Resilient Telecommunications
The Government's Strategy for enhancing the resilience of telecommunications
Strand 4. National Resilience Extranet: Securely sharing information between all local regional and national responders
Some local responders have already implemented multi-agency private networks at a local level. However, the coverage of such systems is far from comprehensive and there are no agreed standards in place covering their functionality. To overcome these challenges Cabinet Office and DCLG are developing a National Resilience Extranet, or NRE. Delivery of the system will be funded by Central Government, thereafter the service will be provided on a subscription basis. Affordability has been a key issue.
The NRE is to provide a resilient browser-based tool to enable efficient and secure (accredited to RESTRICTED level) exchange of information during both routine planning and response to emergencies, spanning events characterised as sudden impact to rising tide. The tool will provide ready access to centrally stored information including templates and good practice guidance, and enable timely communication of documents such as Critical Recognised Information Pictures (CRIPs) and Situational Reports (SitReps). The tool is to support strategic collaboration between partners locally, regionally and with central government, including the Devolved Administrations. The NRE will also support applications for incident management.
National Resilience Extranet – UPDATE August 2008
An invitation to tender for the project was published at the beginning of December 2007, followed by an open question and answer session for potential bidders. The deadline for responses was 28th January 2008. The procurement is at preferred supplier stage with a view to being able to award contract in August 2008. Launch of the service is expected during 2009.
There has been significant interest in this initiative across the broader spectrum of stakeholders from central government departments, local authorities, police forces and utilities.
