First Responder Programs

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) First Responders Group (FRG) has developed several overarching programs focusing on research and development of innovative technologies, testing, and assessment of equipment performance, and community engagement through use of social media channels and emergency alerts.

Flood Apex Program

The Flood Awareness Apex applies new and emerging technologies to improve community resilience from flood disasters. Our goals are to reduce flood fatalities and property losses, as well as enhance community-wide resiliency to disruptive flood events.

Related resources: Flood Apex program page and Flood Apex Fact Sheet

International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation

Technology Directorate, along with its international partners, established the International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation. As the International Forum grows, it will serve as a forum to discuss shared first responder capability gaps, provide a platform for collaboration on R&D initiatives and solutions, characterize global first responder markets, and educate first responders about available technology.

Related resources: International Forum program page and International Forum Fact Sheet

Next Generation First Responder Apex Program

The Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex program is developing tools first responders need to save lives and protect property while staying safe. NGFR is designing new capabilities, adapting existing technology and working to stimulate private sector innovation to ensure the next generation of first responders is protected, connected and fully aware.

NGFR is a five-year program that serves as a launching point for a 20-year strategic initiative by S&T to envision what the responder of the future will look like, what technology they will use, how they will communicate during emergencies, and how they will integrate with the communities they serve.

Related resources: NGFR program page, NGFR Infographic, and NGFR video.

Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP) Resources

The P25 CAP is a voluntary program that allows P25 land mobile radio (LMR) equipment suppliers to formally demonstrate their products’ compliance with a select group of requirements within the P25 suite of standard

The purpose of the P25 CAP is to provide emergency response agencies with evidence that the communications equipment they are purchasing meets P25 standards for performance, conformance, and interoperability.

Related resources: P25 CAP program page and P25 CAP Fact Sheet.

Social Media Working Group for Emergency Services and Disaster Management (SMWG) Program

Social media and collaborative technologies have become critical components of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. From the international response efforts after major tsunamis to hurricane recovery in major U.S. cities, many government officials now turn to social media technologies to share information and connect with citizens during all phases of a crisis. Implementing these new technologies, however, requires that responding agencies adopt new communication strategies and engagement methods. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) established a virtual social media working group (VSMWG) in 2010..

Related resources: SMWG program page and Virtual Social Media Working Group Fact Sheet

System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)

DHS established the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program to assist emergency responders making procurement decisions.

Located within the S&T, the SAVER Program conducts objective assessments and validations on commercial equipment and systems, and provides those results along with other relevant equipment information to the emergency responder community.