6 U.S.C. § 195a : US Code - Section 195A: Emergency communications interoperability research and development

Search 6 U.S.C. § 195a : US Code - Section 195A: Emergency communications interoperability research and development

(a) In general
The Under Secretary for Science and Technology, acting through
the Director of the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility,
shall establish a comprehensive research and development program to
support and promote - 
(1) the ability of emergency response providers and relevant
government officials to continue to communicate in the event of
natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made
disasters; and
(2) interoperable emergency communications capabilities among
emergency response providers and relevant government officials,
including by - 
(A) supporting research on a competitive basis, including
through the Directorate of Science and Technology and Homeland
Security Advanced Research Projects Agency; and
(B) considering the establishment of a Center of Excellence
under the Department of Homeland Security Centers of Excellence
Program focused on improving emergency response providers'
communication capabilities.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of the program established under subsection (a)
include - 
(1) supporting research, development, testing, and evaluation
on emergency communication capabilities;
(2) understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the public
safety communications systems in use;
(3) examining how current and emerging technology can make
emergency response providers more effective, and how Federal,
State, local, and tribal government agencies can use this
technology in a coherent and cost-effective manner;
(4) investigating technologies that could lead to long-term
advancements in emergency communications capabilities and
supporting research on advanced technologies and potential
systemic changes to dramatically improve emergency
communications; and
(5) evaluating and validating advanced technology concepts, and
facilitating the development and deployment of interoperable
emergency communication capabilities.
(c) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term "interoperable", with
respect to emergency communications, has the meaning given the term
in section 578 of this title.