Department Of Homeland Security Science And Technology Directorates Expenditure Plan PDF Download

The National Academy has released a Panel report on the Science and Technology Directorate's (S & T) structure, processes, and the execution of its cross-government leadership role. S & T is charged with the development of technologies and tools that federal, state, and local first responders and others need to prevent and respond to human and natural disasters. The report is based on the review and analysis of government documents, budget and staffing data, and over 200 interviews with government officials and science experts. The independent Study Panel has recommended changes that would substantially improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of homeland security-related research efforts. These include developing and implementing an internal S & T strategic plan and performance measures that would help maintain a focus on results. Other recommendations call for developing processes and procedures to increase transparency, and communication within S & T, across government, and with first responders. The Panel also recommends that S & T take additional steps to fulfill its leadership role and develop a homeland security-related research plan for the entire federal government. The Study Panel also analyzed budget data and interviewed scientists and science policy experts to explore concerns about whether the increase in homeland security-related research had resulted in lack of funding for other significant research efforts and whether there was unwanted duplication of effort in this research area. Within the resource, scope, and time limitations of this study, the Panel did not find evidence of duplication of effort or a shift in funding from other areas to homeland security-related research.