The purpose of this part is to designate a focal point within the Federal Government for electromagnetic pulse (EMP) information concerning telecommunications. It is issued pursuant to the authority of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, 42 FR 56101, 91 Stat. 1633, as amended (5 U.S.C. appendix), Executive Order 12472, (49 FR 13471; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 193), “Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications, April 3, 1984 and Executive Order 12046, 43 FR 13349, “Relating to the Transfer of Telecommunications Functions,” May 27, 1978, as amended by Executive Order 12472.

(a) The nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is part of the complex environment produced by nuclear explosions. It consists of transient voltages and currents which can cause malfunctioning and serious damage to electrical and electronic equipment.

(b) The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) is the overall technical coordinator for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and DOE laboratories on matters concerning nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons effects, and nuclear weapons testing. It acts as the focal point between the service laboratories and other agencies. The National Communications System (NCS), with the Defense Communications Agency (DCA), maintains a data base for telecommunications. DCA also provides the primary capability for the NCS to conduct telecommunications survivability studies for civil and military departments and agencies.

(c) In order to disseminate among affected Federal agencies information concerning the telecommunications effects of EMP and available protective measures, and in order to avoid duplication of research efforts, it is desirable to designate a focal point within the Federal Government for telecommunications EMP matters.

The Executive Agent, NCS, shall be the focal point within the Federal Government for all EMP technical data and studies concerning telecommunications. It shall provide such data and the results of such studies to all appropriate agencies requesting them. It shall coordinate and approve EMP telecommunications tests and studies, and shall keep the National Security Advisor informed regarding such tests and studies being conducted and planned.