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Frequently Asked
Questions
This page contains a comprehensive list of Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) that pertain not only to the NCS but also
to the various services and programs that we offer.
National Communications
System (NCS) FAQ
What is the mission of the
National Communications System (NCS)?
The mission of the NCS is to assist the President, the National
Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, the Office of Science
and Technology Policy and the Office of Management and Budget, in
the coordination of the planning for and provisioning of national
security and emergency preparedness communications for the Federal
Government under all circumstances, including crisis or emergency,
attack, recovery and reconstitution.
NCS FAQ Index
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What
is the current structure of the NCS?
On April 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order
(E.O.) 12472 which defined the NCS' national security and emergency
preparedness (NS/EP) capabilities and superseded President Kennedy's
original 1963 memorandum that established the NCS. The NCS expanded
from its original six members to an interagency group of 24 Federal
departments and agencies, and began coordinating and planning NS/EP
telecommunications to support crises and disasters. The NCS membership
currently stands at 24 members, with the addition of the Office
of the Director for National Intelligence (ODNI) in September 2007.
NCS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is
the Executive Agent?
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano serves as the Executive
Agent of the National Communications System. The Secretary of Homeland
Security assumed duties of the Executive Agent on March 1, 2003
when sponsorship of the NCS transferred from the Defense Department
to the Department of Homeland Security.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is
the Manager?
Rear Admiral Michael A. Brown, the Acting Assistant Secretary for
Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) in the National Protection
and Programs Directorate (NPPD) for the Department of Homeland Security,
is the Manager of the NCS.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who
is the Deputy Manager?
Mr. James Madon is the NCS Deputy Manager. Mr. Madon is also the
Director of the NCS.
NCS FAQ Index
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Who is
the Director of the National Communications System?
Mr. James Madon is the Director of the NCS. He is responsible for
the day-to-day policy, technical, and programmatic oversight of
all Federal government-wide activities in national security and
emergency preparedness communications. Mr. Madon also serves as
the Deputy Manager of the NCS.
NCS FAQ Index
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Where
does the NCS reside organizationally within the Department of Homeland
Security?
In March 2003, the NCS was placed under the Assistant Secretary
for Infrastructure Protection, part of the Under Secretary for Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP) Directorate. Following
the implementation of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s
“Second Stage Review” in the fall of 2005, the NCS and
National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) moved under the Assistant
Secretary for Cyber Security and Telecommunications – part
of the Preparedness Directorate. On April 1, 2007, the NCS, along
with NCSD and the newly formed Office of Emergency Communications,
became part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security
and Communications, within the DHS National Protection and Programs
Directorate.
NCS FAQ Index
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What
are National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) communications
?
NS/EP communications services which are used to maintain a state
of readiness or to respond to and manage any event or crisis (local,
national, or international) that causes or could cause injury or
harm to the population, damage to or loss of property, or degrades
or threatens the national security or emergency preparedness posture
of the United States.
NCS FAQ Index
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Describe
the link between Government and industry. What roles and relationships
does each have in the NCS?
The NCS Committee of Principals (COP) -- and its working body, the
Council of Representatives (COR) -- represents the member organizations
of the NCS. The COP -- formed as a result of Executive Order 12472,
provides advice and recommendations through the NCS to the National
Security Council on NS/EP telecommunications and its ties to other
critical infrastructures. The NCS also participates in industry-Government
planning through its work with the President's National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC), the Network Security
Information Exchanges (NSIEs), the NCS’ National Coordinating
Center (NCC), with its Communications Information Sharing and Analysis
Center (Comm-ISAC), as well as through the Communications Sector
Coordinating Council and Government Communications Coordinating
Council.
NCS FAQ Index
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National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) FAQ
What is the National
Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC)?
The National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee is a
committee composed of up to 30 presidentially appointed industry
leaders (usually chief executive officers) representing various
elements of the telecommunications industry. The NSTAC advises the
President on national security telecommunications matters. Executive
Order 12382, signed on September 12, 1982, established the NSTAC
and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) governs its operations.
In its advisory role to the President, the NSTAC provides industry-based
analysis and recommendations on a wide range of policy and technical
issues related to telecommunications, information systems, information
assurance, infrastructure protection and other NS/EP concerns.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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What is the purpose
of NSTAC?
The NSTAC provides industry-based analysis and recommendations to
the President and the executive branch regarding policy and enhancements
to national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications.
NSTAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How often does the NSTAC
meet?
The NSTAC conducts face-to-face meetings annually in May to report
on its activities and provide recommendations to the President.
In addition, the NSTAC membership conducts quarterly meetings via
conference calls to discuss ongoing work and potential issues between
principals and senior government leaders.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who can be NSTAC members?
Executive Order 12382 provides for no more than 30 NSTAC members
who “shall have particular knowledge and expertise in the
field of telecommunications and represent elements of the Nation’s
telecommunications industry.” In addition to the criteria
set out in the Executive Order, the FACA requires “balanced”
membership. As applied to NSTAC that means not all 30 members should
come from the same segment of the telecommunications industry or
be from large companies. Only the President may appoint or terminate
a member. Any member may resign. .
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who currently serves
as Chair and Vice Chair of the NSTAC?
Edward Mueller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Qwest Communications, is the NSTAC Chair. President Bush appointed
Mr. Mueller as NSTAC Chair in April 2008.. John Stankey, Group President
of Telecom Operations for AT&T, is the NSTAC vice chair.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Which companies
are currently represented on NSTAC?
