Science & Technology Directorate Mission, Goals, and Objectives

Mission

To strengthen America’s security and resiliency by providing knowledge products and innovative technology solutions for the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).

Goal 1

Rapidly develop and deliver knowledge, analyses, and innovative solutions that advance the mission of the Department.

Objectives

• Provide knowledge, technologies, and science-based solutions that are integrated into homeland security operations, employing 24-36 month innovation cycles from project inception through operational testing
• Strengthen relationships with Department components to better understand and address their requirements
• Focus on high-priority needs, through rigorous project selection and regular review of the entire research and development (R&D) portfolio
• Implement processes that strengthen project management, evaluation, and accountability within the Directorate

Goal 2

Leverage technical expertise to assist Department components’ efforts to establish operational requirements, and select and acquire needed technologies.

Objectives

• Provide scientific and engineering advice and services to strengthen Department acquisition processes
• Encourage the private sector (with a focus on small business engagement) to develop technologies relevant to the HSE.
• Incent owners of critical infrastructure and key resources to adopt technologies that reduce vulnerabilities and increase resilience

Goal 3

Strengthen the Homeland Security Enterprise and First Responder’s capabilities to protect the homeland and respond to disasters.

Objectives

• Better understand the needs and requirements of First Responder communities, including those on the front line of border protection and transportation security
• Create high-impact technologies and knowledge products – such as standards and protocols – that facilitate the safety, effectiveness, and ease with which First Responders do their work
• Advance the interoperability of communications equipment for First Responders
• Increase First Responders’ access to information on best practices and product performance standards

Goal 4

Conduct, catalyze, and survey scientific discoveries and inventions relevant to existing and emerging homeland security challenges.

Objectives

• Ensure effective construction and utilization of S&T laboratories in support of homeland security missions
• Improve S&T’s knowledge and use of relevant national and international research and facilities, with a focus on Department of Energy National Labs and Department of Defense efforts
• Leverage academia to address Homeland Security needs and nurture the future technical workforce of the HSE
• Collaborate with the Office of Science and Technology Policy and other government agencies to develop the national policy and strategic plan for homeland security research and development

Goal 5

Foster a culture of innovation and learning, in S&T and across the Department, that addresses challenges with scientific, analytic, and technical rigor.

Objectives

• Increase S&T and the Department’s awareness of cutting edge research and technology developments pertinent to Department missions
• Promote a culture of openness, continual learning, innovation, and collaboration within S&T Directorate and across the Department
• Internally promote synergies and eliminate programmatic redundancies by creating mechanisms and processes to increase information sharing
• Support the development of a high-performing technical workforce at the Department
• Streamline business processes to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness