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27 

SECTION III 

CAPABILITY 

SUMMARIES: CAPABILITY 

SUMMARY 

TEMPLATE

SECTION III: CAPABILITY SUMMARIES 

Capability Summary Template 

Capability Description 

The capability description is a statement of the principal action or activity that must be 

performed. Capabilities are combinations of resources that provide the means to achieve 

a measurable outcome resulting from performance of one or more tasks, under specified 

conditions and to national standards. 

Outcome 

Statement of the expected outcome resulting from the performance of one or more critical 

tasks, under specified conditions and to national standards. 

Relationship to National Response Plan (NRP) ESF/Annex 

Maps the capability to the National Response Plan (NRP) Emergency Support Functions 

(ESFs) and Annexes that are most closely associated with the capability description and 

outcome statement. 

Activities Performed with the Capability 

Key activities that would be conducted with the capability are identified. This list 

provides additional information to support the desciption and ensures that the list of 

critical tasks address all appropriate activities under this capability. 

Critical Tasks 

Lists the tasks that need to be performed to achieve the desired outcome. Critical tasks 

are defined as those tasks that must be performed during a major event to prevent 

occurrence, reduce loss of life or serious injuries, mitigate significant property damage, 

or are essential to the success of a homeland security mission. The first column includes 

the task number found in the UTL. The number incorporates a reference to the Mission 

and Function in the taxonomy and a sequence number. The second column identifies the 

task. The critical task list may include new tasks identified by the stakeholder working 

group or tasks that were revised. These tasks will be added to the UTL and will be 

assigned a UTL number. 

Performance Measures and Objectives

The Performance Measures define how the demonstration of the capability through the 

performance of critical tasks would be measured. The Performance Objective defines 

how well and how quickly the task should be performed. Some measures may be 

outcomes while others may be outputs that serve as surrogates or indicators for outcomes. 
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28 

SECTION III 

CAPABILITY 

SUMMARIES: CAPABILITY 

SUMMARY 

TEMPLATE

Capability Elements 

Capability Elements are the resource required to perform the critical tasks, under the 

conditions defined by the National Planning Scenarios, to the performance standards. 

They include: personnel, planning, organization & leadership, equipment & systems, 

training, and exercises, evaluation, and corrective actions. Any combination of properly 

planned, organized, equipped, trained, and exercised personnel resources can be utilized 

to achieve the outcome. The capability elements are not an exhaustive list of 

requirements, but provide a guide to the type of resources that are generally required to 

perform the critical tasks. 

Linked Capabilities 

Linked capabilities are those capabilities that are directly related to the subject capability 

and must be in place to perform tasks that feed into the capability, directly follow the 

capability, or that must be performed concurrently with the capability to achieve desired 

outcome. 

References 

Key documents used to develop the Target Capability. 

Capability Planning Factors and Target Levels 

Capability planning factors are the result of analysis of capability requirement by 

stakeholder working groups over a two month period and represent an initial effort to 

define national targets to develop a national network of capabilities. The appendix also 

includes the planning of assumptions and planning factors used to develop the national 

targets. The planning factors for each capability can be found in Appendix A. 
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35 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

Interoperable Communications 

Capability Description 

Communications interoperability is the ability of public safety and service agencies to 

talk within and across entities and jurisdictions via radio and associated communications 

systems, exchanging voice, data and/or video with one another on demand, in real time, 

when needed, when authorized. 

Outcome 

A continuous flow of critical information is maintained as needed among multijurisdictional and multi-disciplinary emergency responders, command posts, agencies, 

and governmental officials for the duration of the emergency response operation in 

compliance with National Incident Management System (NIMS). To accomplish this, 

the jurisdiction has a continuity of operations plan for public safety communications to 

include the consideration of critical components, networks, support systems, personnel, 

and an appropriate level of redundant communications systems in the event of 

emergency. 

Relationship to National Response Plan ESF/Annex 

Primary: ESF#2: Communications 

Interoperable communications supports all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) at the 

Federal, State, Local, and Tribal levels. 

