Whitepapers

Homeland Security Incident Response Preplanning: Lessons Learned on the Importance of Initialization Data

Authors: Donald W. Jones and Randall V. Shane

Abstract

To be capable of responding to any incident, regardless of its size, type, complexity, or location is a daunting task. The magnitude of this problem becomes staggering when all implications are considered. However, the efficiency with which the response is executed directly correlates to the amount of preplanning that has occurred. Additionally, to be effective, the preplanning phase should include the identification, registration, and training of available resources, along with an implemented system for rapidly activating and deploying the appropriate resources for a given incident.

One of the more frequently overlooked aspects in preplanning and deployment is the development of a rapid initialization process. Additionally, the more stringent the security requirements, the more data needed, and the more preplanning required. The purpose of this paper is to address the importance of data engineering and its role in security, interoperability, and reliable information exchange, with the emphasis on initialization data.

Key points will be addressed in the form of “lessons learned”, drawing from the experience of the authors in their respective fields. Donald W. Jones is currently working as the Vice President of Strategic Programs for KITS, INC, and has served as the Senior Vice President for Chapter Services of the American Red Cross in addition to retiring from the United States Army with the permanent rank of Lieutenant General. Randall Shane works as the President and Chief Technology Officer for KITS, INC, and has worked as a senior systems engineer and chief architect on several System of Systems (SoS) enterprise level projects for the US Army.

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