NIFOG 2.0 - National Interoperability Field Operations Guide

Introduction

• Purpose: Technical reference for incident communications.
• Updated Content: Now includes Information Technology, Emergency Wireless Carrier Services, Interference Management, Encryption, and Cybersecurity.
• Feedback: Comments welcome at [email protected].

How to Use NIFOG

• What is NIFOG?
  • Pocket-sized guide for land mobile radio (LMR) frequencies used in emergency communications.
  • Developed by CISA.
• Usage:
  • For radio technicians to program channels.
  • For emergency planners and IT specialists.
• Licensing: Part 90 FCC license allows certain frequency programming.

Frequency Use and Licensing

• Legal Usage:
  • FCC blanket authorization for public safety entities.
  • Special Temporary Authority (STA) can be requested for certain cases.
• Interference Management:
  • Contact FCC if interference is experienced on non-federal frequencies.

FCC & NTIA Rules

• Interoperability:
  • FCC and NTIA provide guidelines for frequency use during emergencies.
  • Non-federal entities can use federal channels under specific conditions.

Interoperability Channels

• Channels:
  • National, federal, regional, and local channels.
  • Requires coordination and possibly licensing.
• Programming Recommendations:
  • Channels should be programmed in radios before emergencies occur.

Emergency Wireless Carrier Services

• Services: Cellular infrastructure support offered by carriers like FirstNet, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
• Requests: Deployable support for disasters and events available through carriers.

Satellite Services

• SMART Talkgroups: Satellite-based communication for interoperable communications during emergencies.
• Dialing Instructions: Specific dialing guidelines for Iridium and INMARSAT systems.

Cybersecurity

• Key Practices: User education, identity management, secure configurations, and network security are emphasized.
• Incident Response Cycle: Preparation, detection and analysis, containment and recovery, and post-incident activities.

Emergency Support Functions (ESF)

• Functions Covered: Transportation, communications, public safety, security, health, and more.

Additional Resources

• Contact Information: Includes important phone numbers and email contacts for CISA, FCC, FEMA, etc.
• Network Troubleshooting: Guidance on LAN/WAN troubleshooting and configurations.

Conclusion

• Feedback and Copies: Instructions for downloading or requesting copies of the NIFOG.
• Acknowledgments: Contributions from multiple agencies and individuals to the NIFOG's development.

This guide is essential for ensuring coordinated communication during emergency situations and is regularly updated to incorporate new technologies and methodologies.