Activities Performed with the Capability 

Activity Description 

Governance  Consists of local, tribal, state, and federal entities as well as 

representatives from all pertinent public safety disciplines within the 

identified region. This governance group is critical to the success of 

interoperability planning. 

 Establishes common governing structure for solving interoperability 

issues that improves the policies, processes, and procedures of any 

major project by enhancing communication, coordination, and 

cooperation, establishing guidelines and principles, and reducing any 

internal jurisdictional conflicts. 

 Develops interoperability communications plan for participating 

entities. 

 Establishes agreements such as MOAs (Memorandum of Agreement), 

MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding). 

 Develops a long-term funding plan for sustainability and maintenance 

of communications interoperability. 
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36 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

Activity Description 

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures 

 Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are formal written guidelines or 

instructions for incident response. SOPs typically have both operational 

and technical components. 

Technology  Technology refers to the equipment/infrastructure, network, support 

systems, and applications that public safety disciplines use to exchange 

critical information when responding to incidents. 

Training/Exercises  Ensures communications support staffs are familiar with unique 

communication system requirements within a region and know how to 

use them in an incident. 

Usage  Usage refers to how often interoperable communications technologies 

are used during planned events, day-to-day operations, and large-scale 

incidents. 

 Real-time, on demand communications during emergency incidents, as 

well as planned events and routine daily operations as needed. 

 Continuous flow of critical information between multi-jurisdictional 

and multi-disciplinary agencies at the Command level. 

Critical Tasks 

UTL# Task 

Com.C.1 

(Revised) 

Develop communication plans, policies, and procedures that support required 

communications with all Federal, regional, state, local, tribal governments and 

agencies as well as voluntary agencies. 

Com.C.1.1 

(Revised) 

Develop procedures to facilitate the exchange of voice and data with Federal, 

regional, state, local and tribal agencies as well as voluntary agencies. 

Com.C.1.4 Develop supplemental and backup communications and information technology 

plans and procedures. 

Com.C.1.4.2 

(Revised) 

Identify emergency communications and data requirements for each stakeholder.

New Task Coordinate procurement and placement of technology communication systems 

based on a gap analysis of requirements versus existing capabilities. 

Com.C.2 Coordinate and provide telecommunication and information technology support to 

Federal, regional, state, local and tribal officials and private sector. 

Com.C.2.2 

(Revised) 

Implement plans and measures necessary to identify damaged critical 

infrastructure assets; repair, reconstitute, and secure radio and associated 

communications networks; and take action to protect these assets from secondary 

damage. 
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37 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

UTL# Task 

Com.C.5 Establish and maintain response communications systems. 

Com.C.5.1 Implement response communications interoperability plans and protocols. 

Com.C.5.2 Coordinate communications policy and procedures across response entities. 

Res.A.3.2 Coordinate incident site communications within a NIMS compliant framework. 

Res.A.3.4 Communicate internal incident response information. 

Res.B.1.1 Provide direction, information, and/or support as appropriate to incident command 

(IC) or unified command (UC) and/or joint field office(s). 

New Task Design reliable, redundant, and robust communications systems for daily 

operations capable of quickly reconstituting normal operations in the event of 

disruption or destruction. 

New Task Develop a continuous improvement plan that enriches interoperable 

communications to provide advanced customer service, reliability, and operational 

effectiveness. 

New Task Complete an assessment of standard communication capabilities for the Public 

Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and Public Safety Communication Centers to 

ensure an appropriate continuity of operations plan (COOP) is in place for public 

safety and service agencies’ communications. 

New Task Maintain a common operating picture (COP) for real time sharing of information 

with all the participating entities to ensure all responder agencies are working from 

the same information. 

*New/Revised tasks will be added to the UTL 

Performance Measures and Objectives 

Performance Measure Performance 

Objective 

A multi-agency and multi- jurisdictional governance structure is in 

place to improve communications interoperability planning and 

coordination. 

Yes/No 

Participating entities in the governance structure have developed and 

will update interoperability communications plans as needed. 

