Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Performance Plan
This report, published by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), provides an outline of the operations of the OIG in the new fiscal year. More specifically, according to Inspector General Richard L. Skinner, this report "outlines the projects that we intend to undertake this fiscal year to evaluate DHS' programs and operations. This promises to be another challenging and demanding year as we attempt to address the many complex issues confronting DHS in its daily effort to reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize the damage and recover from manmade attacks and natural disasters that may occur. In developing the plan, we attempted to address the interests and concerns of DHS senior management officials, the Congress, and the Office of Management and Budget. We focused on our core mission of conducting independent and objective audits, inspections, and investigations to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in DHS' programs and operations, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2008-09
-
Health-Care-Associated Infections in Hospitals: An Overview of State Reporting Programs and Individual Hospital Initiatives to Reduce Certain Infections
"Health-care-associated infections (HAI) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions. Normally treated with antimicrobial drugs, HAIs are a growing concern as exposure to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) becomes more common. Infections caused by MDROs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), lead to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and higher mortality. In response to demands for more public information on HAIs, some states began to establish HAI public reporting systems. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a system--the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)--to collect HAI data from hospitals and some states have chosen to use it for their programs. In addition, some hospitals have adopted initiatives to reduce MRSA by routinely testing some or all patients and isolating those who test positive for MRSA from contact with other patients. GAO was asked to examine (1) the design and implementation of state HAI public reporting systems, (2) the initiatives hospitals have undertaken to reduce MRSA infections, and (3) the experience of certain early-adopting hospitals in overcoming challenges to implement such initiatives. GAO interviewed state officials, reviewed documents, and surveyed or conducted site visits at hospitals with MRSA-reduction initiatives."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2008-09
-
Case Study: Oil Refinery Fire and Explosion, Jamestown, NM, April 8, 2004
This case study describes the sudden release of flammable liquid and subsequent fire and explosion that occurred on April 8, 2004 at the Giant Industries' Ciniza oil refinery, Jamestown, NM. The incident injured six employees and caused evacuation of non-essential employees as well as customers of a nearby travel center and truck stop. Refinery equipment and support structures were damaged. Production at the unit was not resumed until the fourth quarter of 2004, and damage to the unit was in excess of $13 million. Because of the serious nature of the incident-injuries to employees and extensive damages to facilities-the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) produced this Case Study to share lessons learned so that similar occurrences might be prevented.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2005-10
-
Investigation Report: Toxic Chemical Vapor Cloud Release, Dalton, Georgia, April 12, 2004
"This report examines a toxic chemical release. On April 12, 2004, a runaway chemical reaction during the production of triallyl cyanurate at MFG Chemical, Inc. (MFG) in Dalton, Georgia, released highly toxic flammable allyl alcohol and toxic allyl chloride into the nearby community, forcing the evacuation of more than 200 families. One worker received chemical burns and 154 people, including 15 police and ambulance personnel, required decontamination and treatment for chemical exposure. This report makes recommendations to the companies involved in the incident, as well as the local, county, and state agencies in charge of preparing emergency responses to chemical releases." Key issues discussed include: reactive chemicals process design, process scale-up, and emergency planning and response.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2006-04
-
Investigation Report: Sterigenics, Ontario, CA, August 19, 2004
"The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) determined that maintenance personnel overrode safety devices and ethylene oxide (EO) flowed through the ventilation system from a sterilizer to an open-flame catalytic oxidizer (oxidizer) where it ignited. The flame traveled back to the sterilizer chamber through the ventilation system ducting and ignited a large volume of EO in the chamber. On August 19, 2004, an explosion inside an air pollution control device and medical products sterilization chamber at Sterigenics International, Inc., in Ontario, California, injured four workers and severely damaged the facility (see Figure 1). Neighboring businesses were evacuated for several hours and operations at the Ontario facility were disrupted for 9 months." Key issues discussed include: process hazard analysis, process design, employee training, and lessons learned.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2004-09-19
-
Case Study - Confined Space Entry - Work and Would-be Rescuer Asphyxiated, Delaware City, DE, November 5, 2005
"This Case Study describes the Valero Delaware City refinery asphyxiation death of two contractor employees who were preparing to reassemble a pipe on a pressure vessel while it was being purged with nitrogen. The first worker, in an attempt to retrieve a roll of tape from inside the vessel, was overcome by nitrogen, collapsed in the vessel, and died. His co-worker, the crew foreman, was asphyxiated while attempting to rescue him. The CSB issues this Case Study to reemphasize nitrogen hazard awareness and safe work practices when working in or adjacent to confined spaces."
