PLEMENTATION PLAN 

March 2006 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

Office of Grants and Training 

Tactical Interoperable Communications 

Plan Review Process
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Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) 

Review Process 

Introduction:

As part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year 2005 Homeland Security 

Grant Program (HSGP) guidance, each Urban Area (UA) receiving Fiscal Year 2005 Urban 

Area Security Initiative funds must develop a plan to achieve tactical interoperable 

communications across all jurisdictions in the UA and test the plan through a full-scale 

exercise. Each State that does not have a designated UA must name a multi-jurisdictional 

metropolitan area or region to meet the tactical interoperable communications requirements 

of the Fiscal Year 2005 program. 

The following is a summary of the review process that the Office of Grants and Training 

(G&T) will use in evaluating the Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP). This 

review process is designed to make grantees aware of their successful completion or any 

deficiencies within their plans. Grantees will also be advised of next steps according to the 

outcome of the TICP review.

I. Purpose & Scope:

To help with the TICP review, the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance 

Program (ICTAP) has developed a TICP Review Checklist that will be referenced during the 

process. This checklist has been derived from the Fiscal Year 2005 HSGP guidance 

requirement and will determine if the TICPs are: 

• Focused on grant guidance requirements 

• Producing uniform, standardized results 

• Meeting expectations concerning capabilities-based planning 

• Providing a baseline for understanding a site’s status and interoperable 

communications needs 

• Providing feedback to sites 

• Providing feedback to G&T 

In addition, the checklist will serve as a guide for validation of the tactical interoperable 

communications during a live field exercise. 

II. Capabilities-Based Planning:

As detailed in G&T Information Bulletin 192 released on October 14, 2005: 

 “The release of the National Preparedness Goal, Target Capabilities List (TCL), and 

Universal Task List (UTL) presents an opportunity to build a foundation of capabilities-based 
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planning. The TCL: Version 2.2 represents a significant step forward in developing those 

readiness targets. It identifies 37 capabilities required to prevent, protect against, respond 

to, and recover from incidents of national significance. As jurisdictions plan their exercises, 

the Interoperable Communications Target Capability and “designated” Critical Tasks must 

be incorporated into their exercise activity to test the TICP.” 

Each TICP will be reviewed against the performance measures associated with the 

Interoperable Communications Target Capability. As the performance measures have 

varying degrees of applicability to the TICP, sites have been given a checklist (see 

Attachment 1) detailing the TICP requirements.

III. TICP Submittal Process:

Copies of the TICP must be submitted by the State Administrative Agency (SAA) to the G&T 

Preparedness Officer via the ODP Secure Portal. A designated “TICP” submittal area has 

been setup for reference. For those who do not have a current account, you will have to 

register by invitation. Instructions on how to register and log on to the ODP Secure Portal 

are provided in Attachment 3. These materials will then be made available to the ICTAP 

Program Manager (PM) to begin the review process. 

IV. Peer Review Panel:

A peer review panel will be utilized for the TICP evaluation process. Selected individuals 

from the local, State and Federal public safety/first responder community will be assigned as 

panel members and will review the TICPs independently before providing recommendations 

during a two-day panel session convened at DHS headquarters. These panel sessions will 

be scheduled as needed. The reviewers will receive a copy of the TICP via CD-ROM and/or 

the ODP Secure Portal prior to the panel convening. 

When convened, the panel will evaluate the TICP, using the TICP Review Checklist, and 

provide a review decision. This is a subjective process based on the content of each TICP. 

These TICPs are “For Official Use Only” and contain highly sensitive homeland security 

information; therefore, TICPs shall not be reproduced or shared beyond the panel members. 

Each panel member will be requested to execute a conflict of interest agreement that he/she 

has no direct relationship to a specific TICP and to sign a nondisclosure agreement.

V. TICP Review:

Each member of the panel will complete a separate TICP Review Worksheet (see 

Attachment 2). Upon the completion of the review session, panel members must come to a 

consensus whether the plan meets one of two categories: “pass” or “need additional 

information”. In the event that peer review panel members cannot reach a consensus on 

the evaluation of a TICP, the Director of the Preparedness Programs Division will make the 

final determination. The panel’s overall evaluation will be noted on page 1 of the Worksheet 

under “Panel Review Record.” 