As of November 1, 2008, the following companies are represented
on the President’s NSTAC:
- AT&T
- Bank of America
- Boeing
- CSC
- Harris Corporation
- Intelsat
- Juniper Networks
- Lockheed Martin
- Microsoft
- Motorola
- National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
- Nortel Networks
- Qwest Communications
- Raytheon
- Rockwell Collins
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
- Telcordia Technologies
- Teledesic
- Tyco Electronics
- United States Telecom Association (USTelecom)
- Verizon Communications
- VeriSign
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who or
what does the NSTAC principal represent?
The principal represents the member company. If the President appointed
a member to provide advice as an individual, the Government would
consider the member as a “Special Government Employee”
and subject to the conflict of interest statues. NSTAC members are
classified as “representatives.” If a principal leaves
the company, the company may nominate a new principal for the President’s
consideration. The former principal does not take the NSTAC membership
to his or her new company. Two NSTAC companies that merge may have
only one NSTAC principal to represent the surviving company.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who is
the Designated Federal Official (DFO) for NSTAC and what is the
DFO’s role?
The FACA requires that each Federal advisory committee have what
is called a Designated Federal Official. For NSTAC, the DFO is the
NCS Manager. The DFO attends or chairs, and adjourns each meeting.
No committee meeting may be held in the absence of the DFO or without
his advance approval. There is a difference in the duties of the
DFO of the NSTAC, a Presidential Federal advisory committee, and
non-presidential Federal advisory committees. FACA does not require
that the DFO of a presidential advisory committee approve the meeting
agenda.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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What is
the Industry Executive Subcommittee (IES)?
Executive Order 12382 authorizes the NSTAC to establish subcommittees.
The NSTAC Principals, in accordance with its committee by-laws,
established the IES. The purpose of the IES is to assist the NSTAC
on matters concerning procedures, plans, and policies for the telecommunication
and information systems that support national security and emergency
preparedness. The IES may establish working group, task forces,
and ad-hoc groups to address pertinent issues. Each member of the
NSTAC may appoint one member of the IES and an alternate.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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May the
IES provide advice to the Government?
No. The IES is not a Federal advisory committee. Should it appear
to be giving advice, it could become an unauthorized de facto Federal
advisory committee. IES members may be polled individually for their
opinions and the responses consolidated by the Government. However,
the result of the poll of individual IES members does not constitute
a formal NSTAC endorsement of a product and should not be represented
as such. Only matters voted upon by NSTAC Principals represent NSTAC
products
NSTAC FAQ Index
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What is
the role of the NCS in regards to the NSTAC, the IES and other subcommittees?
Executive Order 12382 assigns the NCS the role of providing staff
support and technical assistance to the NSTAC, and therefore the
IES and other subcommittees. The NCS Manager is the Designated Federal
Official of the NSTAC. The NSTAC bylaws name the NCS Deputy Manager
as the non-voting IES Chair. Since the IES is not an advisory committee,
the Deputy Manager is not a formal Designated Federal Official.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Must the
NSTAC, the IES and other subcommittee meetings be open to the public?
The purpose of the FACA was to allow the public to be aware of the
advice its Federal Government was getting and who was giving it.
Federal advisory committee meetings are generally required to be
open to the public. However, the FACA does contain a national security
exception to the general rule and it is on that basis that NSTAC
closes most its meetings. IES and other subcommittee meetings are
not subject to the openness requirements of the FACA since they
are not Federal advisory committees.
NSTAC FAQ Index
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Who
may have access to the records of the NSTAC?
The FACA established the public’s right to be kept informed
with respect to the number, purpose, membership, activities and
cost of Federal advisory committees. The Federal Register publishes
notices of meetings. Unless the meeting is closed for national security
reasons, interested persons are permitted to attend. FACA requires
that “…the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendixes,
working papers, drafts, studies, agenda, or other documents which
were made available to or prepared for or by each advisory committee
shall be available for public inspection.” For NSTAC purposes,
this means the material presented by the IES to the NSTAC itself,
not any subcommittee material, be made available. The NSTAC fulfills
this responsibility by posting the reports on its website. Again,
a national security exemption may be applied. The Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) does not apply to the NSTAC since it is not a Federal
“agency” subject to that act. Material in the physical
possession of the NCS, in its role as the provider of support and
assistance to the NSTAC can be deemed NSTAC material and not releasable
under FOIA.
NSTAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
National
Communications System Committee of Principals (COP) FAQ
What is the Committee
of Principals (COP)?
The NCS Committee of Principals (COP) is a Presidentially designated
interagency group that provides advice and recommendations on national
security and emergency preparedness telecommunications to the Executive
Office of the President. High-level Government officials representing
Federal operational, policy, regulatory, and enforcement organizations
compose the COP. Its diverse representation across 24 Federal departments
and agencies embraces the full spectrum of Federal telecommunications
assets and responsibilities. As an interagency group, it serves
as a forum for members to review, evaluate, and present views and
recommendations on current or prospective NCS programs to the Manager,
NCS, the Executive Agent (the Secretary of Homeland Security), and
the Executive Office of the President (EOP).
