SIEC
Vision and Mission
Vision:
Public safety officials throughout Washington are able to communicate using interoperable technology in real time and on demand.
For purposes of the SIEC vision the following terms are defined as:
Real time: There should be no noticeable delay between the time information is sent and when it is received.
On demand: Immediately available when mission requires. Must be available under any circumstances.
Mission Statement:
In the interests of public safety, the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) pursues and promotes statewide interoperability policies and standards, which will ensure interoperable emergency communications.
For the purposes of the SIEC mission, interoperability is defined as: An essential communication link within public safety and public service communications systems that permits units from two or more different entities to interact with one another and to exchange information according to a prescribed method in order to achieve predictable results.
Duties and Responsibilities of the SIEC
The SIEC is responsible for the following:
- Develop policies and make recommendations to the Information Services Board (ISB) for technical standards for state wireless radio communications systems. The standards must address, among other things, the interoperability of systems, taking into account both existing and future systems and technologies.
- Coordinate and manage on behalf of the ISB the licensing and use of state-designated and state-licensed radio frequencies, and serve as point of contact with the Federal Communications Commission on matters relating to allocation, use, and licensing of radio spectrum.
- Seek support, including possible federal or other funding, for state-sponsored wireless communications systems.
- Develop recommendations for legislation that may be required to promote interoperability of state wireless communications systems.
- Foster cooperation and coordination among public safety and emergency response organizations.
- Work with wireless communications groups and associations to ensure interoperability among all public safety and emergency response wireless communications systems.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the ISB to promote interoperability of wireless communications systems.
Specific Milestones and Responsibilities:
To assist the SIEC in its duties, the legislation specifies specific milestones, which are:
- By December 31, 2003, the SIEC must complete an inventory of all state-operated public safety communications systems. By this date, the SIEC must report to the ISB and to the appropriate state legislative committees the results of such a survey.
- By March 31, 2004, the SIEC must complete an interim statewide public safety communications plan. This plan must be submitted to the ISB and sent to the appropriate state Legislative committees.
- By July 31, 2004, the SIEC must complete an inventory of all public safety communications systems within the State of Washington. This survey must be submitted to the ISB before being sent to the state legislature.
- By December 31, 2004, the SIEC must complete a final statewide public safety communications plan.
NOTE: All the above milestones and responsibilities have been completed.