warnings (PDF)
Linda K. Moore, Congressional Research Service, Updated November 12, 2004
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is built on a structure conceived in the 1950s when over-the-air broadcasting was the best available technology for widely disseminating emergency alerts. Among its weaknesses are insufficient coordination, dependence on a limited set of technologies, and diffused administration. This report summarizes EAS technology and administration, the NOAA/NWS all-hazard network, and some key proposals for change.

Emergency Communications: The Quest for Interoperability in the United States and Europe (PDF)
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, March 2002
This paper discusses communications interoperability and its implementation in the United States and Europe. Three steps are seen as requirements for interoperability: inventing the appropriate technology, setting common standards and frequencies, and providing adequate funding.

Emergency Responder Chemical and Biological Equipment Guides and Database (CD-ROM)
National Institute of Justice, June 2003
The guides and searchable database on this CD-ROM were developed to help emergency first responders evaluate and purchase chemical and biological detection, personal protective, and communications equipment. The guides feature the selection of chemical agent and toxic industrial material detection equipment, chemical and biological decontamination equipment, communication equipment, and personal protective equipment. Copies are available through the NCJRS Online Store or by calling 800-851-3420 (TTY: 1-877-712-9279).

Equipment Sustainment Requirements for the Transforming Army
RAND 2003
This report suggests that the U.S. Army needs to identify a set of equipment sustainment requirements for its weapon system programs that is aligned with future operating concepts. RAND Arroyo Center has developed a set of recommended metrics for defining equipment sustainment requirements and has assessed their merit as key performance parameters.

Evaluating Technology Properly: Three Easy Steps to Success (PDF)
American Correctional Association, July 2001
Evaluating technology-based programs and projects can be a complicated process. This article provides program managers and others with information that will help them transform a typical evaluation into a more comprehensive and useful evaluation.

Evaluation of a Test Protocol for Explosives Trace Detectors Using a Representative Commercial Analyzer
National Institute of Justice, September 1999
This report describes a study of a test protocol for evaluating trace explosives detectors. The purpose of the study was to determine whether law enforcement personnel who lack special training in explosives detection could use the test protocol and obtain meaningful results. The report includes a discussion of experimental methods used by the researchers, test results, and conclusions.

FEMA Establishes Interagency Geospatial Team
Federal Emergency Management Agency, March 2003
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established the Interagency Geospatial Preparedness Team to help make geospatial information and technologies more available to the national community of emergency managers and responders. Experts from FEMA, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lead the interagency team.

Fingerprint Identification and Mobile Handheld Devices: An Overview and Implementation (PDF)
National Institute of Science and Technology, March 2006
This guidebook describes two types of fingerprint identification for handheld devices: one uses the computational capabilities of the handheld device to authenticate a user's fingerprints; the other uses the computational capabilities of a specialized processor to offload processing by the handheld device.

A Guide for Applying Information Technology in Law Enforcement (PDF)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center, March 2001
This guide provides the law enforcement community with a description of information system technologies and an overview of the technologies available. This technology guide also provides information to help law enforcement incorporate information system technologies into daily activities.

Guide for the Selection of Chemical and Biological Decontamination Equipment for Emergency First Responders
National Institute of Justice, October 2001
This publication provides guidance on the selection and use of chemical and/or biological decontamination equipment for various applications.

Guide for the Selection of Commercial Explosives Detection Systems for Law Enforcement Applications
National Institute of Justice, December 1999
This guide provides law enforcement agencies with information to be used in the selection and use of explosives detection equipment and techniques. It discusses factors that should be considered by purchasers (cost, sensitivity, portability, and ease of use) and provides advice about what technologies are likely to work best in various applications.

Guide for the Selection of Communication Equipment for Emergency First Responders
National Institute of Justice, February 2002
This two-volume resource provides guidance on selecting communication equipment for use with chemical and biological protective clothing and respiratory equipment.

