Science and Technology Directorate seeks feedback on first responder technology integration guide

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) requested feedback on Monday on its Next Generation First Responder Integration Handbook, which it released in February.

The handbook serves as a guide for industry and public safety agencies on the development, design, test, and integration of responder technologies. The three-part handbook provides technical recommendations for how to integrate commercially-developed technologies with existing first responder infrastructure in a standards-based “plug-and-play” environment. It also describes how data from on-body first responder technologies is aggregated to provide additional situational awareness.

DHS S&T developed the handbook, a project of S&T’s Next Generation First Responder Apex program (NGFR), in collaboration with first responders and industry partners.

“While many first responders across the nation are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, responders are often overburdened with data and stand-alone devices that may not communicate seamlessly with other devices to sufficiently aid in completing their mission,” Program Manager Norman Speicher said. “Responders need smarter technologies that increase their ability to focus on saving lives and protecting our communities.”

DHS S&T said that it views the handbook as an evolving document and is seeking feedback and comment from industry and public safety agencies to improve the level of detail of the technical specifications and deliver interoperable technology to the first responder marketplace.

“We would like feedback from industry to ensure that the guide will answer their basic technical questions and how to bring their technology into the first responder operational environment,” Speicher said.