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What Federal Organizations
Maintain Seats on the Committee of Principals
- The Department of State
- The Department of Defense
- The Department of Treasury
- The Department of Justice
- The Department of Commerce
- The Department of Interior
- The Department of Energy
- The Department of Agriculture
- The Department of Health and Human Services
- The Department of Transportation
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- The Department of Homeland Security
- The Office of the Director for National Intelligence
- The Joint Staff (DOD element)
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS element)
- The National Security Agency (DOD element)
- The Central Intelligence Agency
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(DOC element)
- The Federal Reserve Board
- The General Services Administration
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- The Federal Communications Commission
- The United States Postal Service
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who chairs the COP?
The Manager of the National Communications System chairs the Committee
of Principals.
NCS COP FAQ Index
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What are the responsibilities
of each COP representative?
The COP member is responsible for providing the position of their
parent organization on policy, technical, and programmatic NS/EP
telecommunications issues. Principals ensure that written reports,
comments, and recommendations are made available to the Committee
through the Executive Secretary (the NCS Deputy Manager). Principals
also participate as members of subordinate groups, as required,
and provide guidance and direction to their respective organizations'
representatives
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the Council of
Representatives (COR)?
The Committee of Principals bylaws formally established the Council
of Representatives (COR). The COR is a permanent subordinate group
which participates in NCS activities. Each department and agency
provides a representative to the Council of Representatives (COR).
The Office of the Manager, NCS, provides support to the COP, COR,
and their subgroups.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How often does the COP
meet? What is a COP meeting like?
The COP meets a minimum of twice annually. At these meetings, the
COP receives a series of reports, which are designed for action
or information. The Committee is asked to recommend forwarding a
report or issuance to the Executive Office of the President. It
is by the COP's consensus and direction that the majority of the
programs and activities of the NCS take place. The COP bylaws outline
these procedures.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How is the COR tasked?
As the working group of the COP, the COR meets as needed to address
issues put before it by the COP. COR members may also propose initiatives
from various sources, for forwarding to the COP. For example, the
Executive Office of the President or the Homeland Security Council
may task the COP to investigate a specific area and produce recommendations
for action. The Committee, in turn, often tasks the COR to study
that area and provide a report within a specific period of time.
The COR may convene a subcommittee to fulfill the COP's request.
As another example, the OMNCS may present or initiate a new program
for consideration by the COR and the COP. Alternatively, an NCS
member organization may present a briefing for NCS consideration.
NCS COP FAQ Index
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Does the COP have
subcommittees?
As needed, the COP or COR establishes working groups or implementation
teams to address specific issues and technical matters. These subordinate
working bodies play an important role in the NCS and its evaluation
and deployment of NS/EP communications programs.
NCS COP FAQ Index
FAQ Index
National
Communications System Issuance System FAQ
What is
an Issuance?
An Issuance is a reference document that implements, establishes,
guides, describes or explains organizational responsibilities, authorities,
policies, and/or procedures.
NCSIS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are the various types
of Issuances?
There are six types of issuances:
- Directive - Establish and implement organizational
responsibilities, authorities, policies, and procedures of a continuing
nature.
- Circular - Promulgate subject matter either
pending incorporation into a NCS directive or requiring a one-time
action.
- Manual - Provide a detailed description, explanation
or procedural or technical guidance concerning matter addressed
in directives or circulars
- Handbook - Provide a detailed description,
explanation or procedural or technical guidance concerning matter
addressed in directives, circulars or manuals.
- Notice - Promulgate immediate subject matter,
usually informational, and either pending incorporation into an
NCS manual or of transitional interest.
- Office of the Manager NCS (OMNCS) Office Order
- Implement and provide procedural guidance supplementary to NCS
and other directives, manuals, or authority, and outline managerial
requirements
NCSIS FAQ Index
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Who issues the Issuances?
Directives are issued by the Director, Office of Science and Technology
and/or Director, Office of Management and Budget, both of which
are part of the Executive Office of the President (EOP). Prior to
issuance, the proposed text of the directive is considered by the
Committee of Principals (COP), the Executive Agent, NCS, and the
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
Circulars are issued and approved by the Director,
Office of Science and Technology and/or Director, Office of Management
and Budget, both of which are part of the Executive Office of the
President (EOP). Prior to issuance, the proposed text of the circular
is considered by the Committee of Principals (COP), the Executive
Agent, NCS, and the Assistant to the President for National Security
Affairs.
Manuals are issued by the NCS Manager and are submitted
for approval before the COP, Executive Agent, NCS. EOP review may
also occur if requested pursuant to paragraph 9e of NCS Directive
1-1.
Handbooks are issued by the NCS Manager and are not
considered before the COP, the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant
to the President for National Security Affairs.
Notices are issued by the NCS Manager and are not
considered before the COP, the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant
to the President for National Security Affairs.
Office of the Manager, NCS (OMNCS) Office Orders are
issued by the NCS Manager and are not considered before the COP,
the Executive Agent, NCS, or the Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs.
NCSIS FAQ Index FAQ
Index
Under what
authority are Issuances created?
Directives are issued under the authority of Executive Order No.
12472, “Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness
Telecommunications Functions,” April 3, 1984, Vol. 49, No.
67, Federal Register 13471 (1984), (amended by Executive Order 13286
of 28 February 2003); and NCS Directive 1-1, “National Communications
System (NCS) Issuance System,” November 30, 1987.
NCSIS FAQ Index
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To whom are Issuances
applicable?
Directives, Circular, and Manuals are considered binding on the
Executive Agent, NCS; Manager, NCS; NCS Committee of Principals
and member organizations; and other affected Executive entities.
Handbooks and Notices are considered non-binding.
