A Tale of Two Lists

By Brandon Johnson

Understanding the AEL & SEL

At a recent fire-EMS trade show, a group of individuals approached me with a question that I had been asked many times before. Their query was specific to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP), and whether or not a particular product was on the Authorized Equipment List (AEL). When asked why they associated the AEL with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, they seemed a bit perplexed. This instance, as well as many others, illustrates the high level of confusion that exists in regard to the Authorized Equipment List and the Standardized Equipment List (SEL).

To better understand the purpose behind these two lists, let’s start with the basics. First and foremost, neither the AEL nor SEL contain lists of commercially available products. Instead, they are similar looking lists of generic product types. For example, you won’t find a listing for a specific product, such as the Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO Oximeter. What you will find instead is the AEL/SEL entry number 09ME-03-BCNI, Non-Invasive Blood Chemistry Monitor, as shown in the example product listing.

AEL / SEL Number: 09ME-03-BCNI Title: Monitor, Blood Chemistry, Non-Invasive Description: Non-invasive medical device used to monitor blood levels of substances such as methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin. Important Features: (Recommendations from IAB — NOT DHS requirement or part of DHS grant guidance) May be combined with other functions such as pulse oximetry into a single unit. Operating Considerations: (Recommendations from IAB — NOT DHS requirement or part of DHS grant guidance) Consider devices constructed as features built into other devices (EKG monitors, pulse oximeters, etc.). Consider durability of probes, disposable probe accessories and/or infection control, and related maintenance issues. Device cases should be impervious to infectious fluids. Certain toxic exposures, as well as environmental conditions, can lead to inaccurate readings. Consider devices with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) batteries; disposable items may require replacement during a protracted incident.

The AEL is produced by the US Government’s Department of Homeland Security, and is used to determine which types of equipment may be purchased under the major Homeland Security grants. Currently, there are only 12 DHS grant programs covered by the AEL.

• State Homeland Security Program / Urban Area Security Initiative (SHSP/UASI)
• Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP)
• Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
• Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
• Chemical Sector Buffer Zone Protection Program (Chem-BZPP) (2006 Only)
• Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)
• Citizens Corps Program (CCP)
• Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
• Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
• Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)
• Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
• Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC)

These specific Federal grant programs are administered by each individual state, and funding is distributed consistent with the overall objectives of the state’s homeland security plan. Applications for these grants should be prepared in consultation with the State Administrative Agencies, contact information for which can be found on the DHS website. The information provided on the AEL will typically be limited to a broad description and grant allowability information for particular equipment types.

The SEL is written by the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB).The IAB is a group of senior-level emergency responders from all disciplines and federal government representatives who meet three times annually to update and consider additions to the list. While the SEL does not contain grant allowability information, it does contain product examples, and the IAB’s non-mandatory suggestions which may be important when considering the purchase of each type of equipment. These are listed under the headings Important Features and Operating Considerations. Again, using the example of the Non-Invasive Blood Chemistry Monitor, this will include information on the types of batteries required, decontamination of probes, and the possibility of incorporating multiple functions in one unit.

Although the AEL and SEL have very different purposes, there is a great deal of overlap in the types of equipment that are covered. Conveniently, they are also numbered identically.  So, the AEL/SEL entry 09ME-03-BCNI Non-Invasive Blood Chemistry Monitor is the same. Interactive versions of both the AEL and the SEL can be found separately, and as a combined display on the Responder Knowledge Base. The RKB displays both lists together so you can now view the DHS grant allowability information, and the IAB’s helpful hints in one convenient location. For further information on the AEL/SEL or their application, please visit or contact the Responder Knowledge Base by email at info@rkb.us.