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Preparing for this Year’s Hurricane Season

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Posted by: Craig Fugate, Administrator, FEMA

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally posted on the White House Blog.

Today marks the start of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Under the direction of President Obama, FEMA and DHS stand ready to support our state and local partners as the tropics start to produce their annual cyclones, storms, and hurricanes. On Wednesday, I joined Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano as well as partners from NOAA, DOE, the Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from states and the private sector to brief the President on steps FEMA and our partners have already taken to meet the challenges of the 2012 hurricanes season. That briefing underscored the importance of the whole community, from the federal government to individual citizens, working together to get prepared before a potential storm threatens a region, state, or community.

Washington, D.C., May 30, 2012 -- President Barack Obama participates in the annual hurricane preparedness briefing in the Situation Room of the White House, May 30, 2012. Seated clockwise from the President are: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Daniel Poneman, Department of Energy Deputy Secretary; Eric Silagy, FP&L President; Bryan Koon, Florida Director of Emergency Management; Major General Emmett Titshaw, Florida Adjutant General; Chief of Staff Jack Lew; and Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Washington, D.C., May 30, 2012 — President Barack Obama participates in the annual hurricane preparedness briefing in the Situation Room of the White House, May 30, 2012. Seated clockwise from the President are: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Daniel Poneman, Department of Energy Deputy Secretary; Eric Silagy, FP&L President; Bryan Koon, Florida Director of Emergency Management; Major General Emmett Titshaw, Florida Adjutant General; Chief of Staff Jack Lew; and Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Long before the start of this year’s hurricane season, FEMA has worked closely with our partners at the state, local and tribal levels. This includes openly sharing information and expertise that will improve resiliency across our nation, cities, towns, neighborhoods, and families. For FEMA, building relationships before a disaster strikes is vital to working closely together during and after an emergency situation.

But government doesn’t prepare for and respond to disasters alone. Right alongside are the hundreds of businesses, voluntary agencies, and faith- and community-based organizations who provide vital services to both communities and individuals affected by disasters. Some of these organizations provide for basic needs like food, water, and shelter – while others respond to needs such as financial consulting, animal sheltering, or help processing your insurance claim.

While all the players I mentioned play a part in keeping our nation and neighborhoods safer in case disaster strikes – these efforts will fall flat unless individuals take part in their own preparedness. Fortunately, the short amount of time and effort it takes to make our families and homes safer is well worth the payoff if an emergency should happen. For example, here are three simple steps you can take today:

  • Familiarize yourself with the disasters or emergencies that could happen where you live, work or frequently visit, 
  • Decide and practice how your family would communicate after an emergency, and 
  • Build an emergency supply kit to sustain your family for at least 72 hours.

So as we move into the traditional start of the Atlantic hurricane season, I encourage you to respond to the important role you play as part of the emergency management team. You can start with one of the three steps I listed out above, or by pledging to prepare at Ready.gov/hurricanes.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

DHS Commemorates LGBT Pride Month

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Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Every day, DHS employees around the world work to ensure the security of our country.  They work along our borders, in our airports, in federal buildings and throughout the maritime domain.  There are also countless DHS employees that Americans don’t see.  At the DHS Pride Ceremony today, I had the opportunity to speak with and thank some of our LGBT employees for their dedication to our Department and our important mission. 

Secretary Napolitano meets with DHS Pride Board of Directors

Over the last three years, we have worked to build One DHS, helping to unify the youngest, and one of the largest, Cabinet agencies.  DHS has taken a number of key steps to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to advance and thrive. At the Pride Ceremony, I spoke about our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees and the important role groups like DHS Pride have in building that common culture.

We are ever mindful of the significance of our work and the events that gave rise to our department as we continue to strengthen the safety, security, and resilience of our nation.  As we look forward, we will continue to work together to address new and emerging challenges while maturing and strengthening the homeland security enterprise.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

DHS Earns Third Consecutive “A” in Annual Little Business Scorecard

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Posted by:  Rafael Borras, Under Secretary for Management

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was recognized today with an “A” rating by the Small Business Scorecard for its success in contracting with small businesses.  This is the third year in a row DHS has received an “A” rating.
Each year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) releases its annual Small Business Procurement Scorecard, which rates federal agencies success in meeting their overall small business contracting goals.  SBA ratings are based on five categories—small businesses, women-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, businesses in HUBZones (historically underutilized business zones) and small disadvantaged businesses. 
DHS’ success is due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of the team in our Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and the contracting professionals and small business advocates in every Component. 
DHS also is among the top four agencies in terms of total Federal contract dollars awarded to small businesses.  In fact, we exceeded the Federal government goals in four out of the five small business categories for both prime and subcontract procurements and spent more than $ 4 billion with small businesses.   
In virtually every segment of our homeland security community there are small businesses working to support the DHS mission and play a critical role in delivering efficient and innovative solutions to our long- and short-term acquisition needs.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with the small business community and remain committed to their participation in our efforts to secure the nation.
For more information about DHS’s small business programs, please visit:  http://www.dhs.gov/xopnbiz/smallbusiness/. 
Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

Building a Planet-Class Cybersecurity Team

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By Mark Weatherford, Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity

Today, we are more connected to the Internet than ever before.  We depend on a vast array of interdependent networks for communication, travel, powering our homes, running our economy, and obtaining government services.  With so much of our daily lives dependent on cyberspace, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important part of DHS’ mission, just as it has become a larger priority for state and local governments, businesses, and individuals.

