Global Disaster Information Network

(b) It is also the policy of this Administration to use information technology and existing channels of disaster assistance to improve the Federal Government's provision of information that could be helpful to foreign governments preparing for or responding to foreign disasters. Currently, the United States Government provides disaster-related information to foreign governments and relief organizations on humanitarian grounds at the request of foreign governments and where appropriate. This information is supplied by Federal agencies on an ad hoc basis. To increase the effectiveness of our response to foreign disasters, agencies shall, where appropriate, use information technology to coordinate the Federal Government's provision of disaster-related information to foreign governments.

(c) To carry out the policies in this order, there is established the Global Disaster Information Network (Network). The Network is defined as the coordinated effort by Federal agencies to develop a strategy and to use existing technical infrastructure, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations and under the guidance of the Interagency Coordinating Committee and the Committee Support Office, to make more effective use of information technology to assist our Government, and foreign governments where appropriate, by providing disaster-related information to prepare for and respond to disasters.

(1) Department of State;

(2) Department of Defense;

(3) Department of the Interior;

(4) Department of Agriculture;

(5) Department of Commerce;

(6) Department of Transportation;

(7) Department of Energy;

(8) Office of Management and Budget;

(9) Environmental Protection Agency;

(10) National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

(11) United States Agency for International Development;

(12) Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(13) Central Intelligence Agency.

At the discretion of the Co-chairpersons of the Committee, other agencies may be added to the Committee membership. The Committee shall include an Executive Secretary to effect coordination between the Co-chairpersons of the Committee and the Committee Support Office.

(b) There is established a Committee Support Office (Support Office) to assist the Committee by developing plans and projects that would further the creation of the Network. The Support Office shall, at the request of the Co-chairpersons of the Committee, carry out tasks taken on by the Committee.

(c) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall provide funding and administrative support for the Committee and the Support Office. To the extent permitted by law, agencies may provide support to the Committee and the Support Office to assist them in their work.

(1)serve as the United States Government's single entity for all matters, both national and international, pertaining to the development and establishment of the Network;(2)provide leadership and high-level coordination of Network activities;(3)provide guidance for the development of Network strategies, goals, objectives, policies, and legislation;(4)represent and advocate Network goals, objectives, and processes to their respective agencies and departments;(5)provide manpower and material support for Network development activities;(6)develop, delegate, and monitor interagency opportunities and ideas supporting the development of the Network; and(7)provide reports, through the Co-chairpersons of the Committee, to the President as requested or at least annually.

(b) The Support Office shall:

(1)provide management and administrative support for the Committee;(2)develop Network strategies, goals, objectives, policies, plans, and legislation in accordance with guidance provided by the Committee;(3)consult with agencies, States, nongovernment organizations, and international counterparts in developing Network development tasks;(4)develop and make recommendations concerning Network activities to the agencies as approved by the Committee; and(5)participate in projects that promote the goals and objectives of the Network.

(1) promoting the United States as an example and leader in the development and dissemination of disaster information, both domestically and abroad, and, to this end, seeking cooperation with foreign governments and international organizations;

(2) striving to include all appropriate stakeholders in the development of the Network; and

(3) facilitating the creation of a framework that involves public and private stakeholders in a partnership for sustained operations of the Network.

(b) Intelligence activities, as determined by the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, as well as national security-related activities of the Department of Defense and of the Department of Energy, are exempt from compliance with this order.