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2005-11-05
-
Case Study: Polyethylene Wax Processing Facility Explosion and Fire, Houston, Texas, December 3, 2004
"This Case Study describes an explosion and fire in a polyethylene wax processing facility operated by Marcus Oil and Chemical in Houston, Texas. Structural damage and glass breakage occurred up to one-quarter mile from the facility, injuring local residents; three firefighters were slightly injured. The CSB makes recommendations to Marcus Oil and the City of Houston." Key issues discussed include: pressure vessel repairs and alterations, and nitrogen inerting system design and operation.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2006-06
-
Case Study: Fire at Formosa Plastics Corporation: Evaluating Process Hazards, Point Comfort, Texas, October 6, 2005
"This case study describes a fire and series of explosions in an olefins production unit located in Point Comfort, Texas. Sixteen employees were injured, one seriously. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the Point Comfort community, and the local elementary school was evacuated. The fire burned for 5 days. CSB makes recommendations to Formosa Plastics Corporation; Kellogg, Brown, and Root; and the Center for Chemical Process Safety."
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2006-06
-
Fire at Praxair St. Louis: Dangers of Propylene Cylinders in High Temperatures
"The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) issues this Safety Bulletin to focus attention on the propylene gas cylinder hazards that contributed to the fire and explosions at the Praxair facility and specific actions that propylene gas vendors can take to prevent similar incidents, which include: Installing deluge systems or fixed fire nozzles to cool cylinders in case of a fire; Providing barriers to limit fire spread; and Using flammable gas detectors in storage areas to provide early detection of venting cylinders."
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2006-06
-
Investigation Report: LPG Fire at Valero - McKee Refinery, February 16, 2007
This CSB report identifies root and contributing causes of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fire at Valero-McKee Refinery, and makes recommendations to Valero Energy Corporation, Valero-McKee Refinery, the American Petroleum Institute (API), the United Steelworkers Union, and Steelworkers Local 13-487. "On February 16, 2007, a liquid propane release from cracked control station piping resulted in a massive fire in the propane deasphalting (PDA) unit at Valero's McKee Refinery near Sunray, Texas, injuring three employees and a contractor. The fire caused extensive equipment damage and resulted in the evacuation and total shutdown of the McKee Refinery. The refinery remained shut down for two months; the PDA unit was rebuilt and resumed operation nearly one year after the incident. Direct losses attributed to the fire were reported to exceed $50 million." Key issues addressed include: freeze protection of dead-legs; emergency isolation of equipment; fireproofing of support steel; fire protection for high pressure LPG service; and chlorine release.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2008-07
-
Defense Acquisitions: Fundamental Changes Are Needed to Improve Weapon Program Outcomes, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Federal Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
" Since 1990, GAO has designated the Department of Defense's (DOD) management of major weapon system acquisitions a high risk area. DOD has taken some action to improve acquisition outcomes, but its weapon programs continue to take longer, cost more, and deliver fewer capabilities than originally planned. These persistent problems--coupled with current operational demands--have impelled DOD to work outside of its traditional acquisition process to acquire equipment that meet urgent warfighter needs. Poor outcomes in DOD's weapon system programs reverberate across the entire federal government. Over the next 5 years, DOD expects to invest more than $357 billion on the development and procurement of major defense acquisition programs. Every dollar wasted on acquiring weapon systems is less money available for other priorities. This testimony describes DOD's current weapon system investment portfolio, the problems that contribute to cost and schedule increases, potential solutions based on past GAO recommendations, and recent legislative initiatives and DOD actions aimed at improving outcomes. It also provides some observations about what is needed for DOD to achieve lasting reform. The testimony is drawn from GAO's body of work on DOD's acquisition, requirements, and funding processes, as well as its most recent annual assessment of selected DOD weapon programs."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2008-09-25
-
National Security Strategy for the Next Administration
Amitai Etzioni discusses and expands upon a July 2008 report entitled, "Framework for a 21st Century National Security Strategy," which recommended broad principles to guide American military and diplomatic policy. Three principles emerged in that report that serve as the basis for Etzioni's article: the U.S. global supremacy is coming to an end; states have neither unlimited resources nor leverage and must set clear priorities; and that security can be promoted in failing and rogue states without democratizing the regimes involved. Etzioni analyzes each point made in the report, concluding that the report has lifted dialogue about security policies for the next administration to a much-needed higher level while leaving room to sharpen and modify the priorities in the agenda.