DHS continues to demonstrate our commitment to building the best cybersecurity team in the world by recruiting some of the most talented and experienced professionals available.  Since its creation, the Department has increased its cybersecurity workforce by more than 600 percent while working with universities to develop and attract talent through competitive scholarships, fellowships, and internship programs.

When I joined DHS about six months ago, I quickly realized that we could build on the strong foundation of the Department’s cyber workforce with new skills and leadership to grow and adapt in the face of an evolving cybersecurity environment.

It’s impossible to mention all of the dedicated cybersecurity professionals at DHS, but I’d like to highlight a few recent additions that have propelled us to higher standards and increased our capability as a department:

  • Mike Locatis is the new Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications and comes to DHS from the Department of Energy where he was the Chief Information Officer.  He has a breadth of cybersecurity and communications experience across nearly every level of government and the private sector and has a history of charting organization transformations in the federal government.
  • Rosemary Wenchel has joined us as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity Coordination.  She will coordinate joint cybersecurity efforts between DHS and the Department of Defense.  Rosemary will also work with the Science and Technology Directorate to ensure the Department’s cybersecurity research and development efforts are fully coordinated with policy and operations. She served previously in DOD where she was responsible for Departmental activities pertaining to policy development, guidance, and oversight of Information Operations.
  • John Streufert joined DHS in January as the Director of our National Cybersecurity Division (NCSD).  John came to DHS from the Department of State (DOS), where he earned national accolades for the successful implementation of state of the art security solutions in federal departments, and transformed DOS’ security posture while enabling it to execute a world-wide mission.
  • Larry Zelvin just joined us as Director of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, DHS’ 24×7 center to coordinate cyber awareness across government and the private sector.  Larry has experience at the National Security Staff and the DOD, where he has led interagency and stakeholder outreach related to operations. 
  • Dr. George Moore is the new Technical Director for NCSD and also comes to us from the Department of State.  Dr. Moore is a renowned expert in areas of standards and security controls and will be helping develop programs to bring new levels of security to the Federal Government
  • Danny Toler is our Director of Network Resilience and a recognized expert in transitioning IT delivery toward solutions that are more holistic and integrated.  Danny came from the Department of State, and his leadership will be crucial in helping us develop cloud and managed security service solutions that result in new levels of efficiency across the government.
  • Ron Hewitt is the new Director of the National Communications System.  A recently retired Rear Admiral from the U.S. Coast Guard, Ron has an incredible track record of bringing together diverse communities to work together toward a common goal, particularly in the areas of information technology, communications, and first responders.
  • Tom Baer has come aboard as the Deputy Director of US-CERT.  Hailing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he was their Chief Information Security Officer, Tom is an expert in the areas of forensics and analysis and, with impressive leadership credentials, he is charged with broadening outreach efforts and intergovernmental coordination for US-CERT.

These new members of our vast cybersecurity team bring a wide array of experience and skills.  Building on the successes of our strong and robust team, we are taking the DHS cybersecurity program to new levels that will ultimately enhance the security and safety of our nation.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

The Truth About BioWatch: The Importance of Early Detection of a Possible Biological Attack

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-Posted by Dr. Alexander Garza,
Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for DHS 
We all know the importance of early detection in the treatment of diseases and medical emergencies. Routine screenings and monitoring as well as rapid response save thousands of lives every year.  The same principles apply when mitigating the effects of biological threats, which is why DHS works with state and local officials through the BioWatch program to monitor for traces of dangerous pathogens in public places where large groups of people gather to ensure that we respond quickly when a potential threat is identified.
There has been some confusion reported in the news lately about how the BioWatch program works and what it is intended to do.  First announced in 2003, BioWatch is the nation’s first early detection and warning capability for biological attacks.  DHS partners with public health laboratories, which are members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Laboratory Response Network, to conduct rapid analysis and provide information and expertise to governors and local emergency officials when a pathogen is detected in order to determine whether it indicates a potential biological attack.
Recent media reports have incorrectly claimed that BioWatch is prone to “false positives” or “false alarms” that create confusion among local officials and first responders. These claims are unsubstantiated. To date, more than 7 million tests have been performed by dedicated public health lab officials and there has never been a false positive result.
Out of these more than 7 million tests, BioWatch has reported 37 instances in which naturally-occurring biological pathogens were detected from environmental sources.  Many of the pathogens the BioWatch system is designed to detect occur naturally in the environment, such as the bacteria that causes anthrax, which has been used as a weapon, but is also found in nature.  For example, near the nation’s Southwest border there have been a number of instances where a bacterium that is endemic in the environment has been identified.  Thankfully, none of the instances were actual attacks. The detection of commonly occurring environmental agents is not a “false positive.”
Much like a home smoke detector goes off for both burnt toast and a major fire, the smoke detector is meant to notify you of a potential fire before it’s too late. BioWatch works very much the same way.  If BioWatch detects a potential threat, state and local officials as well as first responders have the ability to investigate the incident to the fullest and determine if there is a credible threat to the public.
These tools alone cannot and do not declare that a biological attack has occurred. Experts must interpret the data and quickly make tough, logical decisions about the reality of the threat. BioWatch is designed to provide the nation with the greatest lead time possible to respond to the potential release of a biological agent. The faster we detect an event, the more lives we can save by responding and delivering medical countermeasures.  Looking forward, the scientists who operate the system will continue their work to improve BioWatch to keep the nation safe from any potential biological threats.
Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