Yes/No 

Formal agreements exist among jurisdictions and disciplines. Yes/No 

Governance committees have developed a plan to acquire and influence 

sustained interoperability and systems maintenance funding. 

Yes/No 

A regional set of communications Standard Operating Procedures 

(SOPs) that conform to NIMS are in place and implemented and include 

operational and technical elements. 

Yes/No 

Command and control policies are in place to achieve interoperability as Yes/No 
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38 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

Performance Measure Performance 

Objective 

necessary. 

Interoperability policies and procedures are in place to allow 

information sharing between levels of government and federal 

installations involved in the incident as necessary. 

Yes/No 

Individual agencies across the jurisdictions have operable 

communications systems in place. 

Yes/No 

Appropriate levels of redundant communication systems are available. Yes/No 

All personnel are trained to operate communications systems according 

to their role at an incident. 

Yes/No 

Plans, procedures, and use of interoperable communications equipment 

have been exercised. 

Yes/No 

Interoperability systems are used in pertinent everyday activities as well 

as emergency incidents to ensure users are familiar with the system and 

routinely work in concert with one another. 

Yes/No 

An assessment of standard communication capabilities for the 

PSAPs/Public Safety Communication Centers, and Emergency 

Operations Centers (EOC), has been completed to ensure an appropriate 

continuity of operations plan (COOP) is in place for public safety and 

service agencies’ communications. 

Yes/No 

A common operating picture (COP) for real time sharing of information 

with all the participating entities can be established as required. 

Yes/No 

Capability Elements 

 Planning 

 Interoperability Communications Plans that provide governance, standard 

operating procedures, technology, training & exercises, and usage for each 

participant area 

 Standard Operating Procedures that clearly articulate necessary processes and 

protocols to follow to achieve interoperability during an incident 

 PSAP and Public Safety Communications Center COOP Plan to ensure 

responders understand back-up capacity protocol 

 Organization and leadership 

 Formalized structured planning and governing bodies with defined authorities, 

missions, and responsibilities are in place 

 Agreements between agencies (MOU/MOA) and coordinated decision making 

across agencies to ensure effective response 

 Training 

 General orientation and education on interoperability equipment for all 

personnel who will respond to an event 
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39 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

 Routine use of interoperable equipment so participating area is accustomed 

with the equipment before an incident 

 Equipment and Systems 

 A system-of-systems consisting of local, state, and federal components are in 

place that can be connected through common interface standards 

 Operable communication systems for the disciplines and jurisdiction as 

defined by the local requirements 

 DHS/SLGCP Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program 

(ICTAP) to assist localities by providing technical assistance 

 Exercises, Evaluations, and Corrective Actions 

 Communication Tabletop Exercise 

 Operational Exercise 

Capability Planning Factors and Target Levels 

Please proceed to the capability appendix to review the draft national target levels and 

assignment of responsibility for building and maintaining the capability. They are the 

result of analysis of capability requirements by stakeholder working groups over a twomonth period and represent an initial effort to define national targets to develop a national 

network of capabilities. The appendix also includes the planning assumptions and 

planning factors used to develop the national targets. The targets will be refined through 

broad stakeholder review and other validation efforts. 

Linked Capabilities 

 Animal Health Emergency Support 

 CBRNE Detection 

 Citizen Preparedness and Participation 

 Citizen Protection: Evacuation and/or In-place Protection 

 Critical Infrastructure Protection 

 Critical Resource Logistics and Distribution 

 Economic and Community Recovery 

 Emergency Operations Center Management 

 Emergency Public Information and Warning 

 Environmental Health and Vector Control 

 Explosive Device Response Operations 

 Fatality Management 

 Firefighting Operations/Support 

 Food and Agriculture Safety and Defense 

 Information Gathering and Recognition of Indicators and Warnings 

 Intelligence / Information Sharing and Dissemination 

 Intelligence Analysis and Production 

 Interoperable Communications 

 Isolation and Quarantine 

 Law Enforcement Investigation and Operations 
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40 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

 Mass Care 

 Mass Prophylaxis 

 Medical Supplies Management and Distribution 

 Medical Surge 

 Onsite Incident Management 

 Planning 

 Public Health Epidemiological Investigation and Lab Testing 

 Public Safety and Security Response 

 Responder Safety and Health 

 Restoration of Lifelines 

 Risk Management 

 Structural Damage & Mitigation Assessment 

 Triage & Pre-Hospital Treatment 

 Urban Search & Rescue 

 Volunteer Management & Donations 

 WMD/Hazardous Materials Response and Decontamination 

References 

1. Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-8, "National Preparedness". 

