§ 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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