Crisis Management Software Now Available for Homeland Security through SEL/AEL; SEL/AEL Listing Simplifies Purchase of Rapid Responder Solution for First Responders

Business Wire, August 11, 2005

SEATTLE -- Prepared Response, Inc., the leading provider of crisis management systems for police, fire, and other emergency responders, today announced that its Rapid Responder(TM) crisis planning and response system is now listed on the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability's (IAB) Standardized Equipment List (SEL) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) Authorized Equipment List (AEL). These lists are part of the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB), which is sponsored by DHS and maintained by the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism at www.rkb.mipt.org.

The SEL listing means the Rapid Responder system is now an authorized product and can be expeditiously purchased by first responders through a variety of DHS grant programs. The listing simplifies the procurement process for first responders, who are required to go through a laborious process to request funding for any non-authorized solution. Information about the Rapid Responder solution can be found in the RKB at www1.rkb.mipt.org/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=94862.

"The Responder Knowledge Base has become the single source of information for first responders seeking equipment, advanced technology, and other services used in the fight against terrorism," said Jim Finnell, chief executive officer of Prepared Response, Inc. "Rather than having to search through thousands of Web sites, the RKB provides police, fire and other first responders with a trusted source of information on products, standards, certifications, and grants."

The Standardized Equipment List (SEL) is provided to the responder community by the InterAgency Board, an agency partially funded through the Department of Homeland Security. The SEL promotes interoperability and standardization across the responder community at the local, state, and federal levels by offering a standard reference and a common set of terminology. Additionally the SEL provides equipment listings recommended by the IAB to local, state, and federal government organizations.

The RKB is sponsored by The Interagency Board, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, The National Sheriffs' Association, The International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Bomb Squad Commanders' Advisory Board, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.