Emergency communications : National Communications System provides programs for priority calling, but planning for new initiatives and performance measurement could be strengthened : report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

United States. Government Accountability Office

Contributor:

Jenkins, William O., Jr. (William Oscar), 1947-

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Governmental Affairs. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

National Communications System (U.S.).

United States. Department of Homeland Security--Rules and practice--Evaluation.

United States.

United States. Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency management--United States.

Emergency management.

Emergency communication systems--United States.

Emergency communication systems.

Genre:

Rules and practice.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (iii, 70 pages) : illustrations

Other Title:

National Communications System provides programs for priority calling, but planning for new initiatives and performance measurement could be strengthened

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]

Summary:

Government functions and effective disaster response and management rely on the ability of national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) personnel to communicate. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Communications System (NCS), is responsible for ensuring continuity of NS/EP communications when network congestion or damage occurs. As requested, GAO assessed the (1) priority communication programs NCS provides, how it enlists subscribers, and to what extent NCS controls access to these programs; (2) challenges that can affect delivery of these programs; and (3) extent to which NCS plans for and evaluates its services. GAO reviewed NCS program documents, such as annual reports and access control procedures and data on program subscribers. GAO also interviewed officials from NCS and select state and local government entities. GAO compared NCS performance measures to federal best practices. Among other things, GAO recommends the Manager of NCS (1) define program capabilities, costs, and mitigation plans as part of NCS's acquisition planning for enhanced NS/EP communications services; (2) incorporate strategic planning best practices as NCS finalizes its strategic plan; and (3) strengthen NCS's performance measurement.

Notes:

Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Sept. 29, 2009).

"August 2009."

Includes bibliographical references.

"GAO-09-822."

OCLC:

441415541