COUNCIL TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENT AT TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
On October 13, 2011, Council President & CEO testified before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, at a hearing entitled: "TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II."  Read the testimony. Read the press release.

COUNCIL ISSUES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS MONOGRAPH & HOSTS NATIONAL CONVERSATION WITH THREE DHS SECRETARIES
The Council hosted a National Conversation on Homeland Security Looking Forward, in coordination with the Homeland Security Policy Institute, featuring a discussion with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and her predecessors Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff. Held on October 11, 2011, the conversation was moderated by Admiral Thad Allen, former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), and focused on the challenges facing homeland security, the continuously changing threat environment, and the role of the private sector over the next decade.  Additionally, the Council released its 14th and final monograph as part of its "9/10/11 Project," focusing on successful Public-Private Partnerships that have served to help prepare our nation over the past decade. Read the monograph. Read the press release. 

THE EVOLUTION OF HOMELAND SECURITY MONOGRAPH RELEASED
On September 9, 2011, the Council released its monograph focusing on the evolution of homeland security over the past decade. It details the formation of DHS and subsequent streamlining of America's homeland security effort. Read the monograph . Read the press release.

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR, AND EXPLOSIVE THREATS MONOGRAPH RELEASED
On August 10, 2011, the Council released its monograph on the constantly evolving threat of a Chemcial, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive attack on the United States. Read the monograph. Read the press release .

HOMELAND SECURITY & DEFENSE BUSINESS COUNCIL APPEARS BEFORE CONGRESS ON DHS PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Council testified before Congress on July 15, 2011, regarding the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) procurement policies and procedures, proposing recommendations for improvement and calling for greater communication between industry and government. Click here to read the testimony . Read the press release here.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY MONOGRAPH RELEASED
On July 11, 2011, the Council released its eleventh monograph in the 9/10/11 Project Series on the debate over ensuring both privacy and security in America. Read the monograph.Read the press release.

MASS TRANSIT SECURITY
On June 10, 2011, the Council released its tenth monograph in the 9/10/11 Project Series on the state of security in the country's mass transit systems. Read the monograph . Read the press release.

COUNCIL TESTIFIES BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES
On Thursday, May 26, 2011, Marc Pearl, President & CEO of the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies on the SAFETY Act.  Click here to read the testimony. Read the press release.

COUNCIL ISSUES BIOMETRICS MONOGRAPH
The Homeland Security and Defense Business Council released its ninth monograph in its 9/10/11 Project, on May 10, 2011. The monograph focuses on the growth of the use of biometrics and ID authentication, detailing how the partnership of government and private industry has brought sophisticated new biometric and authentication technologies to the mainstream.  Read the monograph. Read the press release.

PORT AND MARITIME SECURITY MONOGRAPH RELEASED
On April 10, 2011, the Council released its monograph on the focusing on how the public and private sectors have worked to protect the nation's port and maritime security environment.  Read the monograph.  Read the press release.

2010 ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED
The Council held its Annual Members Meeting on March 16, 2011 and presented its 2010 Annual Report. Read the annual report.

COUNCIL TESTIFIES BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION REGARDING INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ON IMPROVING HOMELAND SECURITY R&D
Council President and CEO Marc Pearl testified on March 15, 2011 before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation on the homeland security industry's perspective on the relationship and interaction between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate programs and the private sector's recommendations for success.  Click here to read the testimony.  Read press release.

COUNCIL LAUNCHES NATIONAL CONVERSATION SERIES AND RELEASES MONOGRAPH ON PREPAREDNESS
The Homeland Security & Defense Business Council launched its National Series on the State of Homeland Security and released its seventh monograph in its 9/10/11 Project, focusing on how far the public and private sectors have come to increase preparedness efforts and prepare for all hazard events. Read the monograph. Read the press release.

BORDER SECURITY MONOGRAPH ISSUED
On February 10, 2011, the Council released its sixth monograph in its 9/10/11 Project, focusing on the evolution of border security agencies and missions and examining the mechanisms in place to secure our borders against terrorism and illegal activity. With increasing concern over violence on our southern border, the Council interviews numerous leaders to identify the challenges we must confront and the solutions available to achieve a secure and resilient border.  Read the monograph. Read the press release.

MONOGRAPH ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION RELEASED
The Council released its fifth monograph in its 9/10/11 Project on January 10, 2011, focusing on the nation’s dependence on our critical infrastructure, and the steps the public and private sector take to protect it.  Read the monograph. Read the press release.

CSC FEATURED IN HS TODAY
Council Board Member Pat Schambach and CSC's work with the Department of Homeland Security were highlighted in an article in Homeland Security Today's January 2011 issue. According to Homeland Security Today, CSC was the fifth largest DHS contractor in 2009 with more than $346 million in contracts. Some of the components CSC is most active with are the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. In the article, Schambach discusses CSC's past successes and how the company looks to maintain its momentum in the future. Click here to read the article.

