What Is SCIP?

Why It Matters

A robust SCIP directs limited resources toward the highest-impact interoperability improvements, improving emergency response effectiveness and public safety across agencies and jurisdictions. Its alignment with other state plans ensures coordinated investments and measurable progress in communications readiness.

Summary

The Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) is a strategic, 3–5 year roadmap that identifies strengths, gaps and priorities for improving emergency communications across a state. Developed with stakeholder input, SCIP sets strategic goals and tactical objectives, guides investment decisions, and aligns with other statewide plans like homeland security, emergency operations and 911. It also creates a feedback loop—after-action reviews inform updates to the SCIP so jurisdictions can iteratively improve interoperability performance. Rather than prescribing tactical procedures for incidents, the plan focuses on long-term coordination and capability development.

Original Description

Developed by the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) with support from CISA, the “What is SCIP” video discusses the importance of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), which provides a roadmap for the state’s emergency communications investments and activities.

It highlights the importance of SCIPs in fostering collaboration, addressing gaps, and ensuring effective communication among public safety agencies.

Learn more at https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/about-ncswic