NGFR_Brief_for_DHS_Industry_Day_-_30_Jun_2015.pdf

30 Jun 2015

John Merrill

Director Office for Interoperability and Compatibility First Responders Group Science and Technology Directorate

Next Generation First Responder

DHS Industry Day June 30, 2015

The Next Generation First Responder Apex program envisions first responders who are protected, connected and fully aware.

Next Generation First Responder

Operational Need: First responders rely primarily on disparate voice radio communications, limited network connectivity for data and video, and personal protective equipment (PPE) with insufficient threat protection.

Program Goals: NGFR will develop a scalable and modular ensemble that includes an enhanced duty uniform and PPE, wearable computing and sensing technology, and robust voice and data communication networks.

Impact: NGFR’s cutting-edge technologies will accelerate decision-making and improve response to better safeguard lives and property.

NGFR Program Description

NGFR Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOz9B1wUJy4

NGFR Capability Areas

Protected Connected Fully Aware

Defending against life-threatening hazards

Having a lifeline when it’s needed most

Making informed decisions that save lives

• Enhanced duty uniforms and personal protective equipment keep responders safe, no matter the emergency

• Fire, tear, splash and biohazard resistant fabrics protect responders from frequent hazards

• Fully interoperable communications equipment reliably exchanges messages

• Deployable networks give connectivity anywhere, anytime, in any conditions

• Universal data standards make info sharing easy and secure

• Integrated wearables, sensors and remote monitoring convey the right information at the right time

• Situational awareness tools provide critical context even before responders arrive on scene, saving vital time

What do we Mean?

By 2020, first responders will:

Adopt FRG-transitioned, commercialized cross-functional wearable uniforms that provide for effective environmental and mission specific safeguards.

Adopt FRG-transitioned, commercialized interoperable communications technologies that are seamlessly connected to enhance voice, video and data for all public safety agencies, as well as state, local and federal partners.

Visualize a situation in real-time before, during and after a mission response, including blue force tracking, locations of local and cross jurisdictional resources, and any threats of immediate concern.

What Does Success Look Like?

Beyond NGFR: Responder of the Future

NGFR Apex program is a 5-year program that will:

Develop integrated technology and tools to address specific first responder capability gaps (protection, communications, situational awareness, etc.).

Inform direction of future research and development.

Responder of the Future is a long-term S&T Visionary Goal The Responder of the Future is threat-adaptive and multi-disciplinary, and able to respond to all dangers safely and effectively.

This S&T Visionary Goal will arm responders with comprehensive physical protection; interoperable, networked tools; technology-enhanced threat detection capabilities; and timely, actionable information.

Conducting operational analysis and organizational studies.

Developing concepts of operations (CONOPS).

Characterizing operational capability gaps.

Defining operational requirements.

Conducting market research and analysis of alternatives (AoA) activities.

Reviewing doctrine, policy and regulations that may impact the development, transition or adoption of NGFR technologies.

Opportunities for HSOAC FFRDCs