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Etzioni, Amitai
2008-09
-
Memorandum for the DCI Regarding the EXCOM/NRO: A Discussion of the Management Issues
"This memorandum covers a number of issues concerning the management of the NRO and authority over the NRP, including whether the organization's existence and the title of its director should be declassified. It discusses the pros and cons of an overt NRO as well as whether its director should be an Air Force or Defense Department official. It also raises the matter of issuing a National Security Council Intelligence Directive as a charter for the NRP and NRO. The attached draft directive, never issued, included an annex with the language to be added if it was decided to declassify the organization's existence." The document is undated, but from circa summer 1973.
United States. Central Intelligence Agency
1973
-
Case Study: Static Spark Ignited Flammable Liquid during Portable Tank Filling Operation
Key lessons for safe handling and storage of flammables include: Ensure that equipment such as fill nozzles and hoses are bonded and grounded and designed for flammable service; Use bonded and grounded metal dip pipes when top-filling portable tanks; Install fire suppression systems in flammable packaging areas; and Separate flammable packaging from bulk storage areas. "On October 29, 2007, at about 1 p.m., a fire and series of explosions occurred at the Barton Solvents Des Moines, Iowa, chemical distribution facility. The initial fire started in the packaging area while a 300-gallon portable steel tank, known as a tote, was being filled with ethyl acetate, a flammable solvent."
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2008-09
-
Director of Security, CIA, Memorandum for: [Deleted] Regarding National Reconnaissance Office Security Information
"This memo informs the recipient of the agreements under which the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) operates, that its existence is classified Secret while the existence of the National Reconnaissance Program (NRP) is classified Top Secret. It also describes the procedures to follow to permit unclassified references to the leadership, staff, and organization without using classified terms."
United States. Central Intelligence Agency
1963-06-14
-
Safety News- Advisory Guidance: Emergency Response Involving Ethanol and Gasoline Fuel Mixtures
"The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is alerting emergency responders to new and revised proper shipping names and identification numbers (ID) that may be used on shipping papers for fuel mixtures composed of ethanol (or 'ethyl alcohol') and gasoline in various concentrations. The proper shipping names and IDs are added to the ERG2008. The following chart is provided as guidance in identifying proper shipping names and identification numbers for Ethanol, Gasoline, and gasoline/ethanol fuel blends. Voluntary compliance began January 28, 2008."
United States. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
2008-09-19
-
Estimated Revenue Effects of H.R. 7006, the 'Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008'
This document provides data detailing the provisions provided by the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008. Statistics on relief for federal disaster areas are provide in millions of dollars for fiscal years 2009-2018.
United States. Congress. Joint Committee on Taxation
2008-09-24
-
Privacy Impact Assessment for the USCIS Benefits Processing of Applicants Other than Petitions for Naturalization, Refugee Status, and Asylum
"The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives and adjudicates applications for all United States immigration benefits. This PIA covers the USCIS systems associated with processing all immigration benefits except naturalization, asylum, and refugee status. These systems include the Computer Linked Adjudication Information Management System (CLAIMS 3), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Centralized Oracle Repository (CISCOR), the Interim Case Management System (ICMS), Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS), and the Integrated Card Production System (ICPS). Other USCIS systems involved in the processing of benefits are covered by other Privacy Impact Assessments. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives and adjudicates petitions and applications for all United States immigration benefits. This PIA covers the USCIS computer systems associated with processing all immigration applications and petitions except naturalization, asylum, and refugee status. These systems include the Computer Linked Adjudication Information Management System (CLAIMS 3), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Centralized Oracle Repository (CISCOR), the Interim Case Management System (ICMS), Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS), and the Integrated Card Production System (ICPS). Other USCIS systems involved in the processing of benefits are covered by other Privacy Impact Assessments. The processing and adjudication of an application or petition for immigration benefits or non-immigration benefits (benefit (other than naturalization, asylum, or refugee benefits) occurs in six stages, described below."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Privacy Office
2008-09-05
-
Guide to Bluetooth Security: Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
This special publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology addresses bluetooth security in the context of overall computer network security. "Bluetooth is an open standard for short-range radio frequency (RF) communication. Bluetooth technology is used primarily to establish wireless personal area networks (WPAN), commonly referred to as ad hoc or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Bluetooth technology has been integrated into many types of business and consumer devices, including cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), laptops, automobiles, printers, and headsets. This allows users to form ad hoc networks between a wide variety of devices to transfer voice and data. This document provides an overview of Bluetooth technology and discusses related security concerns. […] Bluetooth technology and associated devices are susceptible to general wireless networking threats, such as denial of service attacks, eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, message modification, and resource misappropriation. They are also threatened by more specific Bluetooth-related attacks that target known vulnerabilities in Bluetooth implementations and specifications. Attacks against improperly secured Bluetooth implementations can provide attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive information and unauthorized usage of Bluetooth devices and other systems or networks to which the devices are connected."
