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National Exercise Division: Regional Exercise Support Program Guide
"The purpose of the Regional Exercise Support Program (RESP) is to provide support to regionally coordinated exercise initiatives. The RESP supports regional, State, territorial, Federally Recognized Tribes, local, and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) -designated metropolitan area exercise initiatives. Specifically, the program provides: Facilitation of Training and Exercise Plan Workshops (TEPWs); Delivery of the HSEEP Mobile Training Course (MTC), and; Exercise Support."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2008-01
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Covering the Homeland: National Guard Unmanned Aircraft Systems Support for Wildland Firefighting and Natural Disaster Events
"Over the past decade, the United States Government has had to cope with increasingly severe large-scale natural disasters. The 2004 hurricane season alone caused 167 deaths and an estimated $46 billion in damages. The following year, Hurricane Katrina took 1,330 lives and caused an estimated $96 billion in damages. The 2007 fire season saw over 85,000 wildland fires consume more than 9.3 million acres. In Southern California alone, wildfires forced over half a million people to evacuate their homes, destroyed over 3,079 structures, and caused over $1.8 billion in damages. This thesis examines the possible nontraditional and creative use of unmanned aircraft systems to mitigate the threat and effects of natural disasters, assist with search and rescue, and aid post disaster recovery efforts. This work investigates the use of National Guard unmanned aircraft systems to provide lead agencies support prior to, during, and following major disaster incidents. The thesis also explores the benefits and challenges to setting up National Guard units operating unmanned aircraft systems within the United States equipped with specialized sensors in a similar fashion to the National Guard modular airborne firefighting system, and offers subjects for follow on research."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moose, Robert G.
2008-12
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Operation Noble Eagle and the Use of Combat Air Patrols for Homeland Defense
"This thesis considers why the United States Air Force is still flying combat air patrols (CAPs) over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) more than seven years after 9/11. The USAF is struggling to support two regional conflicts while defending the homeland and trying sustain and recapitalize its fleet of aircraft. Given these broader long-term requirements, it is time to reevaluate the need for ONE's costly airborne CAPs, in light of improvements in aviation security, together with the absence of terrorist attacks on the homeland and of no actionable intelligence indicating an imminent air threat in America. The following sub-areas were researched to help evaluate and recommend changes to the current ONE CAP policy: the history of air defense in America; U.S. air defense mistakes on 9/11 and the evolution of ONE; improvements in the intelligence community and aviation security since 9/11; specific threats to aviation and the risk of another 9/11-style attack in the United States; and the cost and impact of the ONE alert and CAP missions on the combat capability of the participating USAF squadrons. The thesis concludes by considering other, more cost effective, air defense systems available to support Noble Eagle in lieu of fighter CAPs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Reents, Mark J.
2008-12
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Conducting the Softer Side of Counterinsurgency
"In a counterinsurgency (COIN) the local population becomes the center of gravity. Over the past three years, the U.S. military has rewritten many field manuals that focus on COIN, to include a significant change to FM 3-0, Operations, and a complete revision of FM 3-24, Counterinsurgency. These changes in doctrine have forced the U.S. military's conventional force to reconsider its use of the kinetic force and begin to understand the use of more non-kinetic means, or the softer side of COIN, in order to reach sustainable peace. If non-kinetic actions are the way forward, how should units (battalion and below) be applying the softer side of COIN? This thesis considers through context and assessment the goals that are needed to achieve the right mix of kinetic and non-kinetic actions. Practitioners suggest that information operations, situational awareness, cultural awareness and empathy are key components of effective counterinsurgency. This thesis argues further that network development and command influence have vital multiplier effects on these components. Without command influence, none are likely to take hold. Therefore, the thesis argues that command influence is the key aspect in achieving a balance between kinetic and non-kinetic actions, in order to conduct effective COIN."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ransone, Bart D.
