Alert Origination Software Providers (AOSPs) furnish the software interface that alerting authorities use to generate Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) messages.
The software then delivers those messages to the IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN) for dissemination to the public via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and other communications pathways.
Developers are working to design IPAWS-compliant alerting origination software and IPAWS-compatible products to distribute alerts to the public. For example, industries that have chosen to develop IPAWS-compatible tools and technologies include the transportation and utilities sectors, providers, and web developers.
AOSPs are encouraged to test their products in the IPAWS-OPEN development environment to ensure they are IPAWS-compatible. Developers must execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with FEMA to gain access to the IPAWS-OPEN development environment to support interoperable software development.
To obtain an MOA application, please email IPAWS@fema.dhs.gov and indicate "Developer MOA Application" in the subject line. In return, the developer will receive the MOA to sign, along with accompanying Rules of Behavior. Once fully executed by both parties, the developer will receive:
- Copy of the fully executed MOA
- IPAWS-OPEN v3.11 Web-Service Interface Design Guidance
- Digital Certificate
- Accessible Web Service End Point
View a list of Alert Origination Software Providers that have successfully demonstrated their IPAWS capabilities.
Common Alerting Protocol
The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a digital format for exchanging emergency alerts, allows a consistent alert message to be disseminated simultaneously over multiple communications pathways. FEMA has worked with the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards to develop the IPAWS standard.
CAP provides a standard around which our nation’s alert and warning capabilities can be integrated. The following guidance and technical documents currently define CAP as it will be implemented and used in IPAWS:
- Organization for Advancing Structural Information Standards (OASIS) CAP 1.2 Standard
- OASIS CAP v1.2 IPAWS Profile Version 1.0
- CAP to EAS Implementation Guide
The IPAWS CAP profile’s open standard facilitates integration by multiple industries and ensures interoperability among alert and warning systems at the Federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels. and across many different alert dissemination pathways.
Developer Webinars
System developers are also invited to participate in webinars. To receive webinar invitations, please request subscription to our vendor distribution list by emailing IPAWS@fema.dhs.gov.
You can also view previous webinar recordings.