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)
Scarfone, Karen; Padgette, John
2008-09
-
Privacy Impact Assessment for the Computer Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS 4)
"This Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) analyzes the Computer Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS) 4. CLAIMS 4 is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) United States Citizenship and Immigration Service's (USCIS) system for processing Applications for Naturalization. USCIS is conducting this PIA to document, analyze, and assess its current practices with respect to the personally identifiable information it collects, uses, and shares; and to improve its ability to provide appropriate citizenship and immigration status information to users. […] CLAIMS 4 is an electronic case management application tracking and processing system. USCIS uses the system as automated support for the variety of tasks associated with processing and adjudicating N-400 Applications for Naturalization. Naturalization is the process by which a foreign citizen or national acquires U.S. citizenship after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). […] CLAIMS 4 functions include the receipting, data entry, and other initial operations necessary to process naturalization applications (e.g. background checks). In addition to these functions, CLAIMS 4 information is also used in support of adjudications and naturalization oath ceremony management activities conducted at local USCIS offices. USCIS personnel responsible for adjudicating and supervising naturalization cases and USCIS clerks supporting these functions use CLAIMS 4 at USCIS headquarters, service centers, local offices, and Application Support Centers (ASC) to track the naturalization adjudication process from application to granting or denying of the benefit."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Privacy Office
2008-09-05
-
Privacy Impact Assessment for the Microfilm Digitization Application System (MiDAS)
"The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Records Division maintains the Microfilm Digitization Application System (MiDAS), which houses 85 million electronic immigration-related records previously stored on microfilm. USCIS is conducting this Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to analyze the privacy impacts associated with the new release of MiDAS that will enable USCIS to electronically search and retrieve historical immigration-related records, process web-based requests for these records submitted by Federal, state, and local Government and Public Genealogy Customers, provide case tracking capabilities for USCIS Records Division staff, and provide these records to the law enforcement and intelligence communities. USCIS developed the MiDAS system to preserve and digitally index approximately 85 million historic immigration related records that were previously stored on microfilm. Historic immigration related records include index cards and immigration records. Index cards were created to reference over 20 different record series in use between 1893 and 1975. The records are microfilmed images or original copies of the actual immigration records, such as Alien Registration forms and Naturalization Certificates. MiDAS converts index cards and records from deteriorating microfilm into digital images to improve retrieval of these historical records. The objective of MiDAS is to enable USCIS personnel to search, retrieve, and deliver information about individuals ('Subjects') contained in USCIS records to respond to requests received from 'Customers,' such as Federal, state, and local Government agencies and the public. Government agencies will use information obtained from MiDAS to assist in the determination to grant or deny a Government benefit or to conduct a law enforcement investigation."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Privacy Office
2008-09-15
-
Implementation Activities for Declassifying the Existence of the NRO
"This report provides a summary of actions to be taken in implementing the decision to declassify the existence of the NRO. The report summarizes actions with regard to key events, congressional liaison, public affairs announcements, domestic notification, foreign notification, and internal preparations."
United States. National Reconnaissance Office
1992-09-29
-
Department of Defense, Memorandum for Correspondents Regarding Declassification of the NRO
"This is the memo that announced the declassification of the existence of the NRO and provided the sum total of declassified information as of that date. Comparison of the release to some of the preparatory memos, indicates a number of items of information that had been considered for declassification - including information on organization and the identities of directorate chiefs - but that were not declassified at first."