In the event a TICP has been evaluated to “need additional information,” the SAA, TICP site, 

and Preparedness Officer (PO) will be informed of the decision. Grantees will be given a 

prescribed time frame to submit “only” the requested information. The TICP review process 
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cannot be successfully completed until the information has been received and approved by 

G&T. The TICP review process will take up to 45 days from the submittal date. 

VI. Composition of the Peer Review Panel:

The peer review panels will consist of five to seven representatives from local, State, and 

Federal agencies and from relevant National Associations. In addition, the ICTAP PM will 

serve as chairman, recorder, and facilitator of each panel. A senior manager from G&T will 

serve as an observer for each panel. The ICTAP PM and G&T Preparedness Officers will 

not serve as a peer reviewers. 

Below is a list of possible agencies and associations from which individuals will be selected 

to participate as a review panelist: 

 A. Federal Agencies

• Department of Homeland Security 

o Office of Grants and Training (G&T) 

o SAFECOM 

o Wireless Management Office (WMO) 

o National Incident Management System Integration Center (NIMS/NIC) 

o Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

• Department of Justice 

o National Institute of Justice-Communications Technologies (NIJCommTech) 

o Department of Justice-Community Oriented Police Services (DOJCOPS) 

o Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 

• National Guard Bureau 

 B. National Associations

• National Sheriffs Association (NSA) 

• Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCC) 

• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 

• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) 

• US Conference of Mayors (USCM) 

• National Governors Association (NGA) 

• National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) 

• Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) 

• National Association of State EMS Directors (NASEMSD) 

• National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATO 

• National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) 

• National Emergency Number Association (NENA) 

• National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC)
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VII. Decision Package to G&T Management: 

Upon completion of a peer review panel, a formal decision package will be submitted to 

G&T management for review and approval. This package will include: 

• A routing memo from the ICTAP PM (through the Preparedness Programs 

Division) to the responsible Preparedness Officer 

• Hard copies of completed TICP Review Checklist 

• A hard copy of the subject TICP 

• A status letter to be signed by the G&T Technical Assistance Division Director 

informing the TICP site of the TICP Review results 

All completed documentation will be provided to the designated Preparedness Officer by 

ICTAP Support following the results of the peer review panel. 

VIII. Notification of Review Results:

Upon receiving the formal decision package with all necessary signatures/initials, the 

responsible Preparedness Officer shall: 

• Send the status letter (signed by the G&T Technical Assistance Division 

Director) informing the TICP site of the review results. Attached will be a 

summarized overview of the checklist results. The letter should include a copy 

to any SAA POCs that the Preparedness Officer feels should be notified 

regarding the TICP review. 

• Inform all appropriate G&T personnel via email of the review results. The 

Preparedness Officer must notify the Director of Preparedness Programs, the 

Director of the Exercise and Evaluation Division, the Director of the Training 

Division, the G&T Legislative Affairs staff, and Centralized Scheduling and 

Information Desk. 

If there are any questions regarding the results of the review or decision packet, please 

feel free to contact your G&T Preparedness Officer and/or the ICTAP Program Manager, 

Keith Young, keith.young@dhs.gov. 

IX. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Common Capabilities: Interoperable Communications Performance 

 Measures and Objectives 

Attachment 2: TICP Review Worksheets 

Attachment 3: Instructions for submitting TICP on the ODP Secure Portal 
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Attachment 1: 

Common Capabilities: Interoperable Communications 

Performance Measures and Objectives 
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Common Capabilities: Interoperable Communications 

Performance Measures and Objectives 

 

Performance Measure TICP Implication TICP TICP Site Notes 

Reference 

A multi-agency and multijurisdictional governance structure is 

in place to improve communications 

interoperability planning and 

coordination. 

The TICP must document a multijurisdictional governance 

structure 

 

Participating entities in the 

governance structure have developed 

and will update interoperability 

communications plans as needed. 

The TICP should document how 

the governance group will 

maintain the plan and ensure that 

agency information is current 

 

Formal agreements exist among 

jurisdictions and disciplines. 

While not a requirement of the 

TICP, any multi-jurisdictional 

plan should be supported by 

mutual aid agreements and/or 

regional MOAs/MOUs 

 

Governance committees have 

developed a plan to acquire and 

influence sustained interoperability 

and systems maintenance funding. 

