NCSWIC PTE Committee releases Third-Party Evaluators for Training and Exercises

Cary Martin, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs) and other emergency preparedness personnel may decide they wish to include a third-party evaluator in an upcoming training or exercise. Third-party evaluators can bring impartiality, fresh eyes, and a new perspective in evaluating a training session or exercise. Evaluators may also have specific experience or expertise related to the exercise and can provide important feedback to the SWIC developing and conducting the training.

The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) Planning, Training and Exercise (PTE) Committee developed Third-Party Evaluators for Training and Exercises to help SWICs understand how using a third-party evaluator can help them ensure high-quality and effective communications-based training and exercises in the new operating environment. The guide shares potential advantages and challenges as well as other considerations when using a third-party evaluator.

Third-Party Evaluators for Training and Exercises can be found cisa.gov/safecom/training-and-exercises. To learn more about the PTE Committee’s work, visit cisa.gov/safecom/training-and-exercises or email NCSWICgovernance@cisa.dhs.gov.