United States. Department of Defense
1992-09-18
-
Case Study: Runaway Chemical Reaction and Vapor Cloud Explosion, Morganton, NC, January 31, 2006
"This Case Study describes a runaway chemical reaction and subsequent vapor cloud explosion and fires that killed one worker and injured 14 (two seriously). The explosion destroyed the facility and damaged structures in the nearby community. The incident occurred at the Synthron, LLC facility in Morganton, North Carolina, on January 31, 2006. The CSB issues this Case Study to emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive safety management practices to control reactive hazards." Key issues discussed include: reactive hazards and safeguards, corporate oversight, safe operating limits, and evacuation planning and drills.
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2007-07-31
-
Case Study: Barton Solvents - Static Spark Ignites Explosion Inside Flammable Liquid Storage Tank, Valley Center, Kansas, July 17, 2007
"The CSB is publishing this Case Study to help companies understand the hazards
associated with static-accumulating flammable liquids that can form ignitable vapor-air mixtures inside storage tanks. In addition, the CSB wants to urge companies to take extra precautions to prevent explosions and fires like the one at Barton. This Case Study also examines industry Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) hazard communication practices and makes recommendations to ensure that MSDSs identify these hazards and outline appropriate precautions."
United States. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
2008-07
-
Developing a National Counterinsurgency Capability for the War on Terror
John Hillen calls for the incorporation of all instruments of national power in a national COIN strategic framework to facilitate working together on an operational basis in national, regional, and local contexts. "There is growing awareness in the national security community that civilian capacity to plan and conduct interagency operations does not exist in the U.S. Government and must be created. This is easier said than done; it will require each agency to look beyond its own domain to a shared understanding of problems and then agree on shared approaches to solving them. The lack of a strategic COIN framework inhibits interagency coordination of responsibilities for COIN operations, undermines our ability to build partner capacities, and detracts from our ability to build international coalitions dedicated to defeating enemy insurgents. Until we create such a framework, we will have no basis for organizational or curricula design that would institutionalize lessons learned and support the development of the skill sets, tools, and policies that would make us successful COIN operators."
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Hillen, John
2007-01
-
Memorandum for [Deleted], Chairman Ad HocGroup Studying Security of the NRO, Regarding History of NRO Security Breaches
"This memo, from the chief of the CIA Special Security Center, summarizes the eight references to the NRO that had appeared in the press, starting with the January 22, 1971, mention in the New York Times. The redactions apparently include all commentary on the accuracy of the press discussions."
United States. Central Intelligence Agency
1974-01-07
-
Safety News- Orientation Markings for Single Packages with Vented Closures
This document published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)-Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, highlights the "marking requirements for packagings containing liquid hazardous materials. […] Effective January 1, 2008, marking requirements for packagings containing liquid hazardous materials intended for transport include single packages that can be fitted with vents, and open cryogenic receptacles intended for the transport of refrigerated liquefied gases."
United States. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
2008-08-29
-
J.W. Plummer, Director, National Reconnaissance Office, Memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence Regarding Security Requirements for the NRO
This "memo is itself a cover letter explaining that its attachment is the final report of a working group that has been studying the security requirements of the NRO." For the report, see "Report on the Review of Security Requirements of the National Reconnaissance Program."
United States. National Reconnaissance Office
1974-06-19
-
How to Fund Homeland Security Without Federal Dollars: State and Local Funding of Homeland Security Initiatives in Light of Decreased Support by the Federal Government
This CHDS thesis proposes methods to make up for Federal funding shortfalls with relation to state Homeland Security Departments. "States cannot depend upon the federal government to fund homeland security initiatives at the state and local level. This thesis, therefore, examined alternatives states and local units of government might use to fund homeland security initiatives, ranging from conventional alternatives such as, asset forfeiture, sales taxes, congestion fees and multi-year budgeting with the addition of a 'rainy day' fund, to less conventional options like public/private partnerships and innovative investment strategies, mirroring the Kansas Economic Growth Act for biosciences. The policy options analysis revealed that while most of these options have some merit or suitability for some jurisdictions, none appears to be conclusively appropriate. The final recommendation of this thesis is, therefore, that homeland security professionals and emergency management directors take the initiative and determine in their jurisdiction which programs are the most critical. They then should approach the state executive budget office and request budget consideration for those priorities. The options discussed in this thesis should provide legislators and homeland security and emergency management professionals with innovative ideas and methods to develop innovative solutions to sustainability funding for state and local homeland security initiatives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Emler, Jay Scott
2008-09
