Imagine a voluntary, nonprofit organization made up of emergency responders and subject matter experts that provides an assessment of technological capabilities of equipment for first responders and military personnel, develops position papers on critical topics, and creates guidance documents while representing all first responder disciplines. Since 1998, the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (https://interagencyboard.org/) has done just that. Originally organized with an emphasis on weapons of mass destruction and consequence management, the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB) has broadened its focus to include the all-hazards preparedness and response mission.
One of the most important activities of the IAB has been the creation and maintenance of a searchable database containing the Standardized Equipment List (SEL). The SEL serves as the model for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Authorized Equipment List (https://www.fema.gov/grants/tools/authorized-equipment-list) and provides important, critical information for agencies considering addressing equipment gaps. The SEL provides detailed information to guide due diligence when agencies are seeking equipment to meet their needs. Rather than focusing on specific manufacturers, the SEL describes specific equipment and features, identifies operating considerations and training needs for both initial training and sustainment. The SEL also includes links to standards and regulatory requirements.
| Standardized Equipment List (SEL) Categories | ||
| Personal Protective Equipment | Explosive Device Mitigation and Remediation Equipment | CBRNE Operational, Search, Rescue, and Recovery Equipment |
| Information Technology | Cyber Security Enhancement Equipment | Interoperable Communications Equipment |
| Detection | Decontamination | Medical |
| Power | CBRNE Reference Materials | CBRNE Incident Response Vehicles |
| Terrorism Incident Prevention Equipment | Physical Security Enhancement Equipment | Inspection and Screening Systems |
| Animals and Plants | Prevention and Response Watercraft | CBRNE Aviation Equipment |
| CBRNE Logistical Support Equipment | Intervention Equipment | Other Authorized Equipment |
Table 1. Standardized Equipment List Categories (https://interagencyboard.org/sel/)
The IAB membership is composed of two groups, members and subject matter experts. Members are actively involved in meetings and compose subgroups that do much of the work of the IAB. Subject matter experts are true experts in their discipline and provide guidance to the subgroups and members. Currently, five subgroups actively address the needs of the response community.
| IAB Subgroups | ||
| Operations and Law Enforcement | Personal Protective Equipment | Medical |
| Detection and Decontamination | Information Management and Communications | |
Table 2. InterAgency Board Subgroups (https://interagencyboard.org/organization/)
In addition to examining equipment needs, standardization, and interoperability, the subgroups also develop and publish a variety of documents. These include position papers (https://interagencyboard.org/publications/) that provide validated information on activities, tactics, and applications of technology; training triggers for implementing activities related to job task activities, and guidance documents to support policy and administrative decision-making. All documents are reviewed and validated by a panel of subject matter experts to ensure that the information is accurate and supported by the latest research.
The IAB also maintains an events calendar (https://interagencyboard.org/events/), listing conferences and other special events across all disciplines along with links to further information. This allows responders and interested parties to plan their training and travel needs and gain awareness of training and other special events that they may otherwise be unaware of.
The IAB continues to serve as a unique source of information and guidance for the entire response community, serving across disciplines to address all-hazards and threats. For more information on the InterAgency Board, contact info@iabfoundation.org.
Dave Donohue has more than 40 years of emergency response experience and has been a hazardous materials responders since 1982. He has served hazardous materials and fire department teams at the local, regional, and federal levels in several states and with the U. S. Coast Guard. He currently resides near Hagerstown, Maryland, and responds with the Community Volunteer Fire Company of District 12 in Fairplay. He can be reached at dkdonohue@aol.com.
