Contractors act quickly to try to shape security agenda

A group of security and defense contractors on Monday offered their recommendations for shaping policies to defend the nation from terrorist threats.

The Homeland Security Industries Association unveiled eight papers focused on improving security in such places as critical infrastructure, airports, seaports and the food supply-and recommended ways that the government can begin tackling the issues.

With more than 75 member companies across several industries, that association has been working since its launch in September to "identify gaps in security and possible [technology] solutions," President Bruce Aitken said on the day that President Bush signed a bill creating the Homeland Security Department.

The group suggested that better information-security practices begin with government and called for increased accountability from government officials at all levels in order to ensure that agencies comply with strong security standards.

"[T]here is going to have to be ... more accountability," said Will Rodger, director of public policy at the Computer and Communications Industry Association. "I am not aware of a single government official who's been chastised, let alone dismissed, as a result of the terrible record" for information security at federal agencies, he said.

The organization suggested increased funding for cybersecurity research and scholarships to train a new breed of information security experts. The group also outlined the need for summits to bolster communications among federal, state and local leaders as they seek to spur better information sharing. In its detailed paper on airport security and biological terrorism, the association touted such ideas as "smart fences" to guard the perimeter of airports.

While the group offered several recommendations that echo calls from private industry and government, Aitken said the papers represent a "consensus of a variety of opinions from here and abroad, from various corporations. I anticipate we will be refining these as we go on."

So far the association has been meeting with a officials from the White House Office of Homeland Security, federal departments and Congress to help educate them about potential new technologies that could bolster security. Aitken said his group estimates that $37 billion will be spent on homeland security.

Group leaders expressed confidence that the Bush administration can fold 22 existing agencies into the new department in a cohesive and timely fashion. "I am reasonably certain that all these agencies have concluded that there would a Department of Homeland Security and have been putting plans in place for that eventuality," association Chairman Bruce deGrazia said.

Aitken also said his group "deliberately avoided lobbying" during its infancy but plans to announce a legislative agenda in January.