2008-12
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Report of the Defense Science Board Advisory Group on Defense Intelligence: Operations Research Applications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
This is the final report of the Defense Science Board Advisory Group on Intelligence Task Force on Operations Research Applications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). "The Task Force was asked to examine the use of operations research (OR) methods to support ISR decision making within the Department of Defense (DoD). [...] The Task Force reviewed the application of OR-which it views as decision support analysis based on information collected and analyzed using the scientific method-throughout the DoD and the Services focusing primarily on the resources available to conduct OR, as opposed to reviewing specific programs. The Task Force examined the commitment of decision makers to the use of OR and the extent to which these resources reflected the application of standard OR processes and practices and the manner in which the results appeared to be employed. The Task Force also looked at several private-sector OR application models and at recent and historical uses of OR in support of national security requirements."
United States. Defense Science Board
2009-01
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Nuclear and Solar Energy: Implications for Homeland Security
"In the eyes of many experts, the world is moving away from oil as a cheap energy source. As this future unfolds, the United States may perform a leading role as the planet's premier energy consumer. Solar and nuclear power provide possibilities for this future which represent the extremes in terms of energy supply. The question this thesis asks is: what are the security implications of a substantial shift in energy policy in either a solar or nuclear direction? The analysis begins with a question, 'What is a substantial shift?' and defines substantial in terms of energy shortage, energy independence, and climate change. The proposed energy futures to match these shifts are then judged with respect to three security criteria: resource access, nuclear weapons proliferation, and infrastructure protection. Accepting many uncertainties with future economic and technical solutions (even as proven systems are proposed), solar power provides the most stable future in terms of security alone. However, because these options are not mutually exclusive, both cases offer security challenges which are addressed in the concluding recommendations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Thibeaux, Allen L.
2008-12
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Disrupting the Illicit Small Arms Trafficking in the Middle East
"The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons delivers a global supply of weapons and ammunition to the demand of rogue state and non-state actors. While arms do not create conflict, they increase the intensity of violent conflict. The illicit trafficking of small arms contributes to irregular conflicts in the Middle East, a region of persistent conflict and instability. The international community has attempted to regulate the global supply of small arms through non-binding agreement and embargoes, but these efforts have been ineffective in achieving the goal of preventing the flow of weapons to criminal organizations, terrorists, and other de-stabilizing non-state actors. This thesis systematically examines the illicit small arms trade to identify points of vulnerability. This study identifies a strategy to disrupt the flow of arms to specific groups or states by countering arms brokers and the networks of actors that brokers coordinate."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Snyder, Neil N.
2008-12
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Counterinsurgency Meets Soft Power: An Alternative Approach to Deterring Terrorist Recruitment in Mindanao
"Terrorist activity in Southeast Asia remains a challenge to U.S. national security. In particular, terrorist organizations in the Philippines continue to conduct deadly attacks and attract more recruits despite U.S. and Philippine government counterinsurgency (COIN) efforts. Within the last seven years following the 9/11 terrorist attack, the Philippine and U.S. governments have combined efforts to address insurgency as a threat that hinders peace and security within the Philippines as well as Southeast Asia. Despite the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Mindanao, the southern region of the Philippines continues to exist as a hub for terrorist recruitment, training, and operations. A key aspect of hindering insurgency growth within the Philippines is deterring terrorist recruitment by first identifying the underlying conditions that promote discontent among the people of Mindanao that make them susceptible to the ideology of militant Islam and then implementing a strategy that includes a full range of activities from kinetic to non-kinetic methods. It is clear that economic conditions, poor governance, lack of adequate social and educational programs are all contributing factors to the instability of Mindanao. What's not so clear is how to disrupt the cycle that sustains the terrorists while gaining the affection of the Muslim minority who have been in opposition with the predominantly Christian government. This thesis examines the counterinsurgency strategy by recognizing effective practices and identifying shortfalls in the approach. Our findings suggest that by applying a mix of soft power, as defined by Professor Joseph Nye, as well as noöpolitik as defined by Professor John Arquilla and Dave Ronfeldt, in relation to hard power practices, an alternative approach to counterinsurgency can offer the U.S. and Philippine governments a long-term sustainable strategy that will diminish future radical Islamic threats and stabilize Mindanao."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Williams, John; Smith, Jason; Stroh, Rieka
2008-12
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NATO and U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Programs: Divergent or Convergent Paths?
