What is P25 CAP?
The Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP) ensures interoperability among the radio communications equipment used by first responders. Developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Department of Commerce Public Safety Communications Research program, P25 CAP is the only known user-driven emergency communications standards process in the United States. Specifically, it provides emergency response agencies with evidence that communication equipment meets P25 standards for performance, conformance, and interoperability by standardizing interfaces among land mobile radio (LMR) systems used by first responders.
How Do Laboratories Get Accredited to P25 CAP?
Suppliers of communication equipment may declare compliance based on detailed testing reports from DHS-recognized laboratories that performed product testing. These laboratories are accredited to P25 CAP by recognized accrediting bodies, such as ANAB. Accredited laboratories meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and the P25 Laboratory Equipment Requirements. These requirements include standards and compliance test protocols for ensuring the interoperability of communications equipment that emergency responders use. Once accredited, the laboratory may display a seal to distinguish itself as a competent testing facility.
Testing results are publicly published as part of the open standards testing process required by the program. Products tested by an accredited laboratory formally demonstrate compliance with requirements and provide confidence in the interoperability of the devices to consumers, regardless of the manufacturer. Adherence to the program requirements provides consistent and traceable methods for testing and reporting results. While the program is voluntary, purchasing communications equipment that has been tested by a P25 CAP accredited laboratory provides evidence that the equipment complies with the performance, conformance, and interoperability requirements established by DHS.
Why Purchase P25 CAP Compliant Products?
Download OriginalP25 CAP provides first responders the necessary information to purchase communication devices that facilitate communication regardless of the equipment make or model. Communication devices tested by P25 CAP accredited laboratories demonstrate conformance to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and the P25 CAP requirements. Ensuring communication devices are interoperable provides confidence that first responders will be able to communicate in the field, which is critical to successfully responding to emergencies and providing public safety.
ANAB P25 CAP Program
ANAB’s Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program includes supplemental requirements (SR 2428) to comply with assessment-related requirements and inform those laboratories of ANAB responsibilities related to assessment activities and DHS authorization. The supplemental requirements define summary test report (STR), telecommunications systems bulletin (TSB), and test case. SR 2428 defines laboratory requirements related to reporting to DHS, meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, development and maintenance of test methods, proficiency testing, and communication requirements. It also defines accreditation body requirements, such as maintaining ILAC signatory status, training, and communication with DHS and accredited laboratories participating in the program. The supplemental requirements also contain DHS responsibilities related to program updates and confidentiality of information obtained in the accreditation and test reporting processes.
Get Your Lab Accredited to P25 CAP
To get your laboratory accredited to P25 CAP, request a quote here. For more information, contact ANAB at anab@anab.org or 414-501-5494. Additional information may be found in the program documents on the ANAB website, including FA 2004, MA 2100, AR 2250, and SR 2428.
