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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Fact Sheet: Homeland Security Establishes Its First Government "Think Tank" Homeland Security Institute

Release Date: 04/23/04 00:00:00

In April 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate established the Homeland Security Institute, this is the Department's first government "think tank" or Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).  The Institute, managed by Analytic Services Incorporated (ANSER), will provide independent analysis on a variety of issues related to defense of the homeland.  This FFRDC will particularly focus on those matters involving policy and security where scientific, technical, and analytical expertise is required such as those in the extremely complex threat and vulnerability assessment areas.  

Why HSI was established

The Homeland Security Act of 2002, Section 312, mandated the establishment of an FFRDC to provide Homeland Security, access to an independent resource that could analyze and assess homeland security issues as they relate to critical analysis and decision support; mitigating homeland security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks while continually enhancing operational effectiveness.

HSI will engage in a variety of activities

The Homeland Security Institute will provide a dedicated, high-quality technical and analytical support capability aimed at helping Homeland Security set priorities and guide investments.  The Institute will maintain an integrated systems approach to its mission by engaging in the following activities:

  • Systems Evaluations - Systems evaluations will provide analyses that will support homeland security program planning and execution.  These analyses will cover all stages of development and deployment: initiation and conduct of research; development of technology; testing, evaluating, building and/or acquiring, deploying and using systems. Included are systems analyses, risk analyses, vulnerability analyses and the creation of strategic technology development plans to reduce vulnerabilities in the nation's critical infrastructure and key resources.

  • Operational Assessments - Operational assessments will relate to systems development, operational performance, and homeland security strategy while providing a basis for revising operational concepts and mission needs. Included are evaluation of the effectiveness of measures deployed to enhance security of institutions and infrastructure; design and use of metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of Homeland Security programs; and, design and support for exercises and simulations.

  • Technology Assessments - Technology assessments will provide scientific, technical, and analytical support for the identification, evaluation, and use of advanced technologies for homeland security systems.  Assistance will be provided to Homeland Security as well as other agencies and departments by evaluating the effectiveness of technologies under development and assess their appropriateness for deployment.

  • Resource and Support Analyses - Resource and support efforts will develop methods, techniques, and tools (e.g., models) and conduct analyses that will lead to improved means for addressing resource issues including investment decisions and cost implications of pending decisions. Included will be the economic and policy analyses to assess the distributed costs and benefits of alternative approaches to enhancing security.

  • Analyses Supporting the SAFETY Act - The SAFETY Act analyses will provide analytical and technical evaluations that can be used to support DHS determinations about candidate technologies.

  • Field Operations Analyses - The Institute may be required to provide small numbers of personnel to field activities to provide objective operations analyses, systems evaluations, and other technical and analytic support.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 04/23/04 00:00:00.