Overview[]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) in 2004 to strengthen and integrate interoperability and compatibility efforts in order to improve local, tribal, state, and Federal emergency response and preparedness. Managed by the Science and Technology Directorate, OIC is assisting in the coordination of interoperability efforts across DHS.
OIC programs and initiatives address critical interoperability and compatibility issues. Priority areas include communications, equipment, and training. For example, the OIC supports SAFECOM-related research and development, testing, evaluation, as well as the acceleration of standards.