Firm timelines with detailed compatibility guidelines help smaller agencies make informed purchases. Interoperability is too easily overlooked when only a consideration, difficult to ignore when it is a law. Agencies are severely hampered by mandates that leave them at the mercy of budget managers and legislative bodies. It is never possible to get adequate funding to comply. There needs to be a mandate or incentive for manufacturers to develop interoperable equipment.
Mandates usually result in higher costs.
Let the market promote competition to meet standards-not Federal mandates. Manufacturers are confused about the long-range objectives. Date certain usually causes problems by limiting planning and preparing for startup. Agencies are already purchasing equipment that will not be replaced for many years. Won't happen without requirements, guidelines and funding assistance.