Baseline

Definition
The National Interoperability Baseline Survey is a mechanism for determining and measuring interoperable communications nation-wide for the purpose of improving their effectiveness for emergency response practitioners.

Survey Purpose and Impact
SAFECOM is conducting the National Interoperability Baseline Survey in order to:

• Determine the capacity for interoperable communications among law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies across the Nation.
• Establish a process and mechanism to make it possible for agencies to regularly measure communications interoperability.
• Generate data to help emergency response officials make better-informed decisions about how to most effectively allocate resources for improving communications interoperability.
• Gather information to guide and measure the effectiveness of future communications interoperability improvement efforts that local, tribal, state, and Federal emergency response organizations execute.

First of Its Kind
The survey differs from previous interoperability assessments. It is derived from a comprehensive definition of interoperability that SAFECOM developed in partnership with the emergency response community and founded on the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. This definition recognizes the importance of key items – governance (administration and decision making), standard operating procedures (SOPs), technology, training and exercises, and usage -- in establishing reliable communications interoperability. The definition serves as the basis for the survey questions, which assess the stage of development of responding agencies in each of five critical areas.

Survey Respondents
To complete the online survey, SAFECOM employed a stratified, random sample of law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Within each state and in the District of Columbia, SAFECOM invited randomly selected emergency response agencies representing these three disciplines to complete the survey. In total, approximately 22,400 agencies were asked to respond. In addition, SAFECOM asked the Homeland Security Directors of each state and the District of Columbia to complete a shorter version of the survey. This version focused on what is currently underway to improve communications interoperability in their respective jurisdictions. In addition to collecting survey data online, SAFECOM will conduct approximately 30 site visits in 9 regional areas to gather supplemental qualitative and anecdotal information from the emergency response community. The data gathered during these site visits will deepen SAFECOM’s understanding of survey findings. It will afford the program an opportunity to identify trends, analyze questions, and clarify ambiguities within the findings collected through the online survey.

Timeframe for Completion
The electronic survey began in May 2006 and ended on July 28, 2006. Prior to administration of the survey, SAFECOM sent a letter to potential respondents informing them about the survey and asking them to participate. A postcard followed, with instructions for completing the survey online. Non-respondents received a second postcard urging them to complete the survey. SAFECOM presented preliminary response information and conducted follow-up site visits in August 2006. The final report will be published in late Fall 2006.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Baseline Press Release