P25 CAP-recognized testing organizations can obtain DHS accreditation through A2LA for new and ongoing participation in the P25 CAP.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) has posted new P25 Compliance Assessment Bulletins that outline test procedures for the P25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP). The posting of these bulletins initiates a one-year timeframe for participating P25 CAP-recognized testing bodies to become accredited by DHS-authorized accreditation bodies for continued participation in the P25 CAP; the posting also opens the application process for organizations that are newly interested in this program.
Emergency responders—police officers, fire personnel, and emergency medical services—must exchange communications seamlessly across disciplines and jurisdictions to successfully respond to incidents and large-scale emergencies. Multiple products and applications from various suppliers support radio communications, but product incompatibilities can compromise emergency response operations. P25 develops standards for interoperable land mobile radio (LMR) systems so emergency responders can exchange critical communications across agencies and jurisdictions. P25 standardizes interfaces between the various components of the LMR systems used by emergency responders.
Program Requirements
- ISO/IEC 17025
- Specific P25 CAP criteria
- A2LA-specific program requirements
- All equipment suppliers that participate in the P25 CAP must use recognized testing bodies to conduct performance, conformance, and interoperability tests on their products. P25 equipment suppliers will release summary test reports from recognized testing bodies along with declarations of compliance. This documentation will serve to increase the public’s confidence in the performance, conformance, and interoperability of P25 equipment.
Note: Participation in this A2LA program is voluntary. Organizations wishing to gain recognition from the DHS as a testing body under the P25 CAP must first be accredited by A2LA or another DHS-recognized accreditation body. Furthermore, the organization seeking recognition must submit an application for P25 CAP accreditation in accordance with the policies of the DHS-authorized accreditation body selected by the organization.