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3 As airport communications, technology, and emergency response procedures become more sophisticated, airports need to carefully evaluate the benefits and costs of implementing or expand- ing this technology. This practical primer was developed under the ACRP Project 04-12 to aid opera- tors of airports of all sizes and types who are responsible for selecting, purchasing, implementing, and operating a web-based emergency management collaboration tool (WBEMCT). It describes and discusses key criteria and best management practices for the selection, procurement, design, integration, and operation of scalable web-based collaboration tools. WBEMCT technology is evolving, and vendors are continuously modifying and updating applications. While some airports are adopting state-of-the art systems, others are working more cautiously with low- or no-cost options, and still others are taking a âwait and seeâ approach. This primer provides an introduction to the systems for airport operators who do not cur- rently have a WBEMCT, and it helps all airport operators learn more about how to purchase, implement, incorporate, and/or expand a WBEMCT in order to improve normal, irregular, and emergency management. It aims to assist airport operators in gaining a better understanding of the main attributes, benefits, and drawbacks of implementing and using a WBEMCT. It can aid operators in better understanding system capabilities, establishing requirements, funding and purchasing a system, determining installation and integration requirements, accessing avail- able training resources, and maintaining adherence to regulatory requirements [Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139]. Forty-seven diverse airport operators and representatives of state, county, and city emergency management organizations were interviewed regarding their use of web-based emergency manage- ment tools and programs. In most cases, the airports surveyed had not purchased their own stand- alone system, but rather received a system to use in conjunction with a local jurisdiction purchase. Additionally, the research team interviewed 20 software vendors regarding their capabilities and customer base. A case study of Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airports was devel- oped to gain a greater depth of understanding of the requirements, processes, and opportunities for partnering with local jurisdictions and to illustrate how web-based tools are utilized in real-world situations. Introduction