Combating Human Trafficking, One Step at a Time

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-Posted by the Blue Campaign

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are enslaved in countries around the world, including the United States. Victims are lured with false promises of well-paying jobs or are manipulated by people they trust, ending up forced or coerced into prostitution, domestic servitude, farm or factory labor, or other types of forced labor.

According to the International Labor Organization, an estimated 20.9 million people are victims of forced labor globally. From law enforcement, to educators, to transportation workers, everyone can play a role in combating human trafficking by taking a few minutes to learn the signs of human trafficking and how to report suspected cases of human trafficking.

Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign hosted its bi-annual stakeholder meeting, bringing together academia, healthcare experts, first responders, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and members of the public and private sectors to discuss ongoing efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking. During the meeting, participants discussed efforts to support victims, raise awareness of human trafficking, and increase collaboration on anti-human trafficking initiatives and resources.

DHS launched the Blue Campaign in 2010 to more effectively combat human trafficking through enhanced public awareness, victim assistance, and law enforcement investigations aimed at increasing prosecution.

Want to learn more? Law enforcement and the general public can educate themselves on the indicators of human trafficking through our website: www.dhs.gov/humantrafficking.

If you suspect that a person may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the ICE Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423 or report it online at www.ice.gov/tips.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

Pia Carusone Named Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs

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-Posted by Public Affairs

DHS announced that Pia Carusone, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. Pia brings a wealth of experience in communications and homeland security issues in Congress and in her new role, will advise the Secretary on all matters related to public affairs, as well as oversee strategic and internal communications. Pia and her team will be responsible for coordinating the public affairs activities of all of the Department’s components and offices, and serve as the federal government’s lead public information office during national emergencies or disasters.

Pia served as Congresswoman Giffords’ Chief of Staff from March 2009 until her resignation in January 2012. During her tenure, she oversaw all border security and homeland security issues for the office. After the Tucson shooting, Pia served as the national spokesperson for the Congresswoman and her family. Pia is a native of Saratoga Springs, NY and a graduate of Bard College.

Pia replaces Matt Chandler, who had been serving as Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. Matt has been named Director of Communications. He has been with DHS since March 2009, and previously served as the Department’s Press Secretary and Deputy Press Secretary.

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security

Preview the Next Generation of www.DHS.gov

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– Posted by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Pia Carusone

The Department of Homeland Security just redesigned its website and now you can take a look and offer your feedback before we officially launch the new website within the next two weeks and retire the old one.

Here are tips to start your site tour of http://preview.dhs.gov/

  • Visit the new Topics pages, with their own Resource Directories to relevant information
  • Use the How Do I? sections to find answers to commonly asked questions
  • Learn how to Get Involved with agency activities for the public
  • Go to the About  DHS section for to learn about DHS’ budget, organization, career options and history
  • See our new multimedia page and photos of DHS at work in the News section.

Why Did We Redesign the Site?
Our new website design was guided by user feedback and best practices in user-centered design.  The goals of the redesign are to simplify and unify DHS.gov’s content and create a more consistent look and feel throughout the site.

At the new DHS website, we are aiming to:

  • Provide valuable information
  • Help you find what you need on the DHS.gov with better navigation and improved content
  • Make it easier for visitors to engage with DHS

In addition, there are plenty of unseen improvements in the administrator interface that make our online communication more cost-efficient, help us execute a customer-focused strategy for web-content management, streamline customer access to DHS services and improve our web content management.

Please Note…
We plan to adopt an improved search engine at launch.  That means at the preview.dhs.gov site, onsite search function does not work yet.  If you use the search box, your search results will return you to the “old” DHS.gov site for now.

We Want Your feedback!
Now that you have some background on what we did and why we did it, please take a few minutes to look around http://preview.dhs.gov and send us your feedback using IdeaScale. IdeaScale is a platform where we can collect your ideas and suggestions for improving the next generation DHS.gov. While you are at it, consider casting a vote for the best ideas that others share, or joining discussions about ideas submitted by others.

Our DHS web team will review ALL submissions, and your feedback will be extremely valuable to us in making quick and continuous improvements to the new website.

If you prefer not to create an IdeaScale profile or have difficulty using IdeaScale, you can always send your suggestions or concerns to [email protected]

Thank you!

Published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The Blog @ Homeland Security