Homeland security

Company information

Established in early 2002 with the goal of mobilizing the American people and organizing the U.S. government to better secure the nation in a post-9/11 world, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has since become the core of a national network of organizations that are executing the country's emergency preparedness and response efforts.  DHS has clearly embraced the enormity of the task it has been handed: on a daily basis, the department directs and implements policies that have vastly improved the preparedness of businesses and citizens alike, while simultaneously streamlining processes to improve the business of government itself. 

In the fiscal year (FY) 2006, the U.S. government aims to spend over $41 billion to support DHS.  This funding represents a robust increase in funding of $20.4 billion over DHS' funding level of just three years ago, a figure that is demonstrative of the strong support that the mission of homeland security has from both the U.S. Congress and the Bush administration. If approved as proposed, the Homeland Security Department's FY2006 budget addresses five primary goals:

	•	revolutionizing the borders;
	•	strengthening law enforcement;
	•	improving national preparedness and response;
	•	leveraging technology; and
	•	creating a 21st century department.

Clearly, DHS' activities to date have already had a major impact on not only the information technology sector, but on other critical infrastructure sectors across the United States. However, recent activities both at DHS and on Capitol Hill suggest the potential for even greater involvement by the information technology sector in homeland security. For example, the "Port Security Grants Act of 2005" (S. 855) seeks to improve the security of United States ports by providing federal grants to support area maritime transportation security plans and the use of vital information technology to address vulnerabilities in targeted port areas.

HP's position

	•	Safety Act - HP has many technologies it would like to make available for homeland security and believes the process for approval should be simplified and streamlined. For example, HP supports the "Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002" which has mandated a process within DHS to limit liability to companies when they provide certain anti-terrorist technologies to the department. However, the required process and application is inefficient and slow-moving. Additionally, there are still concerns regarding proprietary information.
	•	To continue to promote wise use of limited IT funding, HP supports full and open competition on all major homeland security procurements.
	•	It has been HP's experience that using contractor-managed services to support IT operations reduces cost and increases organizational efficiency.
	•	HP supports the adoptions of standards and use of systems proven to be interoperable.

HP supports full funding of IT projects in the FY 2006 budget. FY 06 key initiatives include the following:

Creating a 21st century department

	•	eMerge2, MAXHR and Information Sharing and Collaboration

Improving national preparedness and response

	•	First Responder Federal Assistance
	•	Enhanced Catastrophic Disaster Planning
	•	Office of Interoperability and Compatibility
	•	COOP Infrastructure Improvements
	•	High Frequency Communications System
	•	Rescue 21 Project

Leveraging technology

	•	Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
	•	Low Volatility Agent Warning System
	•	Counter-MANPADS
	•	Cyber Security
	•	Applied Protective Technology
	•	Secure Flight/Crew Vetting
	•	High Speed Operational Connectivity
	•	Emerging Checkpoint Technology
	•	Homeland Secure Data Network
	•	Homeland Security Operations Center

Strengthening law enforcement

	•	Armed Helicopter for Homeland Security
	•	Integrated Deepwater System
	•	Response Boat-Medium Project
	•	Federal Air Marshal Service
	•	Detention and Removal
	•	Temporary Worker Worksite Enforcement
	•	White House Perimeter Security Design
	•	Advanced FLETC Training
	•	Federal Flight Deck Officers
	•	Crew Member Self-Defense Training

Revolutionizing the borders

	•	WMD Detection Technology
	•	Container Security Initiative
	•	CBP Targeting Systems and Long Range Radar
	•	America's Shield Initiative
	•	US VISIT

The role of HP in homeland security

The $49.9 billion that has been proposed in FY2006 for government-wide homeland security spending will continue to boost the federal government's demand for cutting-edge information technologies. For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has far-reaching plans to integrate several technologies into the homeland security framework in the coming year - including plans to address the problem of interoperability, improve information sharing, roll out high tech cargo security devices, further the federal government's cyber security efforts, and strengthen the capabilities of the nation's border patrol.

HP is well-positioned to help the federal government meet the increased demand for information technology products and services because of its partnership with Congress and the administration, as well as its strong record of success in helping the federal, state, and local government meet their needs. HP has provided security solutions to Fortune 1000 and government customers worldwide for 60 years, making it a trusted advisor to officials in the homeland security arena. HP's Global Homeland Security Program Management Office will continue to play a critical role in the success of DHS, as the company delivers interoperable, mission-enabling technologies to assist government customers in preparing for and responding to emergencies and fulfilling their distinct homeland security missions.

HP is uniquely familiar with the challenges facing DHS, which has remained in close contact with HP as the agency has tried to apply the lessons learned about technology integration following HP's successful merger with Compaq. To date, HP has partnered and collaborated with DHS to provide innovative technology solutions for:

	•	first responders;
	•	border, trade and tariff;
	•	ID management;
	•	emergency preparedness;
	•	crisis communications; and
	•	bioterrorism

Today, more than 90 percent of the nation's 911 emergency centers use HP technology.

Additional information

	•	Please contact Larry Estrada at (202) 378-2508 for more information on HP and homeland security.
	•	Visit the HP Global Homeland Security web site.