Not a requirement of the TICP 

A regional set of communications 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 

that conform to NIMS are in place and 

implemented and include operational 

and technical elements. 

Communications policies and 

procedures must be documented 

in the TICP 

 

Command and control policies are in 

place to achieve interoperability as 

necessary. 

The TICP must detail 

communications command and 

control procedures. 

 

Interoperability policies and 

procedures are in place to allow 

information sharing between levels of 

government and federal installations 

involved in the incident as necessary. 

The TICP must include all public 

safety agencies within the UAWG, 

and sites are encouraged to 

include additional Federal, State 

and local agencies 

 

Individual agencies across the 

jurisdictions have operable 

communications systems in place. 

The TICP must document the 

voice interoperable 

communications equipment 

inventory of all participating 

agencies. 

 

Appropriate levels of redundant 

communication systems are available. 

It is recommended that the TICP 

incident communications plan 

(Section 5) include backup 

interoperability methods to be 

used 

 
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All personnel are trained to operate 

communications systems according to 

their role at an incident. 

The TICP should identify 

individuals to receive the NIMS 

Communications Unit Leader 

training currently under 

development by SAFECOM 

 

Plans, procedures, and use of 

interoperable communications 

equipment have been exercised. 

The TICP must be validated 

through a full scale, multijurisdictional exercise by the 

Urban Area 

 

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. 

Sites are encouraged to utilize the 

interoperability methods detailed 

in your TICP to ensure proper use 

in an emergency. 

 

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. 

Not a requirement of the TICP 

A common operating picture (COP) 

for real time sharing of information 

with all the participating entities can 

be established as required. 

While not a requirement of the 

TICP, the Communications Asset 

Survey and Mapping tool (CASM) 

offered through the ICTAP 

program provides a regional 

communications picture to users. 

 
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Attachment 2: 

TICP Review Worksheets 

This is a worksheet for use by peer review panel members for evaluation of all 

Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans 
For Official Use Only 

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Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) Approval Review Checklist TICP Site: ___________________________ ___________________ 

G&T Preparedness Officer: __________________________ ICTAP PM Recording Secretary: __________________________ Overall Result (circle one): PASS 

NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Date of Panel Meeting: 

Reviewer: ________________________________ Reviewer’s Organization: __Part I: Strengthen Interoperable Communications Capabilities As indicated in Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program guidance tactical intecommunications is seen as a key capability supporting Homeland Security strategic goals and national prioritiesquestions about the TICP under review are based on Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8, Information B

Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) Exercise Guidance,” and the DHS SAFECOM Interoperability Conti
For Official Use Only 

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OVERALL TICP EVALUATION FINDINGS 

1. How well does the TICP establish a plan to achieve tactical interoperable communications acros

the region? 

2. How well does this TICP support long-term interoperability? 3. How well does the TICP incorporate the Interoperable Communications Target Capability perfor

(See accompanying chart for more information)? 
For Official Use Only 

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TICP Acceptance Checklist 

Pass 

Need Add. 

Information Element 

TICP Requirements 

(bulleted items are recommended but not required)

1. Urban Area Information 

  1.1. Provides an overview of the area consistent with the Urban Area or State Homeland Security Strateg  1.2. Lists all included agencies   1.3. Notes the plan’s point of contact 

2. Governance 

  2.1. Provides an overview of the governance structure that will oversee and implement the plan 

• Establishes responsibilities of the governing body and sub-groups • Provides a meeting schedule for the governing body • Describes individual agency responsibilities and rights • States regional authority for coordination and assignment of assets • Establishes a working group responsible for determining operational requirements, developing 

Standard Operating Procedures, and coordinating training 
For Official Use Only 

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Pass 

Need Add. 

Information Element 

• Establishes a working group responsible for identifying, developing, and overseeing technical so

  2.2 Lists participants, agencies represented, and roles 

3. Interoperability Equipment 

  3.1 Lists resources to be used and the responsible agency(s) for operation and maintenance through swapping radios (if applicable)   3.2 Lists resources to be used and the responsible agency(s) for operation and maintenance through sh

channels (if applicable) 

  3.3 Lists resources to be used and the responsible agency(s) for operation and maintenance through gateways (if applicable)   3.4 Lists resources to be used and the responsible agency(s) for operation and maintenance through sh

systems (if applicable) 

4. Policies & Procedures 

  4.1 Establishes policies and procedures for swapping radios (if applicable) 

• Participating agencies list • Best practices • Rules of use 

• Request procedures 
For Official Use Only 

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Pass 

Need Add. 

