DHS Looks to Academia for Help Fighting Terrorism

Washington, D.C., November 26, 2003 - According to a statement by the Department of Homeland Security, academia is an important source of innovation in finding technological solutions to homeland security challenges. As such the department’s Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency is sponsoring a one-day workshop on Dec. 15 to obtain feedback from academic institutions on how universities can support research and development in this area.

The goal of the event is to help DHS “develop an efficient and flexible bid and procurement process so that it can work with the best talent in the field.” During the session, DHS will gather input from academia on best practices in order to optimize the solicitation, bid, procurement, and execution process.

The day will focus primarily on science and technology.

According to DHS, science and technology are key elements in the war on terrorism. “America's vast resources in science and technology give our nation a key advantage to fighting — and winning — the war on terrorism. Our nation needs academia, industry, and government working together to develop and deploy homeland security solutions,” said the department, in a prepared statement.

During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to make recommendations to DHS on the following:

Procurements: How can DHS best use the various authorities provided to us?

Program Management: How can DHS best work with academia to ensure successful program execution once we have begun?

Solicitations: What processes should DHS use to publicize and conduct our solicitations? What are the best methods to assist academia in teaming with industry?

Planning: What do you need to know about DHS priorities in order to conduct your strategic and tactical planning?

The workshop will be held at the Double Tree Crystal City in Arlington, Va. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To register online, visit www.enstg.com/Register/passthru.cfm?RT123=DHS75794. For additional information, visit www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/.

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