CDW-G Report:Awareness of the DHS National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) is Low, but Its Promise is High

Just half of public-safety communications professionals were familiar with the
NECP, yet when briefed, almost all believe it could address their communications
challenges
VERNON HILLS, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a leading source of Information Technology (IT)
solutions to governments and educators, today released its 2009 Emergency
Communications Report: Awareness and Progress Toward the National Emergency
Communications Plan. The report benchmarks progress toward meeting the goals
outlined in the Department of Homeland Security National Emergency
Communications Plan (NECP), identifies key challenges and highlights lessons
learned.

While only half of public-safety communications professionals were familiar with
the NECP prior to CDW-G`s survey, once briefed on its goals, an overwhelming
majority - 93 percent - said the NECP has the potential to address their
communications issues. Emergency communications improvement is imperative: 28
percent said they experienced a communications challenge in the last year that
hampered a response effort, and 61 percent said the ability to achieve and
sustain seamless communications across jurisdictions and agencies is their No. 1
challenge to providing timely and effective emergency services.

The NECP, which was published in 2008, recommends a multi-faceted approach to
strengthening emergency communications capabilities nationwide, focusing on
technology, coordination, governance, planning and training at all levels of
government. It sets the following goals:

* By 2010, 90 percent of all high-risk urban areas designated within the Urban
Areas Security Initiative (UASI) are able to demonstrate response-level
emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple
jurisdictions and agencies
* By 2011, 75 percent of non-UASI jurisdictions are able to demonstrate
response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events
involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies
* By 2013, 75 percent of all jurisdictions are able to demonstrate
response-level emergency communications within three hours, in the event of a
significant incident as outlined in national planning scenarios

Despite low initial awareness of the NECP, public-safety communications
professionals indicate the goals are achievable. Seventy-four percent said they
will meet the 2013 target timeline for demonstrating response level emergency
communications for significant incidents. Still, many agencies and jurisdictions
do not have formal plans to meet the NECP goals. Just 46 percent of respondents
familiar with the NECP said they have a written plan in place to meet the NECP
goals.

"The NECP has the potential to address public-safety communications problems,
but to be successful, all jurisdictions and agencies must embrace the NECP goals
and work to achieve them," said CDW-G Vice President Bob Kirby. "Every day,
communities across the United States are affected by communications challenges -
inability to communicate across agencies, across jurisdictions, during routine
events and during significant incidents. Formal plans to meet the NECP goals,
backed by training, cross-agency and cross-jurisdiction collaboration, and
technology infrastructure, can speed emergency response and save lives."

CDW-G`s national online survey, conducted during August 2009, collected
responses from 210 state and local emergency communications professionals in 41
states. The margin of error for the total sample is ±6.76 percent at a 95
percent confidence level.

For a copy of the complete CDW-G Emergency Communications Report, please visit
http://www.cdwg.com/emergency.

About CDW-G

A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation, ranked No. 34 on Forbes` list of
America`s Largest Private Companies, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) is a leading
provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government
agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company
features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right
technology products and services to meet their needs. The company`s technology
specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions,
while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the
implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus
include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified
communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software
licensing and mobility solutions.

For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service
and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email cdwgsales@cdwg.com or visit the CDW-G
Web site at CDWG.com.

CDW-G Public Relations
Kelly Caraher, 847-968-0729
kellyc@cdw.com
or
O`Keeffe & Company
Gail Repsher Emery, 301-789-5340
gemery@okco.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009