Information Element 

• Activation procedures • Deactivation procedures 

  4.2 Establishes policies and procedures for other shared channels (if applicable) 

• Participating agencies list • Best practices • Rules of use • Usage procedures 

• Problem identification and resolution procedures 

  4.3 Establishes policies and procedures for gateways ( if applicable) 

• Participating agencies list • Best practices • Rules of use • Request procedures • Activation procedures 

• Deactivation procedures 
For Official Use Only 

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Pass 

Need Add. 

Information Element 

• Problem identification and resolution procedures 

  4.4 Establishes policies and procedures for shared systems (if applicable)

• Participating agencies list • Best practices • Rules of use 

• Problem identification and resolution procedures 

5. Plans for Tactical Communications During an Incident 

  5.1 Documents participating functional disciplines   5.2 Describes how communications resources will support the incident management system and comm

structure 

  5.3 Establishes the methods of communication for Incident command and general staff 

• Operations Section (including any functional groups or geographic divisions) • Planning Section • Logistics Section 

• Finance/Administration (if established) 
For Official Use Only 

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Pass 

Need Add. 

Information Element 

6. Training 

  6.1 Ensures that sufficient personnel are trained as Communications Unit Leaders as defined within NIM  6.2 Documents the number of certified Communications Unit Leaders and disciplines which they serve   6.3 Ensures that trained Communications Unit Leaders are available at all times 
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Attachment 3: 

Instructions for submitting TICP on the ODP Secure Portal 
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In order to gain access to the ODP Secure Portal please email your name and contact information to 

Ralph Barnett at Ralph.Barnett@associates.dhs.gov and Matthew Biancucci at 

Matthew.Biancucci@associates.dhs.gov . Upon receipt of your e-mail, you will be sent an invitation to 

register. Once the registration process is complete, your account will be approved and you will be able to 

logon to the system. 

The three tools that will be most widely utilized through this process are the Library, Secure Messaging 

and Chat. Please follow the steps below in order to use these tools. Should you have any questions 

regarding the registration process or how to upload a document please contact Sarah Greider at (703) 

682-6019, sgreider@espgroup.net or the Help Desk at (804) 744-8800, helpdesk@espgroup.net

Library

This tool allows you to upload and share documents with other users: 

• Click on the “Collaboration” link from the desktop. 

• Select the “Library” link from the list of collaboration tools. 

• Click on the appropriate folder listed in the left hand frame (all folders will follow the same scheme 

as “TICP – State/Urban Area”) 

• Once you have selected the folder, click the “Upload Document” link in the middle of the folder 

screen on the right hand side. 

• Type in a file name, a brief document description and select the file from your computer to 

upload. Click the “Finished” button to upload your file. 

Secure Messaging 

This tool allows you to send internal messages, with attachments, to any other user participating in the 

ODP Secure Portal: 

• Click on the “Collaboration” link from the desktop. 

• Select the “Secure Messaging” link from the list of collaboration tools. 

• Click on “Compose Message” in the upper right hand side. 

• Use the search feature to send a message to an organization or another portal user (make sure 

the appropriate “Orgs” or “Users” box is checked when searching.) 

• Highlight the organization name and click the “To” box to move the name into the “To:” column. 

• Type in a subject and message. 

• Select a notification option at the bottom. 

• Click “Send” to send the message. 

Chat 

This tool allows users to participate in a real-time chat with other users participating in the system. Use 

this tool to post questions regarding the program and/or the ODP Secure Portal: 

• Click on the “Collaboration” link from the desktop. 

• Click on the “Chat” link from the list of collaboration tools. 

• Select the “Questions and Answers Chat” from the drop down box in order to join the discussion. 

• Use the text box in the bottom right hand corner to post a message. If you post a question in this 

area, you will receive a written response from an Administrator within 48 hours of your posting 

• Use the “View Transcript” hyperlink in the upper right hand corner to view previous chat postings.