December 2003. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031217-6.html 

2. National Response Plan (NRP). Department of Homeland Security. December 2004. 

3. National Incident Management System (NIMS). Department of Homeland Security. 

March 2004. http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NIMS-90-web.pdf 

4. Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Standards. September 

2004. http://www.emaponline.org/index.cfm 

5. Federal Leadership Needed to Facilitate Interoperable Communications Between First 

Responders; General Accountability Office. September 2004. 

http://www.mipt.org/pdf/gao041057t.pdf 

6. Policy Briefing: The State and Local Role in Domestic Defense. Cohen, John D. and 

Hurson, John A. January 2002. 

http://www.ppionline.org/documents/local_home_d.pdf 

7. National Mutual Aid and Resource Management Initiative, Resource Typing 

Definitions- I. Federal Emergency Management Agency, January 2004. 

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/preparedness/initial_60_rtd.pdf 

8. National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL). http://www.arrl.org/ 

9. NFPA 1221- Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Emergency 

Services Communications Systems. National Fire Protection Association. 2002 

Edition. http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1221 

10. NFPA 1561- Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management Systems. 

National Fire Protection Association. 2005 Edition. 

http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1561 

11. Plan for Accelerating the Development of National Voluntary Consensus Standards 

for Public Safety Interoperable Communications. Report to Congress in Response to 
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41 

SECTION III 

COMMON 

CAPABILITIES: INTEROPERABLE 

COMMUNICATIONS

House Report 108-796 to the Fiscal Year 2005 Department of Homeland Security 

Intelligence Reform Bill. March 2005 

12. Tactical Interoperable Communications Planning Guide. Department of Homeland 

Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness, Interoperable Communications 

Technical Assistance Program. April 2004. 

13. Statement of Requirements for Public Safety Wireless Communications and 

Interoperability Version 1.0. Department of Homeland Security, Office for 

Interoperability and Compatibility, SAFECOM Program. March 10, 2004. 

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/library/technology/1200_statementof.ht

m 

14. Interoperability Continuum. Department of Homeland Security, Office for 

Interoperability and Compatibility, SAFECOM Program. April 2005. 

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/library/interoperabilitybasics/1229_inte

roperabilitycontinuum.htm 

15. Operational Guide for the Interoperability Continuum: Lessons Learned from 

RapidCom. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Interoperability and 

Compatibility, SAFECOM Program. Summer 2005 

16. Recommended Federal Grants Guidance Public Safety Communications & 

Interoperability Grants Department of Homeland Security, Office for Interoperability 

and Compatibility, SAFECOM Program. November 2004. 

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/library/grant/1016_safecomgrant.htm 

17. Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning (SCIP) Methodology. 

Department of Homeland Security, Office for Interoperability and Compatibility, 

SAFECOM Program. 

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/SAFECOM/library/interoperabilitycasestudies/1223

_statewidecommunications.htm 

18. National Task Force for Interoperability (NTFI) Guide – Why Can’t We Talk? 

Working Together To Bridge the Communications Gap To Save Lives. National 

Institute of Justice. February 2003. 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/commtech/ntfi/publications.htm 

19. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Preparedness Technical 

Assistance Program (HSPTAP), Technical Assistance Catalog, Interoperable 

Communications Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP), CBRNE Terrorism 

Prevention Technical Assistance Services #103 (PREV-103), CBRNE Terrorism 

Response # 214 (RESP-214), and CBRNE Terrorism Recovery #304 (RECV-304). 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/ta_ictap.htm