Analytic Services Inc (ANSER) has been selected to operate the Homeland Security Institute, which is the Department of Homeland Security's first Federally Funded Research and Development Center. The institute will provide independent analysis on a variety of issues related to securing the homeland -- particularly on matters involving policy and security where scientific, technical and analytical expertise is required.
Colorado Institute of Technology Launches Homeland Security Institute
The Colorado Institute of Technology has launched its own Homeland Security Institute (CITHSI), whose founding members include nine universities; federal laboratories; and more than 12 private sector companies. CITHSI will coordinate, facilitate and stimulate efforts in education, research and technology transfer at member institutions and at the Colorado Institute of Technology. Education and research areas CITHSI will emphasize include cyber-security, telecommunications and warning systems, biological and chemical countermeasures, sensor systems, transportation, water and other critical infrastructure.
DHS Defines Interoperability Requirements for First Responders
Firefighter Life Safety Summit Initial Report Released
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the United States Fire Administration announced the release of the Firefighter Life Safety Summit Initial Report. The report details initiatives and recommendations for drastically reducing firefighter fatalities and injuries. The Firefighter Life Safety Summit, held March 10-11, 2004, in Tampa, Fla., was a first-of-its-kind gathering of more than 200 fire and emergency service representatives from more than 100 organizations and departments nationwide. The summit was convened to support USFA's goal of reducing firefighter fatalities by 25 percent within five years and 50 percent within 10 years. The report identifies and provides additional background on the 16 initiatives that were formulated by the summit participants.
Citizen Corps Conference and Community Emergency Response Team Training
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold the first-ever regional Citizen Corps Conference and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in Las Vegas, Nev., May 17-21, 2004. Attendees will share success stories, methodologies and innovative ideas for establishing and maintaining interest in their volunteer communities. Following the conference, a two-and-a-half day CERT training course will teach the attendees the basic skills necessary to protect themselves, their families and community in case of a disaster.
Online Course Helps Schools Develop Effective Emergency Operations Plans
Virginia Preparedness Official Resigns
Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner announced the resignation of former Lt. Gov. John H. Hager, who has served as the governor's assistant for Commonwealth Preparedness since the beginning of the administration. Hager is leaving the administration effective April 30 to pursue other opportunities. Hager will be succeeded by George W. Foresman who for the past two years has worked with Hager and possesses more than 20 years of local and state government experience.
President Bush Calls for Renewing the USA Patriot Act
The president recently called on Congress to renew all parts of the USA Patriot Act that are scheduled to expire next year. Before 9/11, barriers prevented counterterrorism officials from communicating effectively with one another. The USA Patriot Act brought down the artificial wall separating law enforcement and intelligence officers, allowing them to talk to each other as they work to prevent future attacks. The president also called upon Congress to close existing legal loopholes that deny law enforcement officials the same tools to fight terrorism that they have to fight other crime.
Homeland Security Technology Improvement Act
Passed by the Senate in February 2004, the Homeland Security Technology Improvement Act of 2003 would authorize $50 million annually from FY2005 through FY2014 to create an equipment transfer program that would make technology, equipment and information materials available to state and local law enforcement agencies. No House action has been taken to date. The bill summary is available online.
DHS Launches Lessons Learned Information Sharing
On April 19, a new Web portal was launched called: Lessons Learned Information Sharing, which allows local, state and federal response professionals to share frontline expertise on effective planning, training and operational practices for homeland security. The Web site also serves as a central repository for relevant homeland security documents and events, and houses a directory of responders and homeland security officials.
DARPA Selects Contractors for Self-Regenerative Systems Program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected 11 research projects for funding under the Self-Regenerative Systems (SRS) program. Researchers will develop cognitive technologies enabling military systems to learn, regenerate themselves and automatically improve their ability to deliver critical services. SRS technology will make possible advanced military systems that remain potent for extended deployment periods even in the face of sophisticated and sustained attack. The program is envisioned to last 18 months. Pending final negotiations, individual contracts are expected to range between $815,000 and $1,350,000.
Illinois Launches Hospital Resource Reporting System
Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich recently announced the launch of a $450,000 Web-based system that provides the state with up-to-the-minute information from more than 200 hospitals in Illinois on the availability of beds and other critical health-care services necessary to guide the response to an act of terrorism or other public health emergency. Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, said the electronic system will be used in the event of a disaster, but a more regular use will be for hospitals to report to the Illinois Department of Public Health when they have reached capacity and can no longer accept ambulance patients.
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