"NATO and the United States are actively pursuing missile defense policies. NATO has invested in the Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (ALTBMD) information network to support the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) capabilities of specific Allies for the protection of forward deployed troops, and studies of the feasibility and political-military implications of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) for the protection of NATO territory, forces and population centers. The U.S. program includes TMD activities in cooperation with NATO Allies, such as Patriot, as well as BMD research and deployment. The U.S. proposal to deploy BMD system elements in Poland and the Czech Republic has led to more extensive discussions of BMD in the Alliance. The North Atlantic Council made BMD-relevant decisions in April 2008. The United States and its NATO Allies nonetheless seem to differ greatly on the urgency and importance of pursuing BMD. TMD generates far more cooperation and support within the Alliance than does BMD for the protection of NATO territory, forces and population centers. This thesis compares TMD and BMD policies within the Alliance in an attempt to identify the causes of disagreements on BMD policy and to propose a course of action that may meet the Alliance's goals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Toms, Kevin E.
2008-12
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Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization: DOD's Fight Against IEDs Today and Tomorrow
"The end of major combat operations in Iraq in 2003 was merely the beginning of a different fight, a fight in which an unconventional weapon has had a deadly impact on conventional forces. The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has proven to be the number one threat to Coalition Forces in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. Its use is spreading. In response to this relatively cheap and somewhat unsophisticated killer, the Department of Defense (DOD) has invested billions of dollars and established a large organization with one goal: to defeat IEDs. The Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) has had some success in this mission, but the use of IEDs persists. Because of the resources invested in JIEDDO and the urgency of its charge, it is important to assess the entity as it stands today and consider its role for the future. Therefore, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted this study to answer two questions: (1) Is JIEDDO winning the Counter-IED (C-IED) fight in Iraq and Afghanistan? and (2) What is the Department's longterm plan for JIEDDO and for addressing other asymmetric threats? [...]. This report examines these and other issues surrounding JIEDDO. The Subcommittee offers findings and recommendations to the Department of Defense as it continues its battle to protect service members from IEDs--the number one combat killer in Iraq and Afghanistan."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Armed Services
2008-11
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Remarks by Homeland Security Michael Chertoff at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Aviation Security Measures [November 17, 2008]
From the remarks of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff: "In the past four years, I've thought it a very, very important part of my job to make sure that we are looking at vulnerabilities across the entire horizon, not merely those that happen to capture the attention of the press or Congress but those which may not have escaped -- which may have escaped the notice of the media or -- or politicians, but which may very much be in the mind and in the planning scenarios of terrorists. I want to make these investments now, even though the threat is not imminent, because time passes rather quickly and what is not an imminent threat now could become an imminent threat in five years or 10 years. One thing we've learned over and over again in dealing with risk and that is basically what we do in this department is make the investment in drawing down risk early. Do not wait until the risk looms very large on the horizon. Take the steps to build a disciplined plan and investment strategy while you have years to get the job done because that's how we eliminate the kinds of highly-consequential security threats that, were they to come to pass, would visit in the domain of death and destruction consequences that would regrettably even dwarf 9/11."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2008-11-17
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Keynote Address at National Homeland Defense Foundation by Charles E. Allen, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis/Chief Intelligence Officer [October 30, 2008]
In his remarks, Charles E. Allen discusses the progress of DHS' efforts to secure the Homeland and describes the many ways DHS works in collaboration with partners at home and abroad. "Despite pride in the progress we have made in developing DHS Intelligence, we still have many challenges. First and foremost is the development of a high quality all-source cadre of analysts-this is extraordinarily difficult. Another great challenge is understanding the information needs of our many partners so we can ensure that the right information-tailored as necessary-gets where it needs to be, when it is needed. Conversely, we need to help educate our partners on the kinds of information we need for our mission so we can access that information when needed. We also have to work to find ways to work across different systems, processes, and legal systems to ensure a seamless flow of information. Not only do our international parties have different legal systems, but each of our State and local partners is also governed by different laws that can affect the flow of information. We have to find ways to bridge these differences. We need to ensure that these efforts have sufficient funding, particularly for the fusion centers so they can continue to participate fully in these partnerships. Fusion centers cost money and many State budgets, particularly these days, simply cannot accommodate continuing robust efforts. Finally, throughout all these efforts we must be vigilant to protect civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy in all our intelligence activities."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2008-10-30
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Remarks by Secretary Chertoff to the International Association of Chiefs of Police [November 11, 2008]
