data communications systems and equipment purchased
using homeland security assistance administered by the
Department, excluding any alert and warning device,
technology, or system;
(5) carry out the Department's responsibilities and
authorities relating to research, development, testing,
evaluation, or standards-related elements of the
SAFECOM Program;
(6) evaluate and assess new technology in real-
world environments to achieve interoperable emergency
communications capabilities;
(7) encourage more efficient use of existing
resources, including equipment, to achieve
interoperable emergency communications capabilities;
(8) test public safety communications systems that
are less prone to failure, support new nonvoice
services, use spectrum more efficiently, and cost less
than existing systems;
(9) coordinate with the private sector to develop
solutions to improve emergency communications
capabilities and achieve interoperable emergency
communications capabilities; and
(10) conduct pilot projects, in coordination with
the Director for Emergency Communications, to test and
demonstrate technologies, including data and video,
that enhance--
(A) the ability of emergency response
providers and relevant government officials to
continue to communicate in the event of natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-
made disasters; and
(B) interoperable emergency communications
capabilities.
(b) Coordination.--The Director of the Office for
Interoperability and Compatibility shall coordinate with the
Director for Emergency Communications with respect to the
SAFECOM program.
(c) Sufficiency of Resources.--The Secretary shall provide
the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility the resources
and staff necessary to carry out the responsibilities under
this section.

SEC. 315. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.

(a) In General.--The Under Secretary for Science and
Technology, acting through the Director of the Office for
Interoperability and Compatibility, shall establish a
comprehensive research and developmen