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IPAWS Developers

This section of the website provides information for private sector developers who may design and implement systems that are interoperable with the IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS OPEN). Click here for an overview of IPAWS OPEN Web services.

Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)

The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) is a digital format for exchanging emergency alerts that will allow a consistent alert message to be disseminated simultaneously over many different communications systems. FEMA has worked with the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) to develop a profile to the standard that defines a specific way of using the standard for IPAWS purposes.

CAP provides a standard around which our nations alert and warning capabilities can be integrated. Three documents currently define CAP as it will be implemented and used in IPAWS:

The FCC has defined a compliance window for EAS broadcasters to be able to receive an IPAWS CAP message, commencing with FEMA’s adoption of CAP as the new format for alert messages.

FEMA's other partners in developing the IPAWS CAP Profile include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Communications Commission, DHS Science & Technology Directorate, and the Emergency Interoperability Consortium.

The IPAWS CAP Profile’s open standard will facilitate manufacturing by multiple suppliers and will ensure interoperability among alert and warning systems at the federal and state levels as well as across different alert delivery systems. FEMA has established the IPAWS CAP Profile Conformity Assessment Program to provide an independent, objective analysis of qualified products to ensure they adhere to the IPAWS CAP Profile.

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IPAWS OPEN Testing

In order to access the IPAWS OPEN test environment, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) must be executed with FEMA. To initiate the process, please complete the MOA Application (PDF 265KB, TXT 2KB) and email to IPAWS@dhs.gov. Please indicate “Developer MOA Application” in the subject line of your email.  In return you will receive the MOA to sign and accompanying Rules of Behavior. Once fully executed by both parties you will receive:

After reviewing the documentation, you will be asked to identify the specific functions of IPAWS you wish to use, for inclusion in the IPAWS OPEN-maintained test results database. As you test, you will work with the IPAWS test coordinator to ensure that successful results are reported and problems are resolved as needed.

In order for your clients to access the IPAWS OPEN production platform, the following is required:

  1. You must report successful product testing in the IPAWS OPEN test environment to the Test Coordinator.
  2. Your client must execute a system security MOA with FEMA. To initiate the MOA process, your client must complete and submit the COG MOA Application (PDF 665KB, TXT 11KB).
  3. Your interoperable system must be configured with the production Web Service End Point, COG ID number, and digital certificate that will be provided when the MOA is complete.

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Conformity Assessment Program

The Conformity Assessment Program assesses vendor products for adherence to, and appropriate application of the IPAWS CAP Profile for alert message creation and dissemination. This will allow FEMA to verify that systems conform to the CAP Profile, a requirement to interface properly with the IPAWS Alert Aggregator and to interoperate with other alerting applications and systems. Products that conform will have a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) posted to the FEMA Responders Knowledge Base (RKB) website along with a description of their product and contact information. The Conformity Assessment Program will provide Federal, State, territorial, tribal and local officials the ability to view a list of pre-screened products when considering alert and warning system purchases or upgrades. Emergency management officials, broadcasters, and other EAS equipment users are encouraged to learn more about the program and to access test reports on the FEMA RKB website (www.rkb.us) before making alert and warning system purchases. Although the initial IPAWS Conformity Assessment Program has concluded, vendors may still submit their products for independent testing through the Supporting Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) and are encouraged to visit the Preparedness-Technology, Analysis, and Coordination (P-TAC) Center Website for further information.

Additional information about the CAP Standard can be found on the OASIS open standards development body Emergency Management Technical Committee (EM-TC) Website.

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Guidance and Technical Documents


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Webinars and Program Information

System developers are also invited to participate in monthly Webinars, usually the third Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PM Eastern time. Subscribe to the developer E-mail list to receive Webinar invitations. See the IPAWS Working Group schedule for current announcements.

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Conferences and Events

The IPAWS team participates in a wide variety of industry conferences, technology demonstrations, town hall meetings and other events. Click here for a list of upcoming events.

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Last Modified: Monday, 30-Jan-2012 12:57:41 EST