Information on the latest equipment, procurement opportunities, technology, and standards can help you assess and acquire equipment appropriate for your agency's needs and its counter-terrorism strategy. The categories below contain equipment-related resources that may help you or your agency prepare for, mitigate, or respond to a terrorist incident.

• Biometrics
• Communications & Coordination
• Detection & Protection
• Evaluations & Standards
• Procurement

The Biometric Consortium
Consisting of more than 800 members from government, industry, and academia, the Biometric Consortium serves as the U.S. Government's focal point for research, development, testing, evaluation, and application of biometric-based personal identification/verification technology.

Biometric Bits
This web site is intended to support and stimulate the ordered presentation of professional biometric-related scientific, technological, educational, and policy information. It includes a section that provides the general public with a convenient resource on biometrics and identity management.

Biometrics
U.S. Department of Defense
This web site offers a comprehensive look into the latest developments in the biometrics field, primarily for military use. It provides biometric technology tutorials, test and evaluation updates, policy foundation background, educational program announcements, and information on government and industry partnerships.

Biometrics Catalog
With biometric technology, facilities can use a person's physical characteristics or personal traits to identify, or verify the claimed identity of, an individual. This federally funded database provides access to information on biometric products (commercial, university/research, and governmental), tests and deployments (government and nongovernment), and consultants/analysts in the field.

Biometrics in the War on Terror
J. Woodward, Jr., RAND Corporation, December 18, 2005
This commentary by John D. Woodward, Jr., Associate Director, RAND Intelligence Policy Center, explains and advocates for biometric solutions and closer government collaboration to rapidly identify terrorists and spies who pose a national security threat while there is still time to thwart an attack.

The Biometrics Resource Center
Managed by the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Biometrics Resource Center focuses on a variety of topics related to biometrics, including the development of standards for the interchange of biometric data.

Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
The center seeks to advance the science of biometrics, providing key enabling technologies to build engineered systems with a focus on homeland security applications.

DHS Completes Foundation of Biometric Entry System
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 30, 2005
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT program has finished installing biometric entry capabilities at 104 land border ports, as mandated by Congress. Biometric entry capabilities are now deployed at all fixed ports of entry open to US-VISIT travelers.  

International Biometric Industry Association
The International Biometric Industry Association (IBIA) is a trade association that seeks to advance, advocate, defend, and support the collective international interests of the biometric industry. IBIA is governed by and for biometric developers, manufacturers, and integrators, and it is dedicated to impartially serving all biometric technologies in all applications.

RAND Voices of Jihad Database
This online database is a compilation of speeches, interviews, statements, and publications of Jihadist leaders, foot soldiers, and sympathizers. Nearly all its content is presented in English translations, and has been collected from publicly accessible web sites. Original links are provided, along with excerpts and full-text content when available. The database content reveals several aspects of what might be termed “a Jihadist ideology.”

RFID Journal
Mark Roberti, Founder/Editor, Online
The Radio Frequency Identification Journal web site strives to provide timely, accurate, unbiased news about RFID. Individual sections are devoted to Security and Access Control, IT/Infrastructure, and Privacy.

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Communications & Coordination

CommTech—Offering Interoperability Solutions
The National Institute of Justice's Communications Technologies unit (CommTech) is helping to bridge the gap in emergency communication by identifying, adopting, and developing interoperability solutions that include open architecture standards for voice, data, image, and video communication systems. These solutions will allow users to exchange information among fixed facilities, mobile platforms, and even personal devices. CommTech also researches new technology solutions when technologies used in an emergency response fall short, and aims to raise awareness of interoperability issues through outreach programs so that policymakers and public safety leaders can make informed and cost-effective decisions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Could Better Integrate Information Technology With Incident Response and Recovery (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, September 2005
This report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the information technology that the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate uses to support incident response and recovery operations.

Emergency Response Synchronization Matrix (ERSM)
Designed by researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory Decision and Information Sciences Division, this software tool helps emergency managers develop crisis plans that coordinate actions across jurisdictions for an extended period of time. ERSM includes custom-designed analytical tools that aid in data collection, analysis, reports, and displays.

FCC Adopts Rules for Delivery of Commercial Mobile Alerts to the Public During Emergencies (PDF)
Federal Communications Commission, April 9, 2008
The FCC has adopted a First Report and Order that enables the nation's wireless carriers to transmit timely and accurate alerts, warnings, and critical information to the cell phones and other mobile devices of consumers during disasters or other emergencies.

