The National Capitol Region (NCR), comprising the District of Columbia and surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia, was one of only six of 75 jurisdictions nationally to receive the "advanced implementation" scores by the Department of Homeland Security in the recently released Interoperability Scorecard.
As part of the NCR's Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan the Incident Commanders' Radio Interface (ICRITM) allows first-responders to talk across incompatible radio systems and equipment, including digital, analog, UHF, VHF, 800 MHz, cell, and satellite phones. Developed and manufactured by Virginia-based Communications-Applied Technology, the ICRI addresses three major areas impacting interoperability in communities:
Affordability -- For jurisdictions challenged to fund conversion to region-wide systems costing tens of $ millions, the ICRI provides tactical interoperability for approximately $10,000 per unit. Most of the areas defined in the NCR region of Maryland, DC, and Virginia possess an ICRI (partial list below).
Portable and Flexible Tool -- Mounted in command vehicles or hand-carried in protective cases, the book-size ICRIs enable quick deployment to emergencies, creating an on-scene link within minutes for mutual aid providers. Extended battery-powered operation enables interoperability in natural disasters, search and rescue operations taking place beyond typical radio frequency coverage, and in-building and underground operations such as the DC Metro system.
Ease of Use -- First-responders whose primary jobs are fire-fighting and law enforcement use the ICRI in daily operations without requiring special training or dedicated radio technicians. The ICRI's intuitive interface features simple toggle switches rather than complex computer controllers that delay set-up and use.
The NCR comprises a patchwork of 19 local, state and federal jurisdictions and agencies; the ICRI is used throughout the region by the District of Columbia, Fairfax City and County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, National Capital Region Radio Cache, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Maryland State Police, federal agencies, and others.
The DHS Interoperability Scorecard judged 75 communities' nationally for interoperability readiness in three categories: operating procedures in place, use of communications systems, and effectiveness of local government to have coordination in preparation for a disaster.