They are not required to be submitted for a formal approval and
therefore are not considered binding.
OMNCS Office Orders are only binding on OMNCS internal
operations, administration, and personnel.
NCSIS FAQ Index
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Do Issuances
expire or can they be amended?
Directives remain in effect until superseded or cancelled.
Circulars expire after whichever of the following
occurs first
- it is incorporated into a directive
- one year from the date of promulgation, or
- at a specified time period
Manuals remain in effect until superseded or cancelled.
Handbooks remain in effect until superseded or cancelled
Notices expire after whichever of the following occurs
first,
- it is incorporated into a handbook
- one year from the date of dissemination, or
- at a specified time period
OMNCS Office Orders remain in effect until superseded
or cancelled.
Types of NCS Issuances*
Type
|
Duration |
Use |
Text Approved/ Considered by |
Issued by |
Binding or
Nonbinding |
| Directive |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To establish and implement organizational responsibilities,
authorities, policies, and procedures of a continuing nature |
COP, EA, APNSA |
EOP |
Binding |
| Circular |
Expires after: a. Incorporation into a directive, b. One year
from date of promulgation, or
c. A specified time period
|
To promulgate subject matter either pending incorporation
into a NCS directive or requiring one-time action. |
COP, EA, APNSA |
EOP |
Binding |
| Manual |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To provide detailed description, explanation or procedural
or technical guidance concerning matters addressing in directives
or circulars. |
COP, EA, EOP** |
NCS MGR |
Binding |
| Handbook |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled To provide
detailed description, explanation or procedural or technical
guidance concerning matters addressing in directives, circulars
or manuals |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Nonbinding |
| Notice |
Expires after: a. Incorporation into a manual, b. One year
from date of promulgation, or c. A specified time period |
To promulgate immediate subject matter, usually informational,
and either pending incorporation into a NCS manual or of transitional
interest |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Nonbinding |
| OMNCS Office Order |
Remains in effect until super ceded or cancelled |
To implement and provide procedural guidance supplementary
to NCS and other directives, manuals, or authority, and outline
managerial require |
----- |
NCS MGR |
Binding on OMNCS internal operations, administration and personnel |
Legend: APNSA (Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs); COP (NCS Committee of Principals);
EA (Executive Agent, NCS); EOP (Executive Office of the President);
NCS MGR (NCS Manager)
* The abbreviated descriptions shown above
are subject to the more detailed provisions of NCS Directive 1-1
** EOP review will only occur when requested
pursuant to paragraph 9e of NCS Directive 1-1
NCSIS FAQ Index
FAQ Index
National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC) FAQ
What is the National
Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC)?
The National Coordinating Center for Communications is an Industry-Government
operations center, established in 1984. The NCC mission is to assist
in the initiation of national coordination, restoration, and reconstitution
of national security/emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications
service or facilities under all conditions, crises or emergencies.
Full and part-time communications industry and Government representatives
support the NCC and serve as liaisons with their parent companies
or organizations. The cooperation fostered between the communications
industry and the Government in the NCC provides an operational focal
point for all Government/industry NS/EP communications response
across the spectrum of emergencies.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is the Manager of
the NCC?
The Manager of the NCC is Mr. John O’Connor.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Is the NCC a joint effort
between the Government and industry?
Yes, the NCC is a joint collaborative effort between government
and industry. In addition to the NCS, there are nine federal participants
(as of 11/10/2008) - Department of State, Department of Defense,
Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, HITRAC, Federal Communications
Commission, Federal Emergency Management Agency (part of the Department
of Homeland Security), Federal Reserve Board, and the General Services
Administration.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How many industry members
belong to the NCC?
There are 51 industry members belonging to the NCC(as of 11/10/2008)
– Alcatel·Lucent, Americom, Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials – International, Inc. (APCO International),
Arrowhead Global Solutions, Artel, Inc., AT&T, Avici Systems,
Inc., Boeing, Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association
(CTIA), Cisco Systems, Cincinnati Bell, Comcast Cable, COMPTEL,
CSC, Inc., Cox Communications, EDS, Eutelsat
America, Global Crossing, Globalstar, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Internap,
Intrado, Juniper Networks, Level 3 Communications, Lockheed Martin,
Mobile Satellite Ventures, Motorola, National Association of Broadcasters,
New Skies, Nortel Networks, Northrop Grumman, PAETEC, Qualcomm,
Qwest Communications, Raytheon, Satellite Industry Association (SIA),
SAVVIS, Inc., Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC),
Sprint-Nextel, Telecom Industry Association (TIA), T-Mobile, Time
Warner, United States Telecom Association (USTelecom), USA Mobility,
VeriSign, Verizon, Verizon Business, and Verizon Wireless.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What type of liaison exists
between the telecommunications industry and Government representatives
in the NCC?
The communications industry and the Government staff work together
to coordinate support to national security and emergency preparedness
issues and to prevent and mitigate impact on the national communications
infrastructure.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Is there any coordination
between the NCC and other similar coordinating centers?
Yes, the NCC coordinates with Federal departments and agencies,
and communications companies
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Is the information received
in the NCC available to the community at large?
Information is normally sensitive or proprietary, and not releasable
to the public
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Is the FCC represented
in the NCC?
The FCC is one of several Federal partners to the NCC that participate
in weekly meetings, and supports the NCC in the event of an emergency.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Is there information available
on the NCC and the National Communications System?
