OSA is responsible for ensuring timely and robust information sharing within and external to the Department.

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (Annex I), OSA is facilitating a Federal interagency planning effort to address various national contingencies.

Originally the Office of Operations Coordination, the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness was established in 2005 with the stated purpose of increasing the Department of Homeland Security's ability to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks and other emergencies and improve coordination and efficiency of operations.

Through the National Operations Center, the Office provides real-time situational awareness and monitoring of the homeland, coordinates incidents and response activities, and, in conjunction with the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, issues advisories and bulletins concerning threats to homeland security, as well as specific protective measures.

The NOC coordinates information sharing to help deter, detect, and prevent terrorist acts and to manage domestic incidents.