Interoperability-the ability to exchange information in a timely, actionable manner-is a critical yet underdeveloped capability of the power system. Significant grid modernization has occurred in recent years, but the proliferation of technology and associated standards has only modestly improved interoperability. The expansion of distributed energy resources and other technologies, along with changing customer expectations, have complicated the interoperability challenge. This revision of the NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Framework uses evolving technology and power system architectures as context for describing a new set of interoperability perspectives. Distributed and customer-sited resources figure prominently in the future smart grid, as do intelligent distribution systems and other key integrators. As society modernizes the physical mechanisms by which we produce, manage, and consume electricity, strategies for system operations and economic structure will diversify. This diversification will benefit fromand eventually rely upon-enhanced interoperability. The benefits of interoperability are broad and reach all stakeholders at all scales. Interoperability is a hedge against technology obsolescence, maximizes the value of equipment investments by increasing usage for secondary purposes, and facilitates combinatorial innovation by allowing coordinated small actions across diverse stakeholders and devices to have grand impacts. The interoperability value proposition can be realized in any system domain, from the utility to the customer and beyond. Interoperability requires a cybersecurity approach that manages risk while opening new communication interfaces. The desired outcomes for the grid and the information exchanges that must be protected will have to be considered in concert and will benefit from a structured approach to system security. New interfaces can benefit from existing security processes. Testing and certification is a critical enabler of smart grid interoperability. However, the current industry focus on certifying conformance to individual standards is only the first step on the pathway to assuring interoperability for devices or systems, and cannot provide interoperability without significant additional effort. Many others have provided important ideas and facilitated processes that are the foundations for this Framework. The contributions of the following individuals were especially noteworthy and appreciated:

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The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes the U.S. economy and public welfare by providing technical leadership for the Nation's measurement and standards infrastructure. ITL develops tests, test methods, reference data, proof of concept implementations, and technical analyses to advance the development and productive use of information technology. ITL's responsibilities include the development of management, administrative, technical, and physical standards and guidelines for the cost-effective security and privacy of other than national security-related information in Federal information systems. AbstractThis document analyzes approaches to identity management for public safety networks in an effort to assist individuals developing technical and policy requirements for public safety use. These considerations are scoped into the context of their applicability to public safety communications networks with a particular focus on the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) family of standards. A short background on identity management is provided alongside a review of applicable federal and industry guidance. Considerations are provided for identity proofing, selecting tokens, and the authentication process. While specific identity management technologies are analyzed, the document does not preclude other identity management technologies from being used in public safety communications networks.

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