Information on the NCC is available through its Web Site at http://www.ncs.gov/ncc/
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Do the major telecommunications
companies in the U.S. provide status reports at a regular frequency
to the NCC?
Except for regulated reports to the FCC, all reports to
the Government, or to other industry, are voluntary. During periods
of crisis, NCC industry representatives work closely with the Government
to provide updates on telecommunications provisioning and restoration
and other issues. Daily voluntary sharing of information occurs
within the Telecom-ISAC function of the NCC.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Will the general public
be able to call the NCC for information about their telecommunications
service?
No. The public should contact their telecommunication providers
for problems. Although the NCC will be monitoring potential problems,
it is the responsibility of the telecommunications companies to
speak about their areas of responsibilities and to interface with
their customers. The NCC does not speak on behalf of the telecommunications
companies.
NCC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Government
Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) FAQ
The Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained
by the GETS Management Team on the GETS
website.
GETS
FAQ Index FAQ Index
Telecommunications
Service Priority (TSP) Program FAQ
The Telecommunications Service
Priority (TSP) list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained
by the TSP Management Team on the TSP
website.
TSP
FAQ Index FAQ Index
Wireless
Priority Service (WPS) FAQ
The Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
list of Frequently Asked Questions is maintained by the WPS Management
Team on the WPS website.
WPS
FAQ Index FAQ Index
SHAred RESources
(SHARES) High Frequency Radio Program FAQ
What is the mission
and purpose of the SHARES Program?
SHARES combines existing high frequency (HF) assets from 99 Federal,
state, and industry organizations into a single emergency voice
and data message handling network, supporting national security
and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) when normal communications are
destroyed or unavailable.
SHARES FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What is the make-up
of the SHARES network?
As of July 2007, the SHARES network consists of 1,343 HF radio stations,
representing 99 Federal, State, and industry resource contributors.
There are SHARES stations situated in every state and at 17 overseas
locations. Nearly 200 emergency planning and response personnel
also participate in SHARES. Over 150 HF frequencies are earmarked
for use in SHARES. The NCS also has the ability, if needed, to communicate
via non-government emergency radio groups such as SATERN, Maritime
Mobile Service Net, REACT, INTERCON, Radio Rescue Net and the Hurricane
Watch Net. The National Communication System publishes SHARES HF
Radio Bulletin’s, to periodically keep members updated on
program activities that can be accessed at http://www.ncs.gov/n3/shares.
SHARES FAQ
Index FAQ Index
How does the SHARES
program service the Federal Government community?
SHARES provides the Federal community a forum for addressing issues
affecting HF radio interoperability. The SHARES HF Interoperability
Working Group (IWG), established as a permanent standing committee
under the NCS Council of Representatives, is responsible for providing
guidance and direction for the SHARES radio network and for fostering
interoperability of Federal HF radio systems through examination
of regulatory, procedural, and technical issues. The SHARES HF Interoperability
Working Group currently consists of 110 members, representing 107
separate participating organizations.
SHARES FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Who is responsible
for the SHARES program? Who manages the everyday operations of SHARES?
Overall support for the SHARES HF Radio Program is the responsibility
of the Manager, National Communications System. The Chief, Critical
Infrastructure Protection Division, Office of the Manager, NCS,
is responsible for administering the SHARES program. The Manager,
National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications, is responsible
for day-to-day operations of SHARES.
SHARES FAQ
Index FAQ Index
NCS Priority
Telecommunications Service Center FAQ
What is the purpose
of the NCS Priority Telecommunications Service Center?
The purpose of the Service Center is to enable National Communications
System (NCS) customers to acquire information on NCS priority communications
services, programs, and operations from a single source by consolidating
user support, operational, subscription, and help-desk services
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What organization in Department
of Homeland Security implements the Service Center?
Within the DHS, Cyber Security & Communications Division, National
Protection and Programs, the NCS Technology and Programs Division
provides NS/EP priority telecommunications services to Federal,
State, local, and tribal governments, industry, and other authorized
NS/EP organizations.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What NCS programs and
services are administered by the Service Center?
The Service Center administers user and operational support for
the following programs:
- Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) - The Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS) provides NS/EP personnel emergency access and priority
processing in the local and long distance segments of the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Its intended use is in an emergency
or crisis situation during which the probability of completing
a call over normal or other alternate telecommunication means
has significantly decreased
- Wireless Priority Service
(WPS) - The Wireless Priority Service (WPS) provides a
means for NS/EP telecommunications users to obtain priority access
to available wireless radio channels when necessary to initiate
emergency calls.
- Telecommunications Service
Priority (TSP) Program - The Telecommunications Service
Priority (TSP) Program is a Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) program, managed and operated by the NCS that provides for
priority provisioning and restoration of critical NS/EP communications
assets/circuits. Critical NS/EP circuits are defined as those
that are critical to maintaining a state of readiness for, responding
to, or managing telecommunications during an event or crisis that
could cause harm to the population, damage property, or threaten
the security of the United States.
- SHAred RESources (SHARES)
High Frequency (HF) Radio Program - SHARES provides a single,
interagency emergency message handling system by bringing together
existing HF radio resources of Federal, state and industry organizations
when normal communications are destroyed or unavailable for the
transmission of national security and emergency preparedness information.
.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How do NCS customers contact
the Service Center?
