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Priority Group Two-Emergency Responder Skills and Capabilities Enhancement of emergency responder skills and capabilities through training and exercises Many public safety agencies do not conduct regular training or exercises to ensure that emergency responders have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate emergency communications solutions or follow procedures. The absence of such skills and capabilities can lead to ineffective performance during an actual emergency, as reported in recent assessments including the National Communications Capabilities Report. Interoperable emergency communications- specific training and exercises that are compliant with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) criteria with respect to technology solutions and operational protocols should be offered and conducted on a regular basis. Further, applicants should identify issues in after action reports (AAR) and improvement plans (IP) and resolve these issues. Agencies must enhance their own knowledge, skills, and abilities, but must also prioritize training and exercise development with all their partners across disciplines, jurisdictions, and levels of government. Grantees are encouraged to use IECGP funding to conduct regular training and exercises associated with: • Implementing SCIP goals, initiatives, and milestones; • Planning, demonstration or reporting on NECP goals; • Achieving NECP milestones; or Enhancing emergency responder skills and capabilities at the regional level in accordance with NECP goals and milestones using the FEMA RECCWGs or comparable governance bodies. Other DHS grant programs substantially fund infrastructure and equipment acquisitions and upgrades. As the Interoperability Continuum (see Figure 1) demonstrates, and as emphasized in the assessments noted previously, effective interoperable emergency communications is not achieved solely through technological means. Thus, for FY 2010, IECGP funding priorities will focus on key interoperability issues beyond infrastructure and equipment, which are critical for ensuring that the Nation has the necessary capabilities to communicate during emergencies. These interoperable emergency communications capabilities of the Interoperability Continuum cannot be achieved without crucial leadership and governance, common planning and operational protocols, and training and exercises. If an SAA and SWIC/SCIP POC certifies that it's State, territory, and/or pass-through recipients have fulfilled all of the objectives of Priority Groups one and two, the State, territory, and/or pass-through recipients may use FY 2010 IECGP funds to purchase interoperable communications equipment. Interoperable emergency communications equipment must comply with standards in the SAFECOM Guidance, including Project 25 (P25) compliance and narrowband capability. 6 55A-12