Shared Communication Systems and Infrastructure
Description
Across the United States, public safety organizations continue to recognize the value of building communications networks that support multiple agencies and disciplines. The Shared Communication Systems and Infrastructure (SCSI) approach can enable: (1) effective implementation of available communications technologies and techniques; and (2) better utilization and integration of available communications assets in support of day-to-day operations and incident response to help public safety organizations achieve operable, interoperable, resilient, and secure communication.
Overview
Enhancing communications operability and interoperability remains a top priority for the public safety community. As such, first responders nationwide should be encouraged to find ways to collaborate with partners across all levels of government to share infrastructure, equipment, and services through the SCSI approach.
SCSI projects focus on encouraging active resource sharing for organizations with national security, emergency preparedness, and public safety missions. When implemented, these projects can:
- Increase operability and interoperability
- Improve spectrum use
- Optimize resource usage and management
- Streamline intra-agency and interagency operations
- Decrease duplication of investments
- Reduce capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) expenditures
- Enhance operational coordination and economies of scale
Documents
The CISA SCSI 101 Factsheet is a resource to educate the public safety community on the vision and benefits of SCSI. Specifically, the factsheet outlines the governance, risk management, resource sharing, and operations considerations that need to be addressed to ensure project success.
SCSI Along the Southwest Border
The Southwest Border Communications Working Group (SWBCWG), in collaboration with CISA, developed the SCSI Along the Southwest Border report to inform decision-makers and leadership of the opportunities, challenges, and needed actions to create a SCSI project for federal, state, local, and tribal (FSLT) public safety organizations operating in the region. The report's recommendations on governance, policy, resource sharing, and security center around the formation of a connected, interoperable network that leverages available 'system of systems' technologies to improve communications for responders and the overall security of the Southwest Border.