The Service Center has created a virtual call center, which provides
a single number for all NCS customers to call for priority communications
services. The Service Center may be contacted by calling 1-866-NCS-CALL
[2255], or in the metro Washington, D.C. area at (703)-760-CALL
[2255]. This call center provides one centralized access point with
multiple selections for the various NCS NS/EP priority telecommunications
services.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Can I utilize the Service
Center using the worldwide web?
The NCS implemented a consolidated web-based approach for NS/EP
priority communications services using a web portal to streamline
the application process for access to the NCS programs. The NCS
home page will act as the portal and will provide top-level information
on the various priority communications services available. Users
will then be automatically linked to the appropriate web pages for
specific services. NS/EP program, service, and operational information
can be obtained via the NCS homepage at http://www.ncs.gov.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
How are the processes
of the Service Center being implemented?
The architecture used for consolidation of the technical/information
processes for all NCS priority telecommunications services/programs
administration will utilize web-based technology and a web-based
information delivery service. Partitions or other security measures
have been established to protect more sensitive information as required.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who do I contact
for further information?
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the NCS Priority
Telecommunications Service Center: Telephone: 1-866-NCS-CALL [2255],
or in the metro Washington, D.C. area at (703)-760-CALL [2255];
Fax: [(703)-607-4984]; or Website - http://www.ncs.gov.
PTSC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Emergency Support
Function #2 Training Conferences FAQ
What is
the role of the National Communications System within the National
Response Plan?
The National Communications System (NCS) is designated as the Primary
Agency for implementation of Emergency Support Function (ESF) #2
(Communications) Annex of the National Response Plan. ESF
#2 supports the restoration of the public communications infrastructure
and ensures the provision of Federal communications support to response
efforts during Incidents of National Significance. In this role,
the NCS ensures that our Nation’s communications infrastructure
can respond throughout any crisis or emergency condition. The ESF
#2 missions are executed by the Emergency Communications Teams (National
and Field) (ECT-N and ECT-F) in response to any communications infrastructure
crisis or emergency condition. The readiness level of the team is
sustained by the semi-annual ESF #2 Training Conferences.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are the ESF #2 Training
Conferences?
The semi-annual ESF #2 Training Conference consist of a myriad of
training topics and exercises which are used to educate, exercise
and assess the Emergency Communications Team personnel at all proficiency
levels. These training conferences ensure that the ECT-N and ECT-F
teams are staffed with diverse skills sets that enable successful
performance of the ESF #2 missions.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is the purpose of
the ESF #2 Training Conferences?
The conferences provide an opportunity to train and develop the
Emergency Communications Team members with diverse, functional telecommunications
responder skills, such as, telecommunications management, telephony
engineering, spectrum analysis/ management, resource acquisition,
and administration. Additionally, the conferences build upon these
skills sets by reinforcing classroom instruction with a scenario-driven
emergency response exercise. The exercise is designed to replicate
the activation, deployment, response and recovery, and deactivation
processes that are required for ESF #2 operations during an Incident
of National Significance. The exercise phase of the training will:
- Incorporate lessons learned from previous conferences,
previous national or regional disasters/emergencies, and other
ESF #2 deployments
- Improve on traditional methods for effective communications
coordination prior to and immediately following a major disaster
The training agenda for future conferences will include
topics, such as, network management, non-terrestrial telecommunications
networks, restoration of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks, Public
Safety Access Point operations, the Stafford Act, the acquisition
process, Joint Field Office operations, and state and local government
Emergency Operations Center operations. The training will combine
classroom lectures with team exercises and off-site tours of government
and commercial communications facilities and equipment.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Who is eligible
to attend the ESF #2 Training Conferences?
This unique training opportunity is offered to the volunteers from
the ESF #2 Support Agencies and the member agencies of the National
Communications System. The training provides a forum for educational
interaction and team building relationships among the Federal partner
agencies and the State and local emergency management officials,
tribal officials, and private sector partners. All costs to attend
the training events are the responsibility of the attendee’s
parent agency.
ESF #2 FAQ Index
FAQ Index
NCS Augmentee Program
FAQ
What is the Augmentee
Program?
The National Communications System (NCS) Drilling Individual Mobilization
Augmentee (DIMA) Unit was established in 1988 to provide a cadre
of skilled US Army Reserve officers to augment the NCS’ emergency
response capabilities during an Incident of National Significance,
as defined in the National Response Framework
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What is the IMA Mission?
The NCS IMA Unit provides trained personnel to coordinate the restoration
and provisioning of emergency communications services in response
to a federal mobilization for an Incident of National Significance
(such as natural or man-made disasters, civil crises, and National
Security Special Events like the State of the Union address, and
presidential inaugurations. The IMA officers become members of the
Emergency Support Function #2 (ESF #2) Emergency Communication Teams
that are activated to provide communications support for the emergency
response operation. The IMA officers may be deployed for duty at
the NCS headquarters, FEMA’s National and Regional Response
Coordination Centers, a state Emergency Operations Center, or a
federal Joint Field Office.
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Who is an Individual Mobilization
Augmentee?
The members of the NCS IMA Unit are US Army Reserve officers (typically
Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels) with military and/or civilian
training and experience in communications planning and operations;
information system planning and operations; and management of an
Operations Center. The NCS IMA Unit is based in Arlington, VA; however,
the assigned personnel are geographically dispersed throughout the
United States and Puerto Rico. Each officer conducts an individualized
training program to maintain skill proficiency and participates
in NCS-sponsored training events to maintain readiness for operational
deployments.