COUNCIL HONORS U.S. SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR AND MEMBERS OF THE YEAR AT ANNUAL DINNER
At the 2010 Annual Dinner, the Council recognized U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan for his outstanding leadership and public service, and awarded its Members of the Year award to IBM and Optelecom-NKF, Inc.  Read press release. Read remarks from Council Chairman Jack Mayer and Council President & CEO Marc Pearl.

BIOSECURITY MONOGRAPH ISSUED
Our fourth monograph in our 9/10/11 Project was released on December 10, 2010. The monograph focuses on our nation's efforts to deter biological threats. Read monograph. Read press release.

INFORMATION SHARING MONOGRAPH RELEASED
The Council released its third monograph in its 9/10/11 Project, focusing on our nation's information sharing mechanisms. As a country with a strong foundation of freedom of speech, an open media and the free-flow of information, our lack of information sharing in advance of 9/11 surprised and shocked many Americans. As the events of that day unfolded, and the subsequent investigations into the why's and how's revealed our weaknesses, we quickly learned that our information sharing systems were not where they needed to be. Read monograph. Read press release.

HS TODAY COVERAGE OF THE COUNCIL'S CYBER SECURITY EXECUTIVE BRIEF
HS Today's Mickey McCarter reports on the Council's Executive Brief " What Would Incentivize a Stronger Cyber Security Environment?" held October 13, 2010. Read the article here.

CYBER SECURITY MONOGRAPH RELEASED
The Council released its second monograph in its 9/10/11 Project tackling the complex issues in cyber security. As the complex computer virus Stuxnet continues to grab headlines, the Council‟s monograph walks through the history of "cyber" and weaves together the current state of our interconnected and interdependent social and economic systems.   Read monograph. Read press release.

FOX NEWS INTERVIEWS COUNCIL PRESIDENT & CEO
On October 4th, Council President & CEO Marc Pearl appeared on a segment of DEFCON 3, a national security program on Fox News hosted by KT McFarland. Marc discussed the need for coordination and cooperation amongst private and public sectors, the expertise and solutions that members of the Council bring to the homeland security space, and talked about the Council's year-long 9/10/11 Project.  Watch the segment here.

THE 53RD ANNIVERSARY OF SPUTNIK AND THE NEED TO REINVEST OUR NATION'S PASSION FOR SCIENCE/MATH EDUCATION FOR NATIONAL & HOMELAND SECURITY  
In an editorial on the anniversary of the successful Sputnik mission, Council President & CEO Marc Pearl calls for a renewed effort to increase money and focus on science and technology for the nation's economic and national security.  Read the editorial here.

COUNCIL LAUNCHES 9/10/11 PROJECT
On September 10, 2010, the Council launched a year-long thought leadership project that will release monographs on the 10th of each month to document our nation’s response to the events of 9/11 and ask, are we ready for the day before tomorrow?  Through fresh interviews with industry leaders, the 9/10/11 Project seeks to illustrate vividly the strides our government at all levels, working with the private sector, has made to secure the country and to stay at least one step ahead of events and disasters that could destroy our way of life.  Read more about the 9/10/11 Project here. View press release here.

COUNCIL ON FEDERAL NEWS RADIO
Council President & CEO Marc Pearl discussed a number of contracting issues, including the recent inherently governmental policy letter on FEDTalk, a radio program on Federal News Radio that aired on August 6, 2010. Mr. Pearl provided an overview on the work of the Council and the homeland security services and solutions the organization's membership provides to the public sector. He also discussed the recent Washington Post series "Top Secret America," and clarified the role of industry in achieving the government's mission. Listen to the segment here.

OPTELECOM-NKF, INC. PRESIDENT & CEO DAVE PATTERSON JOINS COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Patterson, President & CEO, Optelecom-NKF, Inc. was elected to the Council’s Board of Directors at the July Board meeting.  Mr. Patterson also serves as the Co-Chair of the Thought Leadership Committee, where he directs the committee’s work identifying and addressing the trends that confront the homeland security industry. “The Homeland Security & Defense Business Council has proven to be invaluable to me in better understanding the needs of those responsible for protecting our homeland, as well as the points of view of fellow members in how we can support them,” said Dave Patterson.  “I am honored to serve the Council and its membership as a Board member and plan to maintain active involvement in our Thought Leadership Committee.”

PEARL INTERVIEWED ON CAPITAL THINKING RADIO SHOW
On July 22, 2010, Marc Pearl, President & CEO of the Council was interviewed on a segment of Capital Thinking, a weekly radio show on the VoiceAmerica Business network. Marc was interviewed about the economic opportunities for companies working in the homeland security marketplace. Listen to the segment here.

