NIMS STEP Assessor Program
 
The National Preparedness Directorate (NPD) has 
developed a program to assist responders identify 
products that adhere to national interoperability 
standards and the concepts and principles of the 
National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

The program, called the NIMS Supporting Technology Evaluation Program (NIMS STEP), provides objective evaluations of supporting technologies. 

Evaluation activities are designed to expand technology solutions, and provide the emergency response community with a comprehensive process to assist in the purchasing of information technology. 
The NIMS STEP Assessor Program aims to involve state and local emergency management officials and responders in the evaluation program. Their involvement is intended to provide insights into responder needs and real-world applications and challenges associated with information technology. Officials that participate as an assessor learn about new incident management technologies, and gain an understanding of interoperability standards and NIMS concepts for the benefit of their jurisdiction. 

Assessors will work as part of a team to evaluate new and emerging technologies within their discipline/response field. Participants will need to be available up to four days, depending on the complexity of the product under evaluation. Although some evaluations may be conducted remotely, most take place at the NIMS Support Center (NIMS SC) in Somerset, Kentucky. The NIMS SC will reimburse volunteers for allowable travel, meal and incidental costs. 
State and local emergency managers and responders 
are encouraged to apply for an assessor position by 
visiting the program website at: www.nimsstep.org or 
by contacting staff at: nimsstep@nimssc.net.