heterogeneous hardware, software, and telecommunications platforms.  

However, FEMA's current server architecture does not effectively support 

operations. 

When NEMIS was developed, FEMA created a state of the art, distributed 

client server architecture, providing each region with its own set of servers to 

support regional operations.  However, as system usage has increased FEMA 

has recognized the need to move toward a more centralized database structure, 

and is in the process of consolidating its data storage systems.  Such 

centralization would help ensure data consistency, use less bandwidth, and 

facilitate backup recovery because the information would be readily available 

in one place.  Presently, information on regional servers must be replicated 

across multiple servers at FEMA headquarters a process that delays data 

exchange and consumes bandwidth.  FEMA's limited bandwidth could better 

be used for advanced technologies such as video teleconferencing, which 

directly support the agency's emergency management mission.  Although, 

EP&R CIO is in the process of centralizing and consolidating servers, as of 

April 2005, this process had not been completed.  As a result, users continue 

to experience slow and sometimes unavailable systems.  Additionally, if 

systems were to crash and EP&R were required to recover information or data 

from backups, it would take as long as a month to complete. 

Systems Integration and Information Sharing Need Improvement 

According to the DHS strategic plan, DHS will  lead, manage, and coordinate 

the national response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other 

emergencies.   To accomplish this, DHS has to bring the right people and 

resources to bear where and when they are needed most, as well as provide 

integrated logistical support to ensure rapid response and coordination among 

federal, state, and local operations centers.  However, FEMA's systems do not 

support effective or efficient coordination of deployment operations because 

there is no sharing of information. 

Specifically, NEMIS the system for managing mission assignments does 

not share information with the ADD or LIMS III deployment systems.  When 

a disaster occurs, FEMA and state officials must quickly identify the people 

and other resources needed to respond to the incident.  Information on the 

disaster is established in NEMIS, including requests for assistance, 

requisitions and commitments for services and supplies, and the initial 

allocation of funds.  However, FEMA is unable to match automatically the 

mission assignments in NEMIS to either the personnel deployed through ADD 

or to the equipment and supplies dispatched through LIMS III.  To 

Emergency Preparedness and Response Could Better Integrate Information Technology  

with Incident Response and Recovery 

Page 21