The Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) supports SAFECOM’s development of guidance, tools and templates.  The Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) supports SAFECOM-related research, development, testing, evaluation and standards.  OEC is managed by the Directorate for National Protection and Programs.  OIC is managed by the Science and Technology Directorate.

The mission of the Office of Emergency Communications is to support and promote the ability of emergency responders and government officials to continue to communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters, and work to ensure, accelerate, and attain interoperable and operable emergency communications nationwide.

The Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), part of the Science & Technology directorate, oversees the wide range of public safety interoperability programs and efforts currently spread across Homeland Security.  These programs address critical interoperability issues relating to public safety and emergency response, including communications, equipment, training, and other areas as needs are identified.