Homeland Security, Public Safety and Government Communications
Patton Boggs is uniquely situated to help clients understand the nexus between public safety, homeland security and communications issues based on our substantive expertise in the homeland security, public safety, technology and communications worlds. The tragic circumstances of 9/11 focused our Nation’s attention on the need for improved emergency communications and interoperability issues. While the Nation has made some progress, much more needs to be done. Patton Boggs’ Homeland Security group, working with the Patton Boggs’ TechComm Group, help public and private sector clients navigate these issue by blending our knowledge and extensive experience working with Congress, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), the NTIA and the FCC to identify ways in which our clients can work with Government to address the critical communications issues and challenges faced by public safety, homeland security and government organizations.
Our homeland security experts can guide you through the maze of agency and Congressional committees that have oversight of emergency communications and interoperability issues and identify areas of opportunity to continue to make advances in this important area. With a strong knowledge of DHS key leadership, Patton Boggs can help clients find regulatory and legislative solutions to our Nation’s Homeland Security emergency communications shortfalls. The Patton Boggs Homeland Security team also works with the homeland security Congressional authorizers and appropriators on a daily basis and can help clients identify opportunities for grant funding and other opportunities to help clients shape policy in this area.
The needs of DHS and of first responders around the country continue to be unmet and key issues will remain on the horizon as we go into the Congressional and Presidential elections this fall. As we work with DHS and the Congress, we know they continue to focus on the following areas which are areas that will continue to see legislative and regulatory changes they include:
Homeland Security Grant Programs: Whether you are state/local government, first responder or telecommunications company interested in providing services, we can help you understand how best to put together applicable homeland security grant applications to secure funds from emergency communications/interoperability programs. For the first time ever, DHS is providing grant funding for state, local and tribal governments to carry out initiatives to specifically fund these types of projects, and working creatively with you, we can help you leverage available funds that can amplify your reach and achieve higher goals in the community.
Emergency Preparedness and Response and Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism: The 9/11 Commission Recommendations stressed the need for improved, interoperable communications systems for law enforcement officers and first responders. Patton Boggs has advised clients on ways to help the Government improve interoperability among first responders both from a technology perspective as well as a broader policy standpoint.
National Emergency Communications and Interoperability Plans: The 9/11 bill reaffirmed the importance of the OEC by giving them additional oversight and responsibility including oversight of the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) which will govern the national response in emergencies as well as oversight and approval of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans (SCIP). Patton Boggs has helped clients understand the far-reaching implications of the National plan and to help them tailor their emergency communications planning exercises and strategies to be consistent with the mandates of DHS.