Guide for the Selection of Personal Protection Equipment for Emergency First Responders, NIJ Guide 102–00
National Institute of Justice, 2002
This publication provides emergency personnel with guidance on the selection, procurement, and use of personal protection equipment. Various applications and factors associated with this type of equipment (e.g., duration, mobility, and visibility) are considered. Links for the volumes are listed below.

• Volume 1, PDF
• Volume 2A, PDF
• Volume 2B, PDF
• Volume 2C, PDF

Guide for the Selection of Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders
National Institute of Justice, June 2000
This guide provides information to help emergency response communities evaluate and purchase chemical detection equipment.

Guidelines for Transporting Anthrax and Anthrax-Contaminated Objects and Materials (PDF)
Research and Special Programs Administration, December 2001
This report describes regulations for transporting anthrax and anthrax-contaminated materials.

Guidelines for Use of Personal Protective Equipment by Law Enforcement Personnel During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident (Revised July 2003) (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, July 2003
This report provides information to assist law enforcement organizations with formulating policies and procedures on the acquisition, application, and maintenance of personal protective equipment used during responses to chemical incidents.

History of Chemical and Biological Detectors, Alarms, and Warning Systems (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, 2000
This report reviews the history of technological developments in detecting chemical and biological agents.

Homeland Security: Challenges in Achieving Interoperable Communications for First Responders (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, November 2003
This document discusses the barriers to improved interoperability and the roles that federal, state, and local governments play in improving wireless interoperability communications.

Homeland Security: Communication Protocols and Risk Communication Principles Can Assist in Refining the Advisory System (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), June 2004
This report discusses the Homeland Security Advisory System, which was designed to disseminate information to federal, state, and local agencies and the public on the risk of terrorist acts. In particular, it examines the decisionmaking process for the current system, information sharing among agencies at all levels, protective measures implemented during high-alert periods (code orange), and federal, state, and local costs during those periods.

Homeland Security: Federal Leadership and Intergovernmental Cooperation Required to Achieve First Responder Interoperable Communications (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, July 2004
This report addresses both the status of interoperable wireless communications across the nation and the potential role that federal, state, and local governments play in improving these communications.

Independent Testing of Iris Recognition Technology Final Report
International Biometric Group, May 2005
Biometric technologies such as fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition are deployed for verification and/or identification in applications such as access control, border management, and identification systems. Biometric accuracy and usability are often the central factors in deciding to use a specific technology. Thus, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsored a test of the accuracy, usability, and interoperability of iris recognition applications. The test was conducted from July 2004 to April 2005.

Information Security: Key Considerations Related to Federal Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 22, 2005
This document provides an overview of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that will be used in government initiatives such as electronic passports. It discusses key security, privacy, and other considerations surrounding implementation of RFID.

Interim Recommendations for the Selection and Use of Protective Clothing and Respirators Against Biological Agents (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2001
This document presents recommendations for protecting workers from biological hazards using protective clothing and equipment.

An Introduction to Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders
National Institute of Justice, December 2001
This guide provides an overview of biological agent detection equipment. Topics discussed include the four most common classes of biological agents, challenges to biological agent detection, the components and technologies of biological agent detection systems, and preparation for a biological incident.

Inventory of State and Local Law Enforcement Technology Needs To Combat Terrorism (ASCII or PDF)
National Institute of Justice, January 1999
This report presents the results of a study to determine what technologies state and local law enforcement agencies need to combat terrorism. The results show that local law enforcement agencies often are not as well equipped as potential terrorists and that the costs of new technologies are a major obstacle to achieving equity.

Project SAFECOM: Key Cross-Agency Emergency Communications Effort Requires Stronger Collaboration (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, April 2004
This report reviews progress of Project SAFECOM, an electronic government initiative designed to achieve national wireless communications interoperability among first responders and public safety systems at all levels of government. It describes two factors that have contributed to the limited progress of the project after 2 years and offers recommendations for improvements.