Information Sharing and Emergency Responder Safety Management (PDF)
RAND Corporation, March 2006
This report documents testimony given before the House Government Reform Committee on March 30, 2006 examining safety management in both major terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

Information Technology: Homeland Security Information Network Needs to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Initiatives [Testimony] (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 10, 2007
To support its mission to coordinate homeland security communications among all levels of government, the private sector, and the public, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deployed the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN)—a Web-based information-sharing application—and operates at least 11 other homeland security networks. This report assesses the department's efforts to develop and use HSIN by coordinating with two key local and state initiatives through the Regional Information Sharing Systems network—a nationwide information-sharing program operated and managed by local and state officials.

Information Technology: Numerous Federal Networks Used to Support Homeland Security Need to Be Better Coordinated with Key State and Local Information-Sharing Initiatives (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 16, 2007
This report identifies U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice networks and Internet-based system applications that support homeland security and explores whether efforts regarding the DHS Homeland Security Information Network are being coordinated with key local and state information-sharing initiatives. This report includes an assessment of the coordination between DHS and two key local and state initiatives of the Regional Information Sharing Systems® program.

Law Enforcement Tech Guide for Communications Interoperability
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, December 2006
This comprehensive, user-friendly guidebook provides strategies, best practices, and recommendations for public safety agencies seeking to develop or already engaged in interagency communications projects. It explores current and emerging technologies in voice and data communications and provides planning tools to help achieve interoperable communication initiatives. It is intended to serve as a companion to the COPS-funded Law Enforcement Tech Guide: How to plan, purchase and manage technology (successfully!).

National Emergency Number Association
Consisting of more than 7,000 members, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) provides an effective and accessible 9-1-1 service for North America. NENA's mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability, and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system and to promote research, planning, and training opportunities to emergency communication specialists.

National Information Exchange Model
The National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) is an interagency initiative to provide the foundation and building blocks for interoperable information sharing and data exchange on the national level. The NIEM project was formally announced at the Global Justice XML Data Model (Global JXDM) Executive Briefing on February 28, 2005. It is a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice, with outreach to other departments and agencies. The base technology for the NIEM is the Global JXDM. NIEM will leverage both the extensive Global JXDM reference model and the comprehensive Global JXDM XML-based framework and support infrastructure.

Radio Spectrum (PDF)
National Institute of Justice, February 2006
Radio communications use radio waves at different frequencies, grouped within bands that make up the radio spectrum. The spectrum is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, and public safety and commercial interests are competing for its use. This In Short fact sheet from the National Institute of Justice outlines the problems this competition presents and the steps being taken to alleviate them, including short- and long-term plans to allocate additional portions of the spectrum to the public.

Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program, Bureau of Justice Assistance
RISS offers law enforcement and criminal justice agencies an information sharing and communication network, including a secure intranet for electronic networking of law enforcement agencies throughout the country, electronic linking of the six RISS center criminal intelligence databases, and electronic linking to state intelligence systems. RISS services also include loan of sophisticated investigative equipment not otherwise available or too costly for one agency; regional conferences on cybercrime, terrorism, firearms trafficking, and other topics; and funding for investigative expenses to support multijurisdictional investigations.

A Review of the Top Officials 3 Exercise (PDF)
Office of Inspector General, November 2005
This report examines why the federal government's Top Officials (TOPOFF) exercises for homeland security would be more effective if Internet technology systems were developed to track and share information more openly and efficiently among participating agencies and the private sector.

SAFECOM
SAFECOM works with existing federal communications initiatives and key public safety stakeholders to improve public safety responses through more effective and efficient interoperable wireless communications.

Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN)
Through the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network and other amateur radio groups, the Salvation Army helps to provide emergency communications when more traditional networks, such as telephones, are not operating.

Summary of a Workshop on Using Information Technology to Enhance Disaster Management
The National Academies, October 2005
This report summarizes remarks made June 22–23, 2005 by representatives from federal, state, and local government agencies, private industry, and the research community. It presents a range of views on the current status of the technology and future opportunities to harness information technology to aid in the management of natural and manmade disasters.

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Airborne Sensor Technology Assists Emergency Responders
Los Alamos National Laboratory, August 27, 2003
The Airborne Spectral Photometric Collection Technology (ASPECT) is a high-tech sensor package that can be installed on board a small aircraft operated by the Environmental Protection Agency that allows for timely surveillance of gaseous chemical releases from a safe distance. It gives emergency first responders on the ground critical information about the size, shape, composition, and concentration of gas plumes emanating from disaster scenarios.

