In the aftermath of September 11th, the Administration and Congress joined forces to put in place the pieces to build a more resilient national security enterprise. Taking lessons learned from 9-11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, legislation to reform the intelligence community was enacted, (most of) the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission were implemented, and new programs and policies were established to ensure our nation is prepared to respond and recover from national emergencies –whether manmade or natural.
Nearly 18 years after 9-11, our adversaries have not relented and the homeland security enterprise remains extraordinarily dynamic and continues to mature. We have come a long way, but we aren’t there yet –gaps remain. Without question, aviation security remains a top priority and runs neck and neck with cyber security in terms of what keeps decision makers up at night. Let’s face it –there isn’t a day that goes by where DHS isn’t in the news –and it’s not just about what’s happening at our borders. It also includes complicated issues, such as the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in screening and vetting programs; biometric identity; election security; Counter UAS; and the ever-elusive quest to conquer cargo security, to name but a few.
As if this list of priorities wasn’t enough, Congress has become increasingly vigilant when it comes to both providing dollars and conducting programmatic oversight. More often than not, policies and programs shift not just with a simple tweet but also because Congress has stepped in to provide direction. What does all this mean for those wanting to work with DHS? At best, it is a challenge that requires a strategic team and roadmap to navigate the Department and Homeland focused congressional committees.
Here at Cornerstone, we have amassed a team of professionals who understand the often complicated and forever shifting dynamics of the homeland security enterprise. As part of our larger National Security team, Cornerstone’s Homeland Security Practice Group includes subject matter experts from the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense and the congressional authorizing and appropriations committees. We understand mission requirements and stay abreast of new and innovative programs. We help clients achieve success through both the authorization and appropriations processes. We track the latest congressional and administrative actions and put our clients in a position to understand mission requirements and successfully compete for funding.
We are well known by congressional leaders in both chambers and maintain close relationships with program executives and other leaders within the executive branch. Our client base is diverse and gives us broad insights into innovative technologies. We bring the tools and skill sets our clients need to understand how their solutions can help DHS close a security gap and meet the homeland security mission. The Homeland Security team at Cornerstone stands ready to serve our clients, present and future, with the most up to date information and strategies to navigate this dynamic and ever-evolving arena.