Homeland Security begins regional integration initiative

The Department of Homeland Security launched an initiative today to facilitate transition of innovative technologies and organizational concepts to regional, state and local governments.

The department's Regional Technology Integration initiative was unveiled in Cincinnati, one of four metropolitan areas that the department has selected to participate in the initiative. The names of the other cities have not been released, but the department said all four participate in the Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative.

"This initiative will help communities strengthen their security posture by speeding the introduction and implementation of new technologies," said Charles McQueary, DHS undersecretary for science and technology.

The Regional Technology Integration initiative will focus on locations with unique characteristics and that can be used as prototypes for "sister cities" with similar characteristics.

The program will be integrated with other programs and initiatives throughout DHS, including SafeCom, the Urban Area Security Initiative grants program and the National Incident Management System. DHS' Science and Technology Directorate oversees the program.

The initiative begins with $10 million to cover systems studies and assessments. Additional funding for deployment of technology systems will be determined based on the results of the initial studies.

The four locations will provide the science and technology community with a realistic environment to test maturing hardware and concepts, the department said. The program also will offer information on how best to choose, deploy and manage these technologies to strengthen the security posture of these and other communities throughout the nation.