From the remarks of Secretary Chertoff: "I would like to take a few minutes today to talk about some of the areas of collaboration and cooperation that we have achieved and, in particular, discuss two areas where we are continuing to focus on improving our capabilities and releasing our vulnerabilities. The first of these efforts is sharing information about suspicious activities, whether it protects at the federal, state, or local level. This is what we call suspicious activity reporting. The secondary effort concerns the growing problem of identity theft. As you know, identity theft is a favored and increasing tool of criminals who seek to conceal their identities in order to commit crimes. It is also a way for people who are not authorized to work in this country to get work illegally, and often cause an enormous heartache to the people who are the real owners of the identities that have been stolen. But before I talk about these two issues, I would like to note a few recent adjustments that we've made to some of our existing programs in response, frankly, to the feedback we have gotten from the IACP and others in the law enforcement community."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2008-11-11
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Responding to Catastrophe via Law Enforcement Deployment Teams: A Policy Analysis
"This thesis is a policy analysis of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Law Enforcement Deployment Team concept. The concept outlines the need to form specialized regional law enforcement teams to be deployed across the nation to stricken regions. As written, these teams are designed to provide a backfill to law enforcement agencies who require additional assistance post-natural disaster or post-terror attack. Many of the tenets in this DHS concept and derived from existing federal teams such as the Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and Urban Search and Rescue Teams. The concept also outlines how teams will be comprised, what their expected missions will be and the general vision for how they will be equipped, trained and transported. However, analysis of this policy proposal showed the DHS concept does not provide a proposed structure or management organization to manage this potential national resource. Additionally, it lacks detail on how teams would be monitored, administered, and readied for deployment. This gap was the basis of this thesis project. The analysis of this condition starts by outlining the debate in law enforcement over the efficacy of centralized versus decentralized police structures. A brief historical narrative of the origins of U.S. law enforcement and review of the literature was used to demonstrate the breadth of this debate. Existing law enforcement management structures were reviewed to determine potential smart practices and to outline past errors to develop guideposts to be used in formulation of the law enforcement deployment team management system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gillespie, Bryan M.
2008-12
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Secure Border Initiative Fence Construction Costs
"The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, required DHS to complete construction by December 31, 2008, of either 370 miles or other mileage determined by the Secretary, of reinforced fencing along the southwest border wherever the Secretary determines it would be most practical and effective in deterring smugglers and aliens attempting illegal entry. DHS set a goal to complete approximately 670 miles of fencing by December 31, 2008. Of these miles, DHS planned about 370 miles of pedestrian fencing--fencing that prevents people on foot from crossing the border, and about 300 miles of vehicle fencing--barriers used primarily in remote areas to prohibit vehicles engaged in drug trafficking and alien smuggling operations from crossing the border. Most of the pedestrian fencing under construction is single layer fencing--referred to as primary fencing. However, in some areas a second layer of fencing--referred to as secondary fencing--is being constructed parallel to existing primary fencing for additional operational advantage to deter illegal cross-border activities. In September 2008, we testified that SBI fencing project costs were increasing and land acquisition issues posed a challenge to DHS in meeting its goal to have about 670 miles of fencing completed by December 31, 2008.3 Also in September 2008, DHS revised its goal such that it planned to have these miles either built, under construction, or under contract by December 31, 2008. In December 2008, DHS reported that it planned to complete all but one of the fence projects by March 2009."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2009-01-29
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Independent Auditors' Report on U.S. Customs and Border Protection's FY 2008 Consolidated Financial Statements
"The attached report presents the results of U.S Customs and Border Protection's consolidated financial statement audits for fiscal years (FY) 2008 and 2007. We contracted with the independent public accounting firm KPMG LLP (KPMG) to perform the audits. The contract required that KPMG perform its audits according to generally accepted government auditing standards and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and the Government Accountability Office. KPMG concluded that CBP's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, are presented fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The FY 2008 auditors' report discusses one material weakness, three significant deficiencies in internal controls, and two instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. KPMG is responsible for the attached draft auditor's report and the conclusions expressed in the report. We do not express opinions on CBP's financial statements or provide conclusions on compliance with laws and regulations."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-01
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Arizona Division of Emergency Management's Use of Community Emergency Response Teams in State Exercises
This document details how the incorporation of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in Arizona Emergency Management exercises helped established CERT volunteers as important components in the support of emergency responders during a major incident. "The Arizona Division of Emergency Management's (ADEM) use of CERT teams in the 2005 Statewide Eastern Regional Exercise demonstrated methods for integrating these volunteer teams into emergency preparedness and response efforts. The exercise gave CERT teams an opportunity to demonstrate their training and competence for assisting emergency response personnel."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2008
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Task Force 150 Anti-Piracy Operations
This powerpoint presentation provides an overview of Coalition Task Force 150 Anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia since September 15, 2008.
