The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the research and development arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is in the process of developing a new strategic plan to guide future R&D. As part of that plan, they are  developing S&T’s Visionary Goals.

The goals are “big picture” ideas that may look 20 to 30 years out, and with each goal aimed to enhance capabilities of DHS and the homeland security community.

S&T’s Visionary Goals will provide  strategic direction and guide S&T’s work to:

o Develop innovative solutions

o Increase efficiencies

o Empower stakeholders to capitalize on technological advancements

They are inviting partners across the entire homeland security mission space to provide input on these goals to:

o Ensure the goals are aligned with those of the stakeholders.

o Promote transparency to develop a strategic plan.

o Create a unified vision that enhances partnerships and collaboration with stakeholder communities.

They invite you to provide input via the S&T Collaboration Community, an online platform used to gather thoughts and ideas on a specific topic. The tool has been used successfully by many government agencies, including FEMA. Submit your best thinking – join the S&T Collaboration Community discussion to:

o Provide insights into each of the proposed visionary goals

o Add new visionary goals for consideration

o Share your ideas and perspectives and comment on others’ ideas

Help shape S&T’s future. Provide comments between August 25 and September 7. Plans are to publish the final version of S&T’s Visionary Goals this fall. Make your voice heard. Join the discussion on the S&T Collaboration Community or send in your comments by email at STIdeaScale@hq.dhs.gov.

About the Department of Homeland Security’s  Science and Technology Directorate

What we do affects everyone

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) develops cutting-edge tools and technologies to prepare for and counter real-world threats and situations, such as cyberattacks, hurricanes, collapsed buildings, power outages, active shooters, wildfires, and biological attacks. Whatever the scenario, whatever the threat, S&T’s mission is to strengthen America’s security and resiliency by providing innovative technology solutions, procedures, and guidance for homeland security operations and responders across the country.

Partnerships are critical

S&T has dynamic partnerships with industry, academia, laboratories, first responders, and government at all levels to identify and develop strategically focused technology options and enhancements that address real-world capability needs. In response to stakeholder needs, S&T conducts basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation to improve efficiencies and safety. At every stage of development, S&T works closely with operators and end users.

Solutions that protect and safeguard

Building upon partnerships with operators, scientists, and engineers across the dynamic R&D landscape, S&T is at the forefront of understanding challenges and opportunities across the Homeland Security Enterprise.

S&T leads the government in conducting cutting-edge research that is changing how we think of homeland security and investing resources to keep our nation safe and secure. Based on what users tell us they need, S&T develops solutions to strengthen resiliency, mitigate damage, enhance response capabilities, and accelerate recovery. From establishing protocols to bringing infrastructure back online, S&T evaluates and develops solutions to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a wide range of everyday and catastrophic events.

Screening at Speed: Matching the Pace of Life

Noninvasive screening at speed will provide for comprehensive threat protection while adapting security to the pace of life rather than life to security. Whether screening people, baggage or cargo, unobtrusive technologies and improved processes will enable the seamless detection of threats while respecting privacy, with minimal impact to the speed of travel and the pace of commerce.

A Trusted Cyber Future: Protecting Privacy, Commerce, and Community

In a future of increasing cyber connections, users will trust that infrastructure is resilient, information is protected, illegal use is deterred, and privacy is not compromised. Frictionless security will operate seamlessly in the background, based on self-detecting, self-protecting, and self-healing cyber critical infrastructure – all without disruption.

Enable the Decision Maker: Providing Actionable Information Ahead of Incident Speed

The decision maker has improved situational awareness and is better able to understand risks, weigh options, and take action – literally experience the information. The essential element to making informed decisions is access to timely, accurate, context-based information. Supported by new decision support, modeling and simulation systems, critical decisions can be made based on relevant information, transforming disparate data into proactive wisdom and ultimately improving operational effectiveness.

Responder of the Future: Protected, Connected, and Fully Aware

The responder of the future is threat-adaptive, able to respond to all dangers safely and effectively. Armed with comprehensive physical protection; interoperable, networked tools; technology-enhanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities; and timely, actionable information, the responder of the future will be able to serve more safely and effectively as an integral part of the nation’s resiliency.

S&T FAQ

Q: Why did you select an online platform to solicit input?

