DHS creates national infrastructure protection framework

The Homeland Security Department has released its draft National Infrastructure Protection Plan that establishes a framework for working with the private sector to protect the nation's critical assets and key resources such as energy, water and food supplies, health care, transportation and IT systems.

The 175-page document was authorized under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7, and is available for review and public comment until Dec. 5. An interim version was released in February.

The plan states that DHS will operate the Sector Coordinating Councils and Government Coordinating Councils within 30 days under the Sector Partnership Model. The agency also will implement protocols for vetting and delivering information to owners and operators of critical infrastructure within 30 days.

Implementing other features of the plan will take longer, however. For example, full rollout of the Homeland Security Information Network-Critical Infrastructure for all sectors is anticipated within one year, the document said.

DHS will develop an NIPP National Awareness Plan within 180 days and implement it within a year.

Federal agencies must set sector-specific goals within 90 days and perform asset identification and data collection within 180 days, among other milestones.