Science & Technology Strategy to Make the Nation Safer

The Homeland Security Act of 2002, which established the Department of Homeland Security DHS, gives the Science and Technology Directorate ST the responsibility for advising the Secretary on research and development efforts and priorities to support the Departments mission, and conducting basic and applied research, development, testing and evaluation RDTE activities relevant to the Department through both intramural and extramural programs. In fulfillment of the enabling and follow-on legislation, Secretary Chertoff articulated the following goals for the Department protect the Nation from dangerous people protect the Nation from dangerous goods protect critical infrastructure build a nimble and responsive emergency response system build a culture of preparedness and strengthen and unify DHS operations and management. Consistent with his goals, this strategic plan provides the strategy and planning framework to guide the Directorates activities over the next five years to fulfill its responsibilities. The plan describes the ST Directorates organizational framework and the associated customer focused, risk-balanced research portfolio management strategy that supports the Departments mission of making our Nation more secure. Also addressed is the importance of developing a strong homeland security science and technology national workforce through the professional development of the employees within the ST Directorate, and through research and educational opportunities that will enable the long-term homeland security intellectual base.