DHS Announces HSSTAC Meeting – 4-7-14

The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) published a meeting notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 15354-15355) announcing a two-day meeting of the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC) starting April 7^th in Washington, DC. Most of the meeting will be open to the public. (NOTE: As of 05:30 CDT, 3-19-14, the HSSTAC web site is not accessible.)

The first day of the meeting will focus on DHS S&T interactions with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The discussions on April 8^th will include two topics of potential specific interest to readers of this blog:

• An update and discussion regarding the DHS S&T Cyber Security Division (CSD); and

• Project Responder, a project managed by the DHS S&T First Responder Group, which aims to systematically identify capability gaps for responding to catastrophic incidents. 

There will be a public comment period after these two presentations. Pre-registration for oral presentations is requested. Written comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; Docket # DHS-2014-0003). Comments should be submitted before April 4^th.

The afternoon session on April 8^th will be closed to the public while the Committee:

• Receives a classified brief regarding emerging and disruptive technologies and technology trends (including the use of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)); and

• Hears an update from the Task Force on Third Party Pre-Screening regarding its progress on helping TSA to expedite physical screening by exploring private sector options; the results of private sector testing and evaluation.

HSSTAC Meeting Announced

Today DHS announced in the Federal Register (77 FR 56662-56663) that the newly reconstituted Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC) will be holding its first meeting on September 27^th and 28^th in Washington, DC. This public meeting will allow the Committee to establish its working priorities and organizational structure.

HSSTAC Purpose

This advisory committee was established to advise the DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology on areas including:

• Systems engineering;

• Cybersecurity;

• Knowledge management; and

• How best to leverage related technologies funded by other federal agencies and by the private sector.

Agenda

The first day of the meeting will consist of briefings of the new committee by various organizations within the Department. On the second day the Committee will focus on:

• How technology can address homeland security challenges;

• Accelerating innovation through systems analysis; and

• Leveraging industry for impact

Based upon the briefings received, public input and Committee discussions Department officials will provide direction to the HSSTAC on their priorities and the establishment of sub-committees to address identified issues.

Public Participation

The public is invited to participate in these deliberations. Pre-registration to attend the meeting is required and may be accomplished on-line. There will be a public comment period on the second day of the meeting. Comments should be limited to 3 minutes and pre-registration of the intent to make a public comment is required; contact Mary Hanson, HSSTAC Executive Director. Written comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; Docket # DHS-2012-0053).

DHS Requests Nominations for HSSTAC

Today the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) at DHS posted a notice in the Federal Register (77 FR 1942) requesting applications for appointment to the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee. The Committee provides scientifically and technically based advice to both the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

There are a limited number of positions available and the notice states that currently the “strongest need is in the areas of explosives detection and biological defense research and development”. Qualified women and minorities are encouraged to apply; registered lobbyists need not apply.

Applicants should send a biography or resume and CV, along with a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to Mary Hanson, HSSTAC Executive Director (Mary.Hanson@dhs.gov) by January 30^th 2012.