The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), along with the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), has released updated SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance), which is focused on assisting state and local governments in accessing funding for emergency communications.
SAFECOM – which is managed by CISA – aims to collaborate with emergency responders and elected officials across all levels of government to improve emergency response providers’ inter-jurisdictional and interdisciplinary emergency communications interoperability across local, regional, tribal, state, territorial, international borders, and with federal government entities.
On the Federal level, SAFECOM works with Federal communications programs and key emergency response stakeholders to address the need to develop better technologies and processes for the coordination of existing communications systems and future networks.
“This year’s guidance reflects the current cybersecurity and critical infrastructure landscapes, investment priorities, technical standards, and available supporting materials for implementing emergency communications projects,” CISA said.
“The guidance provides information to recipients on eligible activities, technical standards, and other terms and conditions common to most federal emergency communications grants,” the agency said.
CISA and NCSWIC pointed to the need for recipients of emergency communications funding assistance to keep pursuing governance and security goals.
“Grant recipients should continue enhancing governance and leadership, developing plans and procedures, conducting training and exercises, and investing in standards- based equipment to sustain land mobile radio capabilities, while concurrently planning for the integration and deployment of new technologies,” CISA said.
“Grant recipients must also consider cybersecurity risks across all capabilities when planning operable, interoperable, and continuity of communications,” the agency said.