American Association of Police Polygraphists

American National Standard for Portable Radiation Detection Instrumentation for Homeland Security (PDF)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., January 2004
This standard establishes performance testing requirements and operating instructions for portable radiation detection instruments used for homeland security applications.

American National Standard Performance Criteria for Alarming Personal Radiation Detectors for Homeland Security (PDF)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., January 2004
This standard establishes performance criteria and testing methods used to evaluate self-reading radiation detection instruments.

American Polygraph Association

CrimeStat III Version 3.1
CrimeStat is a spatial statistics program used to analyze the locations of incidents of crime. Windows-based and compatible with most desktop geographic information system programs, CrimeStat provides supplemental statistical tools to assist in crime mapping. Many police departments as well as criminal justice and other researchers use CrimeStat.

Preventing the Next Terrorist Attack: The Theory and Practice of Homeland Security Information Systems
S. Nunn, Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Vol. 2: No. 3, Article 1, 2005
This analysis focuses on anti-terrorism technology aimed at preventing terrorist attacks. Based on recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, many believe that by using a multitude of databases and other technologies that uncover hidden patterns of information about transactions needed to execute plots, law enforcement and intelligence investigators can identify potential terrorists' schemes, and mount preemptive strikes to stop their plans. Six types of systems cited as major tools in terrorism prevention are critically examined: regional emergency response networks, the FBI DCS1000, the Terrorist Information Program (TIP), terrorism watch lists, the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX), and Echelon, an electronic interception system. This article is available directly from the publisher to subscribers or to nonsubscribers through public and academic libraries.

Radiation Biodosimetry Assessment Tool
Designed primarily for prompt use after a radiation incident, this software allows medical personnel to collect, integrate, and archive data obtained from exposed persons. The program, available from the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, archives clinical information useful for casualty management, displays relevant diagnostic information in a concise format, and can be used to manage both military and civilian radiation accidents.

Spies That Fly
Unarmed aerial vehicles have evolved from the 1800s hot-air balloons to modern remote transport capable of ferrying surveillance and weapons equipment. For those interested in following the progress of this technology, PBS has a web site based on the Nova program "Spies That Fly" with comprehensive information and technical links and resources.

UMR Researchers Developing Tools to Detect, Disable Handmade Explosive Devices
University of Missouri-Rollo, September 16, 2004
Improvised explosive devices are often rigged to detonate from a distance. When these devices use a radio receiver, they can be one of the easiest weapons to override, say researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)—U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
UAV technology plays a significant role in homeland defense because of its surveillance and research applications. This site, which offers information on the history of UAV and examines current developments in UAV technology, links to multimedia presentations, news items, and pertinent DoD briefings.

U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services Issues Interim Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Public Settings During an Influenza Pandemic
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 3, 2007
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released interim advice to the public about using facemasks and respirators in certain public (nonoccupational) settings during an influenza pandemic. Little research exists about whether masks can protect people in public settings. These interim recommendations are based on the best judgment of public health experts who relied in part on information about the protective value of masks in health care facilities.

Virus Transfer from Personal Protective Equipment to Healthcare Employees' Skin and Clothing (PDF)
L. Casanova et al., Emerging Infectious Diseases, August 2008 (forthcoming)
Researchers found that a personal protective equipment removal protocol designed to minimize wearer contamination with pathogens often resulted in virus transfer to hands and clothing.

Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders
This downloadable system provides hazmat first responders with information on hazardous substances, such as substance identification support, physical characteristics, human health information, and containment and suppression advice. The National Library of Medicine offers the system as a free download.

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American National Standard for Portable Radiation Detection Instrumentation for Homeland Security (PDF)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., January 2004
This standard establishes performance testing requirements and operating instructions for portable radiation detection instruments used for homeland security applications.

American National Standard Performance Criteria for Alarming Personal Radiation Detectors for Homeland Security (PDF)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., January 2004
This standard establishes performance criteria and testing methods used to evaluate self-reading radiation detection instruments.

Computer Forensics Tool Testing Project
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The Computer Forensics Tool Testing Project provides a measure of assurance that the tools used to investigate computer-related crimes will produce valid results. It also supports other projects in the National Institute of Justice's overall computer forensics research program, such as the National Software Reference Library.