A: It is important for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to provide transparency to all of our stakeholders and ensure they are aware of what we are doing and why. S&T’s Visionary Goals will set the course for our future, the projects we work on and where we focus our resources. We are using a variety of tools to reach our stakeholders (including meetings, emails, social media, one-on-one engagements and the S&T Collaboration Community) to ensure participation in building our future.

Q: What is the S&T Collaboration Community? 

A: The S&T Collaboration Community allows us to collect feedback in a transparent setting. Stakeholders can input their ideas and have them published publicly on the site so that others can comment on them. Users can also vote on ideas so that the best ideas “bubble to the top.” The Collaboration Community also allows users to provide anonymous comments, ensuring candid discussions among participants.

Q: What do you want me to do?

A: DHS S&T wants to hear from you! We are looking for inputs from our stakeholder community as we finalize S&T’s Visionary Goals. These big picture ideas will help S&T navigate the homeland security challenges ahead. Please comment on the ideas, vote on them and suggest new ideas of your own. The more we hear, the better we will understand your individual and collective ideas.

Q: Why should I participate?

A: Your input will guide future homeland security research and development. Your thoughtful feedback can lead to solutions to problems we are all facing.  Additionally, participation could lead to new opportunities for S&T collaboration and partnerships.

Q: How long will the input-gathering process last?

A: S&T will make use of this Collaboration Community as we move through different phases of this process. Our site went live on August 4 to gather input from S&T staff. On August 25, we opened it to our external stakeholders and partners and plan to keep it open for comment through September 7 so that we can again process comments and adjust our goals. When we open it back up in the future, we’ll notify everyone. Visit frequently and comment often.

Q: How will my input be used?

A: Your participation will make S&T stronger and better positioned to meet the challenges of the future.  Every idea will be given attention and the biggest issues appropriately vetted.

Q: My idea may be sensitive, how do I submit that?

A: If you think your specific idea, or solution may run into the sensitive arena, please submit via email directly to STIdeaScale@hq.dhs.gov.

Q: May I comment more than once?

A: Yes, you may comment as many times as you like.

Q: How do I access and use the S&T Collaboration Community?

A: Follow these steps:

• Direct your browser to http://scitech.ideascale.com.
• A pop-up window will appear asking you to log in or register. Click “Register for a new account” and follow the prompts. Once you submit your email address, wait for an email to complete set up.
• When you complete set up, sign in to the S&T Collaboration Community.
• Vote and comment on ideas. Ideas with the most votes will bubble to the top of the idea stream.
• To submit an idea, click the “Submit New Idea” button, give your idea a title, explain your thinking, and tag your submission with key words. Click “Submit” for your idea to enter the idea stream and for colleagues to comment on your idea!

Q: What is required to participate?

A: Users are required to verify ownership of an email address before access is granted. After submitting your email address, please check your email for a verification link. Users will find a link that reads, “Yes, this is my email!” Clicking on the link directs users to the S&T community, where they enter and confirm a password for the account. Finally, when the member clicks on the “Continue” button, they will see the message, “Password Successfully Updated.” Then users can visit the S&T Collaboration Community.

Q: What can I do on the S&T Collaboration Community?

A: You may submit ideas, vote on existing ideas or add comments. To submit an idea, please click the “Submit New Idea: button. You will then be asked to add a title and choose a campaign for the new idea. You will also have the option to add tags to the idea. To like an idea, click the thumbs-up icon to the left of the idea title/description. To add a comment, click in the box below the idea. You may also put your feedback in a Microsoft Word or portable document format (PDF) file and upload it to the site.

Q: Will users know who I am?

A: You have two options for submitting ideas: 1) anonymously or 2) open for full transparency.

All participants are encouraged to adjust their profile settings to create a unique user ID. The default user ID is your email address (minus the domain name). Commenters will not be publicly identified without their consent and are encouraged to adjust profile settings to post anonymously.

Q: What does it mean if someone “likes” my comment?

A: If other people like your comment, they may show it by clicking on the thumbs-up icon. Likes represent social interaction by stakeholders and have no bearing on whether or not a comment or idea will be integrated into the final version of our strategic plan.

Q: What if I’m having issues with the website?

A: Please contact a support rep at http://support.ideascale.com/customer/portal/emails/new.

Q: What browser(s) are recommended to access the S&T Collaboration Community?

A: For best results, use the following browsers:

• Firefox 3 (or higher)
• Internet Explorer 7 (or higher)
• Safari 3 (or higher)
• Chrome 4 (or higher)