Operation Enduring Freedom. Combined Maritime Forces
Christensen, Per Bigum
2009-01-25
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Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review Report, 2009
"The 2009 QRM capitalized on changes the Department has made to its responsibilities, processes, and capabilities since 2006 and direction for the future established in our latest strategic guidance documents, including the 2008 National Defense Strategy. Section II of this report describes a framework developed by the Department for assessing potential future roles and missions changes. This framework, which integrates traditional missions with new and emerging military activities, is the first of its kind developed during a defense review. Section III defines the Department's Core Mission Areas and Core Competencies, as required by section 941 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. Section IV summarizes the Department's insights and initiatives for four specific roles and missions focus areas: Irregular Warfare; Cyberspace; Intratheater Airlift; and Unmanned Air Systems / Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. Section V addresses the need for increased emphasis on effective interagency operations to address complex national security challenges."
United States. Department of Defense
2009-01
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Emergency Evacuation of Commercial Airplanes
"Since its inception, the National Transportation Safety Board has been concerned about the evacuation of commercial airplanes in the event of an emergency. Several accidents investigated by the Safety Board in the last decade that involved emergency evacuations prompted the Safety Board to conduct a study on the evacuation of commercial airplanes. The study described in this report is the first prospective study of emergency evacuation of commercial airplanes. For the study, the Safety Board investigated 46 evacuations that occurred between September 1997 and June 1999 that involved 2,651 passengers. Eighteen different aircraft types were represented in the study. Based on information collected from the passengers, the flight attendants, the flight crews, the air carriers, and the aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) units, the Safety Board examined the following safety issues in the study: (a) certification issues related to airplane evacuation, (b) the effectiveness of evacuation equipment, (c) the adequacy of air carrier and ARFF guidance and procedures related to evacuations, and (d) communication issues related to evacuations. The study also compiled some general statistics on evacuations, including the number of evacuations and the types and number of passenger injuries incurred during evacuations. As a result of the study, the National Transportation Safety Board issued 20 safety recommendations and reiterated 3 safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration."
United States. National Transportation Safety Board
2000-06-27
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Web Services Integration on the Fly
"This thesis explores a generic, flexible, scalable, usable and intelligent web services architecture framework that enables sharing and integration of data and tools on the fly. This software framework is a key enabler for systems of systems architecture in a net-centric environment. The envisioned Web Service Architecture Intelligent Framework (WSAIF) is applied to the Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation (MOVES) domain. Specifically, the framework is applied to provide the capability to search and retrieve visualization models and their matching behavior models in a collaborative environment. This thesis elaborates on the design, implementation, deployment and test results of web services for the Scenario Authoring and Visualization for Advanced Graphical Environments (SAVAGE) archive, which is a set of web-based 3D graphics models plus corresponding agent-behaviour models. SAVAGE web services can perform both 'find' and 'get' operations for models in the archives. SAVAGE web services operations can be composed to form business processes. These business processes can be expressed using modeling techniques such as Web Service Business Process Execution Language (WSBPEL). Future capabilities include semantic activities using Web Ontology Language for Services (OWL-S). The study and comparison of various modeling techniques that enable integration, orchestration and adaptation of composable web services is mentioned. The design and implementation approach matches industry best practices for information architectures. The modeling techniques are essential to and will eventually be used in WSAIF Orchestration and Adaptation components. This thesis further explores how WSAIF software agents, modeling data and supporting software infrastructure can someday enable web services integration on the fly and concludes with recommendations for future work."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Leong, Hoe Wai
2008-12
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What Makes Fusion Cells Effective?
