Establishing a strategic framework for protecting the Nation's critical communications infrastructure is crucial to ensuring national security. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) provides the overarching framework for integrating protective programs and activities that are underway in the various critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) sectors. The NIPP includes 18 Sector-Specific Plans (SSPs) that detail the application of the overall risk management framework for each specific sector. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Communications System (NCS) serves as the Sector- Specific Agency for the Communications Sector. Private sector owners and operators have enjoyed a close working relationship with NCS since its inception in 1963.