Protecting Emergency Responders: Lessons Learned From Terrorist Attacks (PDF)
RAND, December 2001
This report summarizes discussions from a 2001 conference focusing on the experiences of emergency first responders regarding the performance, availability, and appropriateness of their personal protective equipment.

Protecting Emergency Responders, Volume 4: Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines for Structural Collapse Events (PDF)
RAND Corporation, April 2006
Emergency workers who respond to a large structural collapse will encounter numerous physical, chemical, and biological hazards. This monograph provides these workers with guidelines for using personal protective equipment. It focuses on the first several days following a structural collapse, because it is during these initial days that the hazards are greatest, the response is most intense, site-specific exposure monitoring may not be available, and logistical challenges are greatest. These guidelines consider the full range of emergency workers who are likely to respond to a large structural collapse, including local fire, medical, and hazardous material teams as well as police officers and urban search and rescue teams.

Public Safety In-Building/In-Tunnel Ordinances and Their Benefits to Interoperability Report (PDF)
Public Safety Wireless Network, November 2002
This report analyzes existing and proposed in-building communications ordinances and their effectiveness in promoting improved wireless public safety communications inside buildings. It also identifies localities and municipalities with in-building ordinances and compares programs.

Radio Frequency Identification Technology
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Products using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can read information contained in a wireless device or "tag" remotely, without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight between the two. This press release discusses RFID technology as it pertains to U.S. border management and the US-VISIT Program.

Risk Assessment of Using Firefighter Protective Ensemble with Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Rescue Operations During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, June 2003
This report provides information on protection afforded by standard firefighter protective ensembles and the associated risks involved when they are worn during rescue operations, specifically if the incident involves chemical warfare agents. It addresses operational restrictions of the ensembles and describes possible chemical effects that firefighters may experience when these restrictions are exceeded.

Secure Communications Interoperability Operational Evaluation Interim Report (PDF)
Advanced Generation of Interoperability for Law Enforcement, May 2002
This report describes the assembly and deployment of a communications interoperability capacity designed for use in situations in which interoperability and secure communications are required.

The Standardized Equipment List (SEL)
InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and InterOperability
The SEL guide is an annual publication that promotes interoperability and standardization among the response community at the local, state, and federal levels by presenting standards and specifications for equipment. Use of SEL is voluntary, but first responders are advised to review SEL guidelines when developing and acquiring response equipment for weapons of mass destruction. For the latest version of the guide, visit the InterAgency Board's web site.

Statement Requirements for Public Safety Wireless Communications & Interoperability (Version 1.0) (PDF)
The SAFECOM Program, Department of Homeland Security, March 2004
This document focuses on the functional needs that must be met to allow public safety first responders to effectively communicate and share information as authorized when and where it is needed. It can assist federal programs that work with public safety practitioners to facilitate wireless interoperability at all government levels to develop a comprehensive vision for public safety communications.

State Strategies for Accelerating Enhanced 9-1-1 Implementation (PDF)
National Governors Association, April 2004
This paper delivers an overview of several strategies that Governors can consider to achieve enhanced 9-1-1 service delivery goals in their states. Strategies include designating a statewide coordinator, establishing resource guidelines, identifying funding opportunities, and providing education and outreach to public safety answering points.

Swatch Test Results of Phase 2 Commercial Chemical Protective Gloves to Challenge by Chemical Warfare Agents: Summary Report (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, January 2001
This report provides results of tests performed on four commercially available glove designs to assess their capability to protect in a chemical warfare agent environment. From test data, the authors calculated the estimated time it would take to permeate the glove with sufficient agent to cause physiological effects in a person wearing the glove.

Systems Engineering and Program Management: Trends and Costs for Aircraft and Guided Weapons Programs (PDF)
RAND Corporation, July 2006
Systems engineering and program management (SE/PM) are a large part of the acquisition cost of military aircraft and guided weapons systems. This study sought to develop a set of cost-estimating relationships that could be used to approximate the SE/PM cost element for development and production of aircraft and weapons programs.

