About the Science & Technology Directorate Interagency Office

The Interagency Office (IAO) of the Research and Development Partnerships Group is the collaborative and "technology foraging" facilitator for the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. The IAO focuses on the high-priority technology development needs of the Homeland Security Enterprise.

Mission

The IAO cultivates partnerships to help the Directorate and its partners share relevant research, development, test and evaluation, requirements, and capabilities. In so doing, the office helps identify potential technology solutions, helps its internal and external customers avoid duplicating their efforts and investments, and helps ensure that homeland security technologies more quickly reach those whose jobs or lives depend on them.

Leadership and Organization

Mr. Randel Zeller currently leads the IAO. The IAO conducts outreach through regionally based senior advisors:

• The Northeast Operations advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the states of FEMA Regions I and II.
• The Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Operations advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the states of FEMA Regions III and V.
• The Southern Region Operations advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the states of FEMA Regions IV and VI.
• The Central U.S. Operations advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the states of FEMA Regions VII and VIII.
• The West Coast Operations advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the states of FEMA Regions IX and X.
• The Center of Innovation advisor serves as S&T’s liaison with the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Center of Innovation.