National Communications System Provides Programs for Priority Calling

Government functions and effective disaster response and management rely on the ability of national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) personnel to communicate. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Communications System (NCS), is responsible for ensuring continuity of NS/EP communications when network congestion or damage occurs. As requested, GAO assessed the (1) priority communication programs NCS provides, how it enlists subscribers, and to what extent NCS controls access to these programs; (2) challenges that can affect delivery of these programs; and (3) extent to which NCS plans for and evaluates its services. Among other things, GAO recommends the Manager of NCS (1) define program capabilities, costs, and mitigation plans as part of NCS's acquisition planning for enhanced NS/EP communications services; (2) incorporate strategic planning best practices as NCS finalizes its strategic plan; and (3) strengthen NCS's performance measurement. (GAO-09-822)
National Communications System Provides Programs for Priority Calling, but Planning for New Initiatives and Performance Measurement Could Be Strengthened.