NS/EP Communications (E.O. 13618)

Summary

Creates a plan to make sure the government can communicate during national emergencies or security threats, keeping the country safe and running.

What problem does this solve?

During a major crisis, government communication could fail, putting the country at risk. This order creates a clear plan and assigns jobs to different agencies to make sure communication systems are strong and always working.

What does this order do?

Establishes a new communications committee

Creates the National Security and Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) Communications Executive Committee to act as the main group for handling important communication matters.

Assigns leadership roles for the committee

Makes the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense the Co-Chairs of the new Executive Committee.

Defines responsibilities for the Department of Homeland Security

Puts the Department of Homeland Security in charge of non-military emergency communications, protecting critical networks, and leading the effort to restore communication systems after an emergency.

Defines responsibilities for the Department of Defense

Tasks the Department of Defense with managing communications for the President, Vice President, and other top national leaders, especially for military command and control.

Creates a support office for the committee

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a Joint Program Office to provide full-time expert and administrative help to the Executive Committee.

Outlines duties for the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to advise the President on communication priorities and to give the Executive Committee yearly goals for research and development.

Revokes a previous executive order

Cancels Executive Order 12472 from 1984, which previously governed national security and emergency preparedness telecommunications.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
State, local, and tribal governments
Telecommunications companies

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures government can function during a crisis

Creates a clear chain of command and set of responsibilities for federal agencies to ensure that the President and government leaders can communicate and manage a response during any national emergency, from natural disasters to attacks.

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Centralizes control over communication networks

Establishes a framework that could allow the federal government to prioritize or control public and private communication networks during a national emergency. This is based on powers given to the President under the Communications Act of 1934.

When does this start?

This order became effective on July 6, 2012, and includes a specific deadline for the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS NS/EP Communications Plan

By September 4, 2012 (within 60 days of the order), the Department of Homeland Security must submit a detailed plan for its national security and emergency preparedness communications functions.