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Who sponsors the IMA Program?
The Department of the Army / US Army Reserve sponsors the DIMA program
in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security / National
Communications System. The US Army Reserve Human Resources Command
(St. Louis, MO) assigns officers to the Unit in response to staffing
requests submitted by the NCS.
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What experience is needed?
The IMA officers are normally US Army Signal Corps field grade officers
with staff officer experience and organizational skills that are
adaptable to an Operations Center environment. Successful IMAs are
self-starters who can work with little or no supervision, have strong
communications skills (verbal and written), and training/experience
in the fields of communications and information system planning
and operations.
To be fully functional in their assigned positions
within the Emergency Communications Teams, the IMAs must obtain
experience in or knowledge of the following:
- National security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) telecommunications
procedures
- Emergency preparedness and response operating procedures
- Communications planning and operations in support of the National
Response Plan
- NCS organization, functions, authorities, and intergovernmental
relationships
- Application of Telecommunications Service Priority for the
restoration and provisioning of commercial telecommunications
services
- Use of automated resources to manage and track NS/EP actions,
and prepare accurate, timely reports to summarize emergency operations.
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What training is needed?
IMAs assigned to the NCS IMA Unit will attend an initial orientation
at the NCS headquarters in Arlington, VA. The orientation will address
the organization and mission of the NCS, and the priority telecommunications
programs that are provided to ensure the availability of communications
services during an emergency. Each IMA will also develop an individualized
Inactive Duty Training (IDT) program that may consist of distance
learning courses sponsored by the FEMA Emergency Management Institute
or other training institutions. The IDT program for each IMA is
funded for forty-eight 4-hour Battle Assemblies (“drills”)
each fiscal year.
In addition, as reservists, the IMAs will complete
an Annual Training (AT) assignment that encompasses a 2-week period
each fiscal year. The Annual Training assignments provide an opportunity
to ensure the IMAs receive training or exposure to the duties they
will be assigned during an actual deployment.
Augmentee FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Network Design
and Analysis Capability (NDAC) FAQ
What is the NDAC?
The Network Design and Analysis Capability (NDAC) is a modeling
and analysis suite of tools designed to view the public switched
network (PSN) [including the public switched telephone network (PSTN),
Internet Protocol (IP) and next generation packet networks, and
wireless, satellite and cable infrastructures] under various stress
conditions. Software resources include the telecommunications databases,
tools, and models used to assess network performance, perform modeling
and simulation, and visualize network topologies. The NCS continuously
refines and expands the NDAC’s analysis capabilities through
algorithm development, software updates, the acquisition of new
data sets, and application module development.
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Why was the NDAC developed?
NCS originally developed the NDAC because of heavy NS/EP reliance
on the PSTN. It was designed to detect and help mitigate damage
caused by accident or attack and to assist in network reconstitution
efforts. With the advent of the Internet and subsequent Federal
dependence on its infrastructure, the NDAC underwent extensive refurbishment
to enable an adjunct Internet Analysis Capability (IAC). The IAC
draws from a mix of open source, third-party, and proprietary tools
and datasets and is used to visualize network topologies, assess
network performance, and identify and assess risks to the Internet’s
logical networks or physical assets. The entire suite comprising
the NDAC works to model natural and man-made disruptions to the
PSN and enables the NCS to perform vendor independent analyses,
develop models and methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and
congestion, identify critical infrastructures’ dependence
on telecommunications, and identify network effectiveness solutions.
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What features does the
NDAC support?
- Infrastructure Mapping Tool: provides telecommunications infrastructure
analyses with geographic information system (GIS) capabilities
for incident management, decision support, and status tracking
- Internet Analysis Tool: provides analysis capabilities to assess
Internet infrastructure and performance including, but not limited
to, connectivity and congestion; part of larger Internet Analysis
Capability (IAC), which incorporates COTS products to enhance
analyses
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are some examples
of specific tools that the NDAC provides?
- NS/EP communications planning
- Custom modeling/simulation studies under a variety of conditions
- PSN dependability and access analyses
- Examine effect of new technologies on the PSTN and Internet
infrastructures
- Laboratory test bed perspectives on network performance resulting
from emerging technologies
- Flexibility to customize network architectures and routing
schemes, introduce new carrier network data, and emulate the effects
of emerging technologies
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What are some examples
of current studies using the NDAC?
- Priority Services in Next Generation Networks (NGN) Study -
provide timely quantitative analyses of specific NGN GETS Industry
Requirements issues; develop and exercise models that track longer
term industry capabilities; test the effectiveness (performance,
security, availability) of candidate NS/EP protocol and technology
enhancements through prototype development and experiments; integrate
prototyping capability and modeling team activities to support
GETS program requirements
- Internet Analysis Study - characterize the Internet connectivity
and infrastructure across government and corporate institutional
assets; determine what events or incidents could disrupt or deny
Internet services to critical facilities; perform vulnerability
assessments on networks belonging to critical government and corporate
facilities
NDAC FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Advanced Technologies
Group (ATG) FAQ
What is
the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) and what is its mission?
The ATG is a team under the Technologies and Programs Branch of
the National Communications System. Their mission is to look at
technologies across the board that could have an impact on the source
and use of telecommunications resources by the Federal Government
in periods of stress and national crisis.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What work does
the ATG do?