DHS RELEASES BOTTOM- UP REVIEW
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published their first ever bottom-up review report. Click here to view the report.

DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a report, Progress in Implementing 9/11 Commission Recommendations: July 2010 Update,  which features the steps the Department has made to implement  the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. View document here.

DHS RELEASES PRIVATE SECTOR CATALOG
The Department's Office of the Private Sector has issued a Private Sector Resources Catalog, a document that collects the training, publications, guidance, alerts, newsletters, programs, and services available to the private sector across the department.  Click here to view the catalog.

LINDA KEENE SOLOMON NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 CONSULTANTS OF 2010
Council Board Member Linda Keene Solomon, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP;  was recognized in Consulting Magazine as one of the top 25 consultants of 2010. Click here to read the article.

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS
The Council submitted comments on the draft guidelines regarding the definition of inherently governmental functions, published in the Federal Register by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget.   
View the Council's comments here.

WOMEN IN HOMELAND SECURITY FEATURED ON FRONT PAGE OF GSN'S PRINT MAGAZINE
Founded by Council Vice President Kristina Tanasichuk, the group has grown to over 700 members.
Read more.

COUNCIL MEMBERS NAMED RISING STARS BY HS TODAY 
HS Today profiled four of our member companies, as part of the "The Rising 10 of 2010."  Ten companies were chosen for their promise to grow in areas within homeland security.  Click here to read the article in Homeland Security Today Magazine. Congratulations to DRS Technologies/Finmeccanica, Flir, Harris and Raytheon.

FEDERAL CONTRACTING PLATFORM GOES TO SECRETARY NAPOLITANO
On February 26, 2010, the Thought Leadership Committee transmitted the Council's platform on federal contracting and procurement to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, outlining the Council's suggestions on how to improve the process and requesting a forum to discuss the challenges raised in the document.  View letter and document here. 

COUNCIL MEMBERS MEET WITH DHS ASSISTANT SECRETARY SMITH
The Assistant Secretary for DHS’ Private Sector Office, Douglas Smith, was the Council’s guest at our Executive Roundtable held on February 23, 2010.  During the course of the program, the Assistant Secretary mentioned that he wanted to share a packet of materials with Council members that could help individual companies better understand the needs of the Department in relationship to possible industry ‘solutions.’  The documents are part of the Department’s Commercialization Full Response Package. 

The Assistant Secretary stated the importance he and the Secretary place on the role and responsibility of the private sector in providing homeland security solutions, and reiterated the need for renewed outreach efforts to improve communication between industry and government.  The Council will be following up with the Private Sector Office to develop a more regular form of communication between our industry and our counterparts in the public sector to discuss critical issues of mutual concern, and to create a more open dialogue.  If you are interested in taking part in these efforts, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and begin taking an active role in our Thought Leadership Committee and our newly forming working groups.  We look forward to keeping you abreast of the future follow up activities and initiatives.  

DHS RELEASES QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security delivered the Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review (QHSR) Report to Congress.
View the full report on the Department's QHSR page.
Date: February 1, 2010

FY2011 BUDGET RELEASED
Following the release of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) $56.3 billion fiscal year 2011 budget request, the Council participated in a conference call with DHS to discuss the overview of the budget. The Council will be providing its members with follow up analysis on congressional action regarding the homeland security budget, as well as information on homeland security-related budget items located in other federal agencies. If you are a Council member and would like more information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  For more information on the budget, please click here.

PEARL FEATURED IN Associations Today: CEO to CEO
What Does Transparency Mean?
Date: August 31, 2009 Read article here

LOCAL RED CROSS, HOMELAND SECURITY & DEFENSE BUSINESS COUNCIL RECAP PARTNERS IN PREPAREDNESS & CEO SUMMIT
Date: September 16, 2009 Read press release

OPERATION CAPA: FOUR KEYS TO BUSINESS SURVIVAL AND RESILIENCY
Date: September 4, 2009 by Robert Connors, Director of Preparedness, Raytheon Read editorial in HS Today

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, HOMELAND SECURITY & DEFENSE BUSINESS COUNCIL TO HOST 3RD ANNUAL PARTNERS IN PREPAREDNESS SYMPOSIUM AND THE CEO SUMMIT
Date: September 1, 2009 Read press release

INDUSTRY LEADERS CALL FOR AMICABLE, NOT ADVERSARIAL FEDERAL CONTRACTING PROCESS
Date: June 8, 2009 Read press release

IN THE BOARDROOM WITH...MARC PEARL, PRESIDENT & CEO, HOMELAND SECURITY & DEFENSE BUSINESS COUNCIL
Date: March 18, 2009 View interview here