"Intelligence Fusion Cells (or Fusion Centers) can be an effective means to best leverage the capabilities of various organizations and agencies in pursuit of a particular mission or objective. This thesis will examine what characteristics enable three types (DoD-led, State and Local Fusion Centers, and DOJ/OGA-led fusion cells) of fusion cells to be most effective. There is no set definition for how to measure 'effectiveness' across types of fusion cells. This fact created several research issues which are analyzed and discussed at length. After examining what makes these fusion cells effective, the authors will explore what lessons learned from fusion cells the U.S. Government can apply to the federal level to improve interagency cooperation and efficacy. The lessons from a more micro-level (fusion cells) can be applied to the more macro-level (interagency cooperation)."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fussell, Christopher L.; Hough, Trevor W.; Pedersen, Matthew D.
2009-12
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Development of a Laboratory-Scale Test Facility to Investigate Armor Solutions against Buried Explosive Threats
"The purpose of this study was to drive a planar shock wave into a layer of sand for use in armor effectiveness studies. We proposed to use an explosively-driven flyer plate to impact the sand layer and launch a shock wave. In detail our concept is to use a slanted flyer plate, with an explosive layer underneath it, and accelerate the flyer plate by detonating the explosive. As the resulting detonation wave runs through the explosive layer, it pushes the flyer plate. If all the geometry is carefully designed and the flyer plate/explosive layers are precisely positioned, we will produce a flat flyer plate that travels on the order of 1 to 2 km/s towards a layer of sand. The subsequent impact will generate a shock wave within the sand that will eventually accelerate the sand with a flat top profile towards the intended target, thus achieving a flat sand-loading profile on the target. Success in these experiments will allow us to be able to test various armor designs for effectiveness in mitigating this threat. Since our experiments are done on a laboratory scale, armor testing can be done in a timely and cost-effective manner."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Garcia, Felipe
2009-12
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Traffic Incident Management Resource Management
"The necessity of a multi-disciplinary approach -- involving law enforcement, fire and rescue, transportation, towing and recovery, and others -- has been well-recognized and integrated into incident management operations. This same multi-disciplinary approach has not been as widely extended to the area of resource management. Under a multidisciplinary approach, efficient and effective TIM resource management relies upon the utilization of: (1) appropriate personnel who are best qualified (i.e., capable but not over-qualified) for the various tasks; (2) appropriate equipment by function (i.e., use of the least costly equipment capable of performing the function); and (3) appropriate technology capable of supporting various on-site resource tasks, as well as a reduction in overall resources required through reduced redundancy across disciplines. To demonstrate the potential for enhanced TIM resource management efficiency and effectiveness, this Primer considered various hypothetical examples for select TIM functions including motorist assistance, dispatch and response, scene protection, temporary traffic control, detour management, firefighting, minor spill mitigation and cleanup, crash investigation, victim relocation, and vehicle or debris removal. Results from an Incident Scenario Survey were used to confirm potential resource management improvements in practice and estimate order of magnitude cost savings."
United States. Department of Transportation; United States. Federal Highway Administration
2009-01
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Traffic Control Concepts for Incident Clearance
"This document discusses various aspects of traffic control for incidents with the focus on the traffic control roles and responsibilities of the responders as well as the safety of the responders and the motoring public. It also recognizes that active traffic management is necessary to meet the fluctuating needs of the scene and to minimize clearance and recovery time. An overview of popular state laws and policies enacted to support safe, quick clearance is provided. The roles/responsibilities of the various categories of responders are addressed. Available traffic control devices are discussed. There is also focus on the affects on traffic control created by the dynamic nature of incident clearance. Highlights some 'best practices' to enhance traffic control implementation are included."
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Birenbaum, Ingrid; Creel, Charles; Wegmann, Sally G.