Tactical Interoperable Communications Scorecards: Summary Report and Findings (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 2007
This report assesses the maturity of tactical interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas. These scorecards were developed by panels of subject matter experts who reviewed documentation on current communications plans, exercises, and self-assessments to arrive at a consensus of findings and recommendations for each region on how to best improve that region's communications capabilities.

TechBeat
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center, National Institute of Justice
This quarterly magazine keeps readers up to date about technologies being developed by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center and other research and development efforts occurring within the federal government and private industry. It is available at no cost. To sign up for this mailing list, call 800-248-2742 or e-mail asknlectc@nlectc.org.

Telecommunications: Uneven Implementation of Wireless Enhanced 911 Raises Prospect of Piecemeal Availability for Years to Come (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, November 2003
Enhanced 911 (E911)—a service that links emergency phone calls to street addresses—is in place in most of the country for traditional wireline telephones. Expanding E911 capabilities to mobile phones is more challenging because of the need to determine the caller's geographic location. This report analyzes such challenges and problems faced with implementing the service nationwide.

Understanding Wireless Communications in Public Safety: A Guidebook to Technology, Issues, Planning, and Management (PDF)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center, January 2003
The guidebook discusses how to plan and manage a communications project, wireless communications technology and issues, and the options available in wireless communications technology. It is intended for mid- to upper-level managers who are responsible for funding and/or managing communications at their agencies but who have little technical background in wireless technology.

The United States Conference of Mayors: Interoperability Survey, A 192-City Survey (PDF)
United States Conference of Mayors, June 2004
This report presents findings of a survey on the reliability and effectiveness of communication systems when public safety agencies respond to disasters. The survey addressed the level of interoperable communications across city, state, and federal public safety agencies; obstacles to interoperability, including the federal mechanism for distributing Homeland Security funds for interoperability purposes; and the investment required for a city to become fully interoperable.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Federal Actions Needed to Ensure Safety and Expand Their Potential Uses Within the National Airspace System (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, May 2008
Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) are currently being used by federal agencies for border security, scientific research, and other purposes. Local governments foresee potential uses in law enforcement or firefighting, and the private sector foresees other uses. However, UASs can fly only after the Federal Aviation Administration conducts case-by-case safety analyses. This report assesses the current and potential uses and benefits of UASs, existing challenges in operating them safely and routinely in the national airspace system, and the federal government's response to these challenges.

Video Surveillance of Public Places (PDF)
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, February 2006
This overview of the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems as a problem-oriented policing response to crime explores the benefits and detriments associated with CCTV, and summarizes the findings of numerous evaluations of CCTV.

Voice Translators for Law Enforcement (PDF)
National Institute of Justice, September 2004
Law enforcement officers who are likely to encounter non-English-speaking individuals in the line of duty can benefit from voice translator devices that provide translations of basic commands in several languages. In 2002, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) asked the Naval Air Systems Command Training Systems Division Orlando to compare three such devices—the Voice Response Translator (VRT), the Phraselator, and the Universal Translator^TM. NIJ recommends use of the VRT. A full report is available online.

Why Can't We Talk? Working Together to Bridge the Communications Gap to Save Lives (A Guide for Public Officials) (PDF)
National Task Force on Interoperability, February 2003
This guide provides public officials with easy-to-understand information on interoperability. It defines interoperability, discusses the importance of interoperability to public officials, and outlines the role that public officials have to play in establishing plans for interoperability. Supplemental resources are available.

When They Can't Talk, Lives Are Lost: What Public Officials Need to Know About Interoperability (PDF)
National Task Force on Interoperability, February 2003
Interoperability refers to the ability of public safety agencies to communicate in real time and on demand via radio or other electronic mediums. This brochure offers an overview of the issues associated with interoperability, including technical information and public policy implications.

Will Duct Tape and Plastic Really Work? Issues Related to Expedient Shelter-In-Place (PDF)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, August 2001
Prepared for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this paper addresses issues related to expedient sheltering materials to be used during a chemical incident.