FEMA SUGGESTS DATABASE TO TRACK TELECOM RESOURCES IN DISASTERS
Future disaster recovery communications command sites must include industry-supported database system to keep track of emergency telecom resources, personnel and mission- critical information, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Dir. Joseph Allbaugh told Senate panel Wed. Sen. Wyden (D-Ore.) held Commerce Committee Science, Technology & Space Subcommittee hearing to assess ability of communications and information technology (IT) sectors to respond in times of crises. He continued to explore idea of creating “NetGuard,” response force of public and private sector volunteers that could be mobilized in response to disasters such as Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Sen. Allen (R- Va.) expressed support for NetGuard, but said govt. must make sure that it didn’t “duplicate the efforts of the private sector.” Allbaugh said IT professionals must join together in coordinated volunteer effort to prepare for such disasters in future and “a NetGuard would be welcomed.”
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Allbaugh’s suggestion to develop crises-related onsite database system “would help in doing a better job of managing a deluge of information.” He acknowledged efforts of industry in restoring communications service following attack on World Trade Center, but said absence of coordinated system to keep track of donated phones, service and other emergency equipment was exploited by some companies. He said that while much of that was provided free, some businesses: (1) Dumped unwanted inventory on emergency relief crews. (2) “Donated” equipment, then turned around and billed govt. (3) Donated equipment and services, then billed govt. to continue services, whether or not warranted. Allbaugh said database set up at “centralized go-to desk” would help to keep track of available resources at disaster site.
Rep. Nelson (D-Fla.) raised issue of FEMA’s reliance on satellite phones in Sept. 11 incidents in light of damage to wireline infrastructure. He asked Allbaugh whether FEMA had plans to create emergency reserve of satellite telephony equipment. Allbaugh said FEMA always would maintain repository of satellite phones, but it wasn’t 100% dependent on them. While they proved to be effective Sept. 11, he said quality of satellite calls was “not the best.”
Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) Dir. John Marburger said “'virtual science corp’ has already come into existence” in U.S. Although he didn’t express support for or opposition to Wyden’s NetGuard proposal, Marburger agreed that “creative use of existing public and private sector mechanisms can help make present networks stronger and more effective.” He said OSTP was establishing interagency Antiterrorism Task Force to develop 5 working groups, including Technical Response Team. He said team would develop various subgroups “to grapple with emergencies as they arise” and “serve as a clearinghouse for technical reviews of the many incoming proposals on technologies” related to domestic security.