The ATG works on: Telecommunication Electromagnetic Disruptive Effects
(TEDE), Satellite Communications (SATCOM), NCS Directive 3-10, Continuity
of Communications Architecture (CCA), Emergency Communications (EC)
initiatives, and ad hoc technical analysis for upper management
on matters that affect Government policy.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is TEDE?
Telecommunication Electromagnetic Disruptive Effects (TEDE) refers
to the disruptive effects that an electromagnetic source could have
on a telecommunications system or device. The sources of these effects
include Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD),
High Power Microwave (HPM), High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse
(HEMP), Directed Energy Systems (DES), Coronal Mass Ejections (CME),
and Atmospheric Lightning.
The Federal Code of Regulations (C.F.R.), Title 5,
part 215 assigns the Executive Agent of the National Communications
System as the Federal Government’s focal point for EMP technical
data and studies concerning telecommunications.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is SATCOM?
SATCOM work within the ATG refers to the study of vulnerabilities
to natural or manmade events on the space, terrestrial, or control
systems of satellite communications. These events have the potential
to disrupt key communications supporting NS/EP.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is NCS
Directive 3-10?
The NCS developed NCS Directive 3-10 in coordination with the Office
of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), the Committee of Principals,
and other department and agencies of the Federal Government. This
directive describes the Minimum Requirements for Continuity Communications
enabling departments and agencies to execute their mission essential
functions. The NCS also developed engineering implementation guidance
to assist in this effort.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is CCA?
Continuity of Communications Architecture (CCA) is an ongoing project
that will represent a system of systems interconnecting the minimum
communications described in NCS Directive 3-10.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is EC?
Under Emergency Communications (EC), the ATG participates in interagency
efforts such as the identification of early warning communications
for the nation and activities in compliance with the Warning, Alert,
and Response Network (WARN) Act. EC also supports communications-based
detection system pilots such as RED CELL.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What is RED
CELL?
Red cell is a pilot program that uses the cellular communications
infrastructure to provide an early detection system for Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) attacks.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
What type of
ad hoc studies does the ATG do?
The ATG tackles a wide variety of projects supporting the identification
and mitigation of NS/EP communications system or support system
(i.e., terrestrial, wireless, or space-based systems) vulnerabilities.
They identify aspects of systems that may influence Government-wide
policy and often participate on NSTAC or COP working groups, such
as the Communications Dependency on Electrical Power (CDEP) working
group.
ATG FAQ Index
FAQ Index
Communications
Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center FAQ
What is the mission
of the COMM ISAC?
The COMM ISAC mission is to facilitate voluntary collaboration and
information sharing among Government and industry in support of
Executive Order 12472 and the national critical infrastructure protection
goals; to gather information on vulnerabilities, threats, intrusions,
and anomalies from multiple sources and perform analysis with the
goal of averting or mitigating impact upon the telecommunications
infrastructure. The scope of the COMM ISAC’s mission is all
hazards, which include natural and man-made disasters and physical
and cyber attacks.
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What are
the operational goals of the Telecom-ISAC?
COMM ISAC Operational Goals:
- Be an honest and impartial information broker
- Facilitate voluntary collaboration to support both Government
and industry information sharing requirements
- Foster working liaisons with external sources and liaison partners
- Add value - provide information not available elsewhere, filter
appropriately, perform high quality analysis
- Ensure protection of information and the rights of data owners
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
What criteria must companies
meet for membership in the ISAC?
Membership is open to companies that provide communications or network
services, equipment or software to the communications and information
sector and to select professional associations or companies with
participation/presence in the communications and information sector.
Currently, the COMM ISAC membership consists of forty-five companies
and six associations that together represent the majority of the
communications infrastructure.
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Who are the members of
the COMM ISAC?
Participating Industry Members: Alcatel·Lucent, Americom,
Arrowhead Global Solutions, Artel, Inc., AT&T, Avici Systems,
Inc., Boeing, Cisco Systems, Cincinnati Bell, Comcast Cable, COMPTEL,
CSC, Inc., Cox Communications, EDS, Eutelsat
America, Global Crossing, Globalstar, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Internap,
Intrado, Juniper Networks, Level 3 Communications, Lockheed Martin,
Mobile Satellite Ventures, Motorola, New Skies, Nortel Networks,
Northrop Grumman, PAETEC, Qualcomm, Qwest Communications, Raytheon,
SAVVIS, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Sprint-Nextel,
T-Mobile, TW Telecom, USA Mobility, VeriSign, Verizon, Verizon Business,
and Verizon Wireless.
Six Industry Associations: Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials - International, Inc. (APCO International),
Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), National
Association of Broadcasters, Satellite Industry Association (SIA),
Telecom Industry Association (TIA), and the United States Telecom
Association (USTA).
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
How is information shared
among the COMM ISAC members?
All information received from NCC COMM ISAC members and liaison
partners is deemed sensitive and proprietary, whether or not it
is specifically marked as such. Only the originator of information
may approve its release to anyone or any entity. The information
owner retains its rights regardless of the location of the information
within the NCC COMM ISAC facility.
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
Is there a watch
function to support the COMM ISAC?
The NCS operates the on-site continuous* COMM ISAC watch and analysis
operation (WAO). The WAO consists of senior analysts closely integrated
with the Government NCC operations staff and industry representatives
from COMM ISAC member companies. The COMM ISAC watch and analysis
operation serves a dual function as the operational arm of the COMM
ISAC and as one of The Department of Homeland Security’s Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection watch and analysis centers.
COMM ISAC FAQ
Index FAQ Index
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