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Statewide Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC)

 

The SIEC coordinates resources, develops policy and guideline recommendations, and identifies technology standards to facilitate coordinated emergency interoperable communications. 

"Interoperability" is the ability of emergency response agencies and relevant government officials to talk to one another via communication systems—to exchange voice and/or data with one another on demand, in real time, when needed, and as authorized. The foundation for interoperability, however, is basic communications within emergency response agencies—simple "operability." An agency’s first priority must be to provide emergency responders with functioning, agency-specific, mission-critical communications systems. As jurisdictions build new systems or upgrade existing ones, another priority is the provision of reliable and interoperable communications across disciplines, jurisdictions, and levels of government. Emergency response agencies require three distinct types of interoperability—day-to-day, mutual aid, and statewide.​​

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The State Interoperability Executive Council, or SIEC, was established under ORS 403.450. The main objective of SIEC is to develop and maintain the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP), which aims to achieve seamless communication among public safety agencies statewide. 

The council recommends strategies for enhancing communication among various agencies, sets standards for consistent system design, identifies immediate and long-term solutions for better emergency response, and recommends legislation and policies to improve interoperable communication across Oregon. 

The council proposes investments in public safety communication systems in the Governor's budget and coordinates activities among state, local, tribal, and federal entities to secure federal grants and technical assistance for interoperability initiatives. 

Once the SCIP is developed, it is submitted to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure it aligns with the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP). 

The SIEC advises key stakeholders, including the Governor and Legislative Assembly, on implementing the interoperability plan and related strategies. The council is responsible for adopting necessary rules to carry out their duties and powers effectively. 

This council serves to integrate communication systems seamlessly among Oregon's public safety agencies for efficient collaboration in routine operations and emergencies.​


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Advocate for the advancement of statewide interoperability of emergency communications systems 

Create a common understanding of emergency communications interoperability statewide. 

Coordinate with stakeholders to facilitate a common language, coordinated protocols, and related standards to ensure resonance. 

Develop standards to promote consistent design and development of public safety communications infrastructures and recommend changes in existing public safety infrastructures that are necessary or appropriate for implementation of the interoperability plan. 

Annually update and regularly monitor the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP). ​

Recommending strategies to improve Oregon’s wireless interoperability between public safety agencies communication systems. 

Determining standards to ensure consistent development of existing and future wireless communications infrastructure. 

Identifying immediate short-term technological and policy solutions that tie existing infrastructure together into an interoperable communication system. 

Developing long-term technical and policy recommendations to establish a statewide public safety radio backbone to improve emergency response and day-to-day public safety operations. 

Providing policy leadership in the development of legislation and state and local policies necessary to achieve wireless interoperability in Oregon. ​


The vision of the SIEC is Seamless, interoperable, and resilient emergency communications.

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Contact the Office of the SWIC


The Statewide Interoperability Program supports the SIEC. For questions comments, or concerns, please contact:


Jon Lee
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC)
jon.d.lee@oem.oregon.gov