Critical Releases in Homeland Security: June 13, 2012

"Since fiscal year 2007 FEMA has obligated $33 billion in disaster assistance payments. FEMA relies heavily upon its cadre of DAEs [Disaster Assistance Employee programs], a reserve workforce who interact with disaster survivors. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review the management and training of DAEs. Specifically, this report addresses the extent to which (1) FEMA has policies and procedures in place to govern the DAE program; (2) FEMA's human capital controls over the DAE workforce are consistent with internal control standards; and (3) FEMA's DAE training incorporates key attributes of effective training and development programs. In addition, GAO describes FEMA's initiative to transform the DAE program announced in April 2012. GAO reviewed management documents such as program-specific and human capital-related guidance, interviewed FEMA officials, and conducted 16 focus group sessions with DAEs in four selected joint field offices chosen to provide geographic dispersion, among other factors. The results of the focus groups are not generalizable, but provide valuable insight into DAE experiences. GAO recommends, among other things, that FEMA establish a mechanism to monitor both its regions' implementation of DAE policies and DAEs' implementation of disaster policies; criteria for hiring and compensating DAEs; and a plan to train DAEs within a set time frame. DHS concurred with the recommendations."

"The U.S.-Canada border is the longest common border in the world, and it joins two nations that enjoy one of the world's strongest relationships. With communities and businesses that reach both sides of the border, the economies and security of the United States and Canada are inextricably linked. DHS is focused on securing the U.S. northern border while expediting the flow of lawful travel, trade, and immigration. Cross-border communities contain significant populations that commute across the border every day and whose water or electrical power comes from the other country. Recognizing the cross-border nature of infrastructure and commerce is critical to DHS's ability to effectively manage the northern border. This 2012 'DHS Northern Border Strategy' (NBS) takes a Department-wide look at the northern border, considering all of DHS's authorities, responsibilities, and capabilities in developing a cross-cutting all-missions approach. The Department's three goals for the Northern Border are: 1. Deter and Prevent Terrorism, Smuggling, Trafficking, and Illegal Immigration; 2. Safeguard and Encourage the Efficient Flow of Lawful Trade and Travel; 3. Ensure Community Safety and Resiliency Before, During, and After Terrorist Attacks and Natural Disasters. To achieve these Goals, DHS will utilize five key means and methods: A. Partnerships; B. Information, Intelligence, Interdictions, and Investigations; C. Technology; D. Infrastructure; E. Personnel."