Department of Homeland Security Adopts Facial Recognition Standard
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted its first biometric facial recognition standard, which is designed to be consistent with international standards for biometrics used in applications such as travel documents. This standard was developed by the International Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS), a standards development organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). DHS and its partners will continue to work on a regular basis with INCITS to revise these standards as biometric technology evolves. The standard (INCITS 385) is available from INCITS and ANSI.

Federal Government Begins Mandating High-Visibility Vests for Emergency Responders
Responder Knowledge Base, June 24, 2008
On November 24, 2008, a new federal regulation (23 CFR 634) goes into effect, mandating that anyone working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must be wearing high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107, 2004 edition, class 2 or 3. This requirement will apply to all emergency responders except for law enforcement officers working in potentially adversarial or confrontational roles (e.g., during traffic stops and searches). Officers must still wear high-visibility clothing while performing functions such as "directing traffic, investigating crashes, and handling lane closures, obstructed roadways, and disasters within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway."

Homeland Security SAFETY Act
As part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, Congress enacted the SAFETY Act to provide “risk management” and “litigation management” protections for sellers of qualified antiterrorism technologies and others in the supply and distribution chain. The goal of the act is to encourage the development and deployment of antiterrorism technologies that will substantially enhance the protection of the nation. Specifically, the SAFETY Act creates certain liability limitations for “claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism” where qualified antiterrorism technologies have been deployed.

InterAgency Board (IAB) for Equipment Standardization and InterOperability
Composed of officials from local, state, and federal government organizations and agencies, IAB was created to ensure equipment standardization and interoperability, encourage research and development of advanced response technologies, and assist first responders at the state and local levels in establishing and maintaining a robust crisis and consequence management capability.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES), National Institute of Standards and Technology
OLES develops performance standards to help law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice agencies ensure that the equipment they purchase and the technologies they use are safe, dependable, and effective. OLES also conducts studies that result in the publication of technical reports and user guidelines and develops methods for testing equipment performance and examining evidentiary materials.

Responder Knowledge Base
This database contains information on currently available products and related standards, training, and grants specific to the needs of emergency responders.

Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (PDF)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
This standard specifies minimum requirements to determine the effectiveness of air-purifying escape respirators that address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials identified as inhalation hazards from possible terrorist events for use by the general working population.

Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR) (PDF)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
This standard specifies minimum requirements to determine the effectiveness of full facepiece APRs used during entry into chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear atmospheres not immediately dangerous to life or health.

Standard for Self Contained Breathing Respirators (SCBA) for Emergency Workers in Terrorist Attacks
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
SCBA products that meet this standard are expected to protect first responders in situations where an act of terror has released harmful chemicals, pathogens, or radioactive materials into the air. Approvals are based on positive results from rigorous tests on sample units submitted to NIOSH by manufacturers and from stringent evaluations of manufacturers' quality-control practices, technical specifications, and other documentation.

System Assessments and Validation for Emergency Responders
Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This program assists emergency responders by providing quality evaluations/validations of critical equipment and systems.

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Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse (HDER) Program, Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
HDER provides emergency responder agencies nationwide with surplus radiological detection instrumentation and other equipment, as well as training and long-term technical support, to enhance their domestic preparedness capabilities. See the July 2002 ODP fact sheet (PDF) for more information.

Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO)
LESO transfers excess U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) equipment to federal and state law enforcement agencies. The 1033 program (formerly the 1208 program) allows law enforcement agencies to receive DOD excess property. The 1122 program gives state and local governments the same discounts that are available to the Federal Government due to its large-volume purchases.

National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property (NASASP)
NASASP transfers surplus government property to public and private organizations that improve quality of life such as law enforcement agencies, health-care organizations, and school systems. The web site includes contact information for state agencies through which applications for surplus property must be made.

Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) Equipment Grant Award Program
ODP's equipment acquisition grants provide funding to improve state and local response to incidents of domestic terrorism involving the use of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Specialized equipment authorized for purchase under the Equipment Grant Award Program includes personal protective equipment; chemical, biological, or radiological detection equipment; decontamination equipment; and communications equipment. ODP's Domestic Preparedness Equipment Technical Assistance Program provides technical information and training on calibration, operation, and maintenance of WMD response equipment.

Technology Transfer Program, U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground Special Programs Office
This program provides equipment and training for deployments and operations at no cost to state and local law enforcement agencies. Equipment is transferred to each recipient agency and becomes the permanent property of that organization.

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