Posted by A/S Raul Perales and CPO Soraya Correa
Two weeks ago, we were honored to join more than 450 industry partners and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leaders in a strategic industry conversation. Our industry partners are well positioned to assist the Department in solving problems, improving processes, and supporting diverse mission areas. The Strategic Industry Conversation provided a venue to discuss program-specific topics that span multiple DHS components and support the Secretary’s Unity of Effort initiative, which involves sharing challenges and best practices with our industry partners.
Secretary Jeh Johnson delivered keynote remarks, where he emphasized how working closely with industry leads to improved mission outcomes. Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas spoke about how industry input should inform the Department’s strategic planning and how he sees a “new day” in how we engage our private sector partners.
Breakout sessions, led by industry leaders and Department employees, encouraged participants to discuss various topics across the homeland security enterprise, from policy and programmatic advocacy to procurement and R&D. Vendors interested in specific mission areas (e.g. biometrics) were able to hear from, and speak with, DHS and industry leaders who are actively engaged in those mission areas. These discussions could lead to new business relationships.
Over the course of the day, DHS received constructive feedback from industry about how to better communicate during all phases of the acquisition lifecycle. Industry partners gained greater perspective into the Department, its priorities, and how it approaches acquisition.
As the Department’s Chief Procurement Officer and Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector, we were proud to engage with our industry partners for a day of honest, frank discussions, which is a crucial first step in strengthening our engagements.
We are committed to working with our industry partners in order to reach new heights in industry‑government communication. Please join us as we work to make DHS the best partner in government.
For more information on doing business with the Department please visit: www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs.
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