Executive Order 30 (2006)

State Interoperability Executive Committee

Importance of the Issue

Interoperability is a key issue in public safety communications, allowing public safety agencies to communicate with one another in their common effort to protect the public.  Section 9.1-1200 of the Code of Virginia requires the annual update and implementation of the Statewide Strategic Plan for Interoperable Communications. Additionally, all agencies and localities must comply with and achieve consistency with the Plan by July 1, 2015 in order to remain eligible to receive state or federal funds for communications programs and systems. 
 
Local first responders and public safety community must have a way to provide input into the advising and decision-making processes for any statewide interoperable communications effort.  Continuing to keep relevant organizations involved in decisions on interoperable communication efforts is essential to accomplishing interoperability.

Establishment of the Executive Committee

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2.-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC). The primary purpose of the SIEC is to make official recommendations via the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator to the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, Secure Commonwealth Panel and the Office of the Governor concerning communications interoperability.  The SIEC is comprised of various associations that represent the local first responder perspective, a critical element that allows the SIEC to serve as a voice for that community.  The SIEC coordinates with a larger Advisory Committee that allows feedback and input from an even more diverse group of agencies and associations.
Executive Committee Membership
The SIEC membership shall be comprised of the following associations and agencies, and any other state agencies or institutions and local government agencies or institutions that may be designated by the Governor:

• Virginia Fire Chiefs Association
• Virginia Sheriffs Association
• Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
• Virginia Municipal League
• Virginia Association of Counties
• Virginia Association of Public Communication Officials
• Virginia Association of Government Emergency Medical Services Administrators
• Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator
• Office of the Secretary of Public Safety
• Office of Commonwealth Preparedness
• Office of the Secretary of Technology
• Virginia Department of State Police
• Virginia Information Technologies Agency
• Virginia Military Advisory Council

SIEC member organizations shall appoint primary and alternate representatives that will represent the organization.  Members of the Committee shall serve without compensation. They may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties upon approval by the Director.

The Committee shall elect a chairman, and may elect a vice-chairman from its membership for a one year period.  The Committee shall meet at least six times a year at such times as it deems appropriate or on call of the chairman.  A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute of a quorum.

Duties of the Executive Committee

The State Interoperability Executive Committee will:

• Recommend an approach of Virginia interoperability efforts, evaluate progress and approve changes in direction and scope for the overall strategy;
• Represent their respective organization at SIEC and Advisory Group meetings;
• Coordinate with and support the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator;
• Make formal recommendations to the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group (CPWG) and the Secure Commonwealth Panel (SCP) concerning DHS interoperability grant funds;
• Provide advice, feedback, and support to appropriate decision makers;
• Ensure local, regional and state interoperability efforts are in alignment with the Statewide Strategic Plan for Interoperable Communications;
• Resolve issues requiring policy, procedural, or other business decisions as needed;
• Participate in periodic, pre-scheduled meetings; and
• Develop interoperable communications minimum requirement recommendations.

The SIEC will report on the status of the Strategic Plan for Statewide Communications Interoperability to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1 of each year.

Effective Date of the Order

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall return in full force and effect until July 20, 2007, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.  It is my intention to renew this executive order as provided for in 2.2-134 at the appropriate time.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 20th day of July 2006.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth