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Homeland Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis’ Vision for 2008
Date: February 14, 2008
Author: Mr. Charles E. Allen
Institution: Office of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Bibliographic Entry: Allen , Charles E. “Homeland Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis’ Vision for 2008.” Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment. February 14, 2008. http://homeland.house.gov/Hearings/index.asp?ID=114(Accessed April 3, 2008).
Electronic Link: http://homeland.house.gov/Hearings/index.asp?ID=114
Key Words: homeland security budget, intelligence, intelligence research, DHS Intelligence Enterprise, homeland threats, fusion centers, analytic abilities
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
DHS testifies to its progress and challenges faced in building a strong DHS Intelligence Enterprise. Undersecretary Allen stated that the Office of Intelligence and Analysis continues to focus on building its core capabilities while concurrently assessing and proactively staging the capabilities needed to transform DHS intelligence. Last year, DHS developed its first annual integrated DHS Intelligence Enterprise research plan, Homeland Security Threat Assessment. This publication provides DHS with an important analytic framework by which we can identify and prioritize our gaps in knowledge and understanding of Homeland threats. Also, last year OIA’s resources were aligned into five elements focusing on principal threats: threats to the border and critical infrastructure, from radicalization and extremism and particular groups entering the US, and from CBRN threats.
Undersecretary Allen also reported on the establishment of the Interagency Threat Assessment Coordination Group (ITACG), which has been stood up under the management of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The ITACG achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) on 30 January 2008 and that current staffing requirements have been met.
Finally, Allen addressed how the President’s FY09 budget submission supports the Office of Intelligence and Analysis efforts. First, the president will be funding the expansion of the OIA’s representation at the state and local fusion centers across the country. Second, the funds will allow OIA to hire more WMD analysts. Third, the funds will support the OIA’s ability to increase its ability to acquire all threats/all hazards information available through the State and Local Fusion Centers and increase the open source research and analytic capabilities.
Name of Researcher: Katie Stout
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: April 8, 2008