Bill Overview
Title: NIST Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act
Description: This bill requires research on public safety communication coordination standards related to wildland firefighting. The Public Safety and Communications Research Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must carry out research on such standards among wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and specified federal agencies responsible for coordinating and mobilizing for wildland fire and other incidents. The research must also focus on improving and integrating existing communications systems to allow for secure, real-time transmission of data, alerts, and advisories to fire management officials and wildland firefighters. In carrying out the research, the division must (1) conduct live and virtual field tests of equipment, software, and other technologies; and (2) consult with NIST's Fire Research Division and communication technology manufacturers. Informed by the research, NIST must publish recommendations for specified federal agencies to improve public safety communication coordination standards among wildland first responders and fire management officials. In addition, NIST must advise the Office of Management and Budget and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy concerning the agencies' implementation of the recommendations. Within one year of the publication of NIST's recommendations, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the agencies have implemented the recommendations.
Sponsors: Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-39]
Target Audience
Population: Wildland firefighters, fire management officials, and relevant federal agency personnel
Estimated Size: 50000
- Wildland firefighters globally are directly involved in firefighting activities and rely on effective communication systems for their safety and coordination.
- Fire management response officials globally oversee and manage firefighting operations, requiring robust communication tools for decision-making and coordination.
- Federal agencies involved in wildland fire management globally will need to adopt these new standards, impacting their operational protocols and training programs.
- Technological updates and infrastructure changes implied by better communication systems will require adaptation by communication technology providers and manufacturers worldwide.
- Secondary impacts could affect communities living in areas prone to wildfires as improved response coordination may affect evacuation procedures and safety advisories, although they are not directly part of the target population.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy is relatively small compared to the total U.S. population, focusing on wildland firefighters and fire management officials. However, the impact on them is significant, as the policy aims to improve their safety through better communication technology.
- Given the budgetary constraints, the policy focuses on research and recommendations rather than immediate wide-scale implementation. This suggests that the early years will not see dramatic changes, but long-term effects (10-20 years) could be substantial as standards are adopted and technology improves.
- People living in wildfire-prone areas are indirectly affected. While not primary beneficiaries, improved communication systems could enhance emergency responses and thus societal safety.
- The cost spread over ten years allows for the gradual implementation and assessment of the policy's success, considering initial technological updates and longer-term integration and training.
Simulated Interviews
Wildland Firefighter (California)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Current communication systems can be unreliable during intense fire situations, putting us at risk.
- I'm hopeful that this policy will lead to better equipment and reduce communication errors.
- I've seen too many missteps due to outdated systems; this change is much-needed but probably slow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Fire Management Official (Montana)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Coordination is crucial in our role. Better communication can prevent tragedies.
- This policy addresses long-standing issues, but implementation is what matters.
- There needs to be ongoing assessment beyond recommendations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Federal Wildland Fire Coordinator (Oregon)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Inter-agency communication often suffers from lack of standardization.
- I'm skeptical about the real-world impact of paper-based standards if not enforced rigorously.
- Field testing is promising, but we need budget allocations for adoption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Wildland Firefighter (Colorado)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a younger firefighter, I see the need for integrating new tech much quicker.
- Older equipment limits our potential and safety; we need swift modernization.
- I'm optimistic but think this will require patience, even beyond policy timelines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Communication Technology Developer (Arizona)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy offers new opportunities for research and development.
- NIST's involvement signals a focus on quality, but we need clear guidance for implementation.
- Long-term partnerships with agencies will be key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Wildland Firefighter (Washington)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see ongoing safety improvements.
- Increased bureaucracy can slow down effective changes.
- Overall, if realized, these efforts can make a difference in safety conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
State Fire Management Official (New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- State coordination could greatly benefit from federal standards.
- The complexity of integration across different levels of government can be challenging.
- Success depends on follow-through and commitment at all levels.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Federal Agency Analyst (Nevada)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The alignment between tech developments and field needs is essential.
- I support the policy but caution that implementation will be a bottleneck.
- Coordination among federal and local agencies is critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Forest Service Officer (Idaho)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 9.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My daily operations depend on efficient communications.
- We need the right tools to make policy changes effective in the field.
- I see a gap between policy intentions and real-world applications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Emergency Response Planner (Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved communication systems could enhance overall emergency response.
- Integrating new tech with existing systems is a major hurdle.
- If successful, this policy can set a new standard for emergency preparedness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 3: $26000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $31000000)
Year 5: $24000000 (Low: $19000000, High: $29000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination with federal agencies is critical for effective implementation of the new standards.
- The success of the policy heavily depends on technological advancements and manufacturers' cooperation.
- The impact on local economies and budgets could be variable depending on current wildfire response capabilities.