§ 215.1   Background.

   (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.

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