June 16, 2020
Updated September 23, 2020

Due to the increasing need for technology in support of emergency operations, NAPSG Foundation launched a research study in January 2020 to explore the current state of technology-related roles and functions. The goal of the research was to form a baseline understanding of how information technology, cyber security, geospatial, and communication roles and functions are structured within current emergency operations center (EOC) and Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structures across the nation.

The study questionnaire was made available to the public in the first quarter of 2020. The input was collected from respondents across local, county, state, tribal, territorial, and federal levels in almost 40 states and territories. Approaches reported as effective were explored to identify ways in which each functional area may be addressed within NIMS structures.

Overview of Questionnaire Respondents by State and Level of Government

Access Study Results
The results of this study are now available to help inform national guidance and guidelines related to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) regarding the definition and placement of technology, communications, and cybersecurity roles and functions within incident management structures.

An explanation of this study and its results are provided in the following video.

This effort was made possible through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (Agreement #70RSAT18CB0000041).