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Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination

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Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 502 May 2010 Preface Fusion centers and emergency operations centers (EOCs) should become familiar with each others’ roles and capabilities to facilitate successful interfacing and cooperation between them. In addition, it is imperative that the two develop a solid relationship in order to effectively work together to achieve their respective objectives. The relationships forged between these two entities will allow them to have continuous, meaningful contacts, which will enhance their ability to share information and intelligence regardless of the activation status of the EOC. Mutual trust and respect must guide interagency collaboration policies and protocols, allowing for effective and consistent collaboration during the steady state or during an emergency. In addition to addressing the relationship in a concept of operations (CONOPS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs), memorandums of understanding (MOUs) should be created, reviewed and updated to define roles during both periods of activation and non-activation. SOPs and MOUs also define how information will be shared between the two entities. Comprehensive Planning Guide (CPG) 502 focuses on this critical partnership and the exchange of information between these entities. Partnerships Effective prevention, protection, response and recovery efforts depend on the ability of all levels and sectors of government, as well as the private sector, to collect, analyze, disseminate and use homeland security- and crime-related information and intelligence. In support of this, the National Strategy for Information Sharing calls for a national information sharing capability through the establishment of a national integrated network of fusion centers. To facilitate the development of a national fusion center capability, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate (NPD) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) have partnered to develop the Fusion Process Technical Assistance Program. This program has been developed in support of the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) and in coordination with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI); the Office of the Program Manager, Information Sharing Environment (PM-ISE); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and experts from the State and local community, including the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative (Global), the Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council (CICC) and the Global Intelligence Working Group (GIWG). The Fusion Process Technical Assistance Program has also been developed to directly support the implementation of the Fusion Center Guidelines and the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers. In constructing the Fusion Center Guidelines, Global engaged diverse representation from the public and private sectors, melding emergency management and law enforcement expertise. Executive branch partners, such as the ODNI and the PM-ISE, have clarified policies and procedures that guide information sharing. The process of creating guidance for the operation of fusion centers has evolved through the development of the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers. This document identifies the baseline capabilities for fusion centers and the operational standards necessary to achieve each of the capabilities. The sustained Federal partnership with State and major urban area fusion centers is critical to the safety of the nation. The baseline capabilities recommend developing processes that govern official outreach with leaders and policymakers, the public sector, the media and citizens. These capabilities also recommend development of a plan to promote awareness of the fusion center’s purpose, mission and i Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502 functions (which, in turn, enhances partnership with the EOC), as well as ensure a common understanding of roles and responsibilities. Acknowledgements A working group of emergency managers, law enforcement agency representatives, fusion center representatives and emergency management and intelligence researchers developed CPG 502 in conjunction with DHS/FEMA and the joint DHS/DOJ Fusion Process Technical Assistance Program. The group and subsequent review sessions included representatives from: National and Federal Entities • CPG Working Group • DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis • DHS FEMA National Preparedness Directorate • Fusion Center Management Group • Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council • National Fusion Center Association Industry, Research Organizations and Universities • Argonne National Laboratory: Center for Integrated Emergency Preparedness • Booz Allen Hamilton • Community Research Associates, Inc. • IEM, Inc. • Lafayette Group ii Contents INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Applicability and Scope ......................................................................................................................... 2 Authorities .............................................................................................................................................. 2 How to Use This Guide .......................................................................................................................... 5 NIMS Compliance and Integration ........................................................................................................ 5 Recommended Training ......................................................................................................................... 6 Revision Process..................................................................................................................................... 6 FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS INITIATIVES, ROLES AND GUIDELINES ....................................... 7 Federal Initiatives and Roles .................................................................................................................. 7 Fusion Center Management Group .................................................................................................. 7 Department of Homeland Security .................................................................................................. 7 Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance ....................................................................... 8 Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative and the Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 THE ROLE OF FUSION CENTERS ....................................................................................................... 9 The Intelligence Process ......................................................................................................................... 9 The Fusion Process: Turning Information and Intelligence into Actionable Knowledge .................... 10 Fusion Center Guidelines ..................................................................................................................... 11 Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers ......................................... 11 Fusion Center Functions ....................................................................................................................... 12 THE ROLE OF THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ....................................................... 15 EOC Organization and Structure .......................................................................................................... 15 EOC Function....................................................................................................................................... 16 Operational Exchange of Information .................................................................................................. 18 EOC AND FUSION CENTER COORDINATION ............................................................................... 21 Step One: Familiarization with Capabilities, Needs and Requirements ............................................... 21 Standard Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................. 22 Communication Tools .................................................................................................................... 23 Databases ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Staffing........................................................................................................................................... 24 Training Resources ........................................................................................................................ 24 Available and Accessible Information ........................................................................................... 25 Continuity of Operations ...............................................................................................................
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