2009-01
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CBP Faces Challenges in Achieving Its Goals for Small Business Participation in Secure Border Initiative Network
"We conducted this audit to determine whether Secure Border Initiative Network contracting strategies will provide access to small business for the term of the contract. Federal Acquisition Regulation 19.702 requires agencies to provide maximum practicable opportunity in their contracts to small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, and small businesses located in designated historically underdeveloped 'HUBZone' areas. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] faces challenges in meeting small business subcontracting goals for the remainder of the Secure Border Initiative Network indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. A change in Customs and Border Protection's acquisition strategy from acquiring technology to acquiring steel for border fence construction reduced opportunities for small business to participate in awards under the Secure Border Initiative Network indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. In response, the prime contractor Boeing, has implemented initiatives to improve small business participation in Secure Border Initiative Network subcontracts to achieve its subcontracting goals. Despite these initiatives, the contractor has not achieved the established goals for small business participation since the reporting period ended September 2007. We recommended that Customs and Border Protection continue monitoring Boeing's efforts to identify and recruit small business in order to achieve established small business goals in the Secure Border Initiative Network indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. Customs and Border Protection non-concurred with the recommendation."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2010-02
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2010 Report on Foreign Policy-Based Export Controls
This report, issued by the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, details the United States' export controls for foreign policy purposes for the year 2009. The report, which is required to be updated annually, officially extends "all foreign policy controls […] for the period from January 21, 2010 to January 20, 2011." Each section of the report "describes a particular category of foreign policy controls and delineates modifications that have taken place over the past year." These include, but are not limited to, crime control/human rights, anti-terrorism controls, embargoes, toxic chemicals, biological agents, missile technology controls, nuclear nonproliferation, and surreptitious listening.
United States. Bureau of Industry and Security
2010
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Free-of-Obstruction Requirements for Buildings Located in Coastal High Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program
"Protecting buildings that are constructed in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) from dam¬age caused by flood forces is an important objective of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). [...]. Coastal waves and flooding can exert strong hydrodynamic forces on any building element that is exposed to the waves or flow of water. Therefore, foundations that offer minimal resistance to waves and floodwaters passing beneath elevated buildings (e.g., pile and column foundations) are required in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and V1 -V30). Standard foundations such as solid masonry or concrete or wood-frame walls will generally obstruct flow and be at risk of damage from high-velocity flood forces. In addition, these sol¬id foundations and other obstructions may cause wave runup or reflection, or divert floodwaters, into the elevated portion of the building or into adjacent buildings. Use of structural fill to support buildings in V zones is prohibited because fill will be subject to erosion during a flood event. In either case, the result is generally structural damage to, or catastrophic failure of, the affected buildings [...]. This Technical Bulletin provides specific guidance concerning the NFIP's free-of-obstruction requirement in V zones, as well as the general requirement for construction that will minimize flood damage potential, as it applies to V zone construction."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2008-08
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Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls: Below Elevated Buildings Located in Coastal High Hazard Areas in Accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program
"This Technical Bulletin presents three design methods that are consistent with the NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program] regulations: a prescriptive design approach, a simplified design approach, and a performance-based design approach. Regardless of the approach used, breakaway walls must be designed and constructed to meet applicable building or residential codes, such as the International Building Code® (IBC®) or the International Residential Code® (IRC®), respectively. In many cases, design wind speeds will exceed the prescriptive limits specified in the governing residential code, which means designs must be in accordance with the governing building code or other approved standard. For example, the prescriptive design provisions of the 2006 IRC are not applicable to designs where 3-second gust design wind speeds exceed 100 mph; thus, residen¬tial structures in these areas must be designed in accordance with the IBC or other standard referenced in the IRC (see IRC Section R301.2.1.1). The primary reference for wind and seis¬mic loading in building and residential codes is Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-05)."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2008-08
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Non-Residential Floodproofing - Requirements and Certification for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program
"This bulletin describes design, construction, and planning requirements for the floodproofing of non-residential buildings under the 'National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations and how to correctly complete the NFIP's Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures form. For the purposes of this bulletin, floodproofing means making a building watertight, substantially impermeable to floodwaters. Before a floodproofed building is designed, numerous planning considerations, including flood warning time, uses of the building, mode of entry to and exit from the building and the site in general, floodwater velocities, flood depths, debris impact potential, and flood frequency, must be addressed to ensure that dry floodproofing will be a viable floodplain management tool. These critical considerations are discussed within this bulletin."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
1993-04
