Homeland Security Border Patrol Wants YOU!!!

DHS Engages Private Sector on Border Technology
Industry Day: The First Step Toward a Strategic SBI Partnership

(Thursday, January 26, 2006)


WASHINGTON, DC – Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) held the an "Industry Day" today to reach out to America’s private industry as a first step in building a strategic partnership in support of the Secure Border Initiative (SBI). More than 400 representatives from the private sector attended today’s SBInet Industry Day, which challenged industry to develop an integrated solution using a combination of new technology, tactical infrastructure, personnel, facilities, sensor and response platforms, communications, as well as existing government resources and infrastructure.

The Secure Border Initiative, announced by Secretary Chertoff last year, is a comprehensive multi-year plan designed to secure America’s borders and reduce illegal migration. A critical component of the SBI strategy is the Department’s plan to launch a program that will transform its border control technology and infrastructure. The goal of this program component is to field the most effective mix of current and next generation technology, infrastructure, staffing, and response platforms. This program, named SBInet, will integrate multiple state of the art systems and traditional security infrastructure into a single comprehensive border security suite for DHS.

Through SBInet, the Department will create an integrated border security system, and transform, integrate, and expand technology solutions and infrastructure systems throughout the border to strengthen our efforts to reduce illegal entry to the United States. The event held at the Ronald Reagan Building outlined the need to leverage the private sector’s creativity, innovation, best practices and cutting edge solutions.

Speakers during the session included: The Honorable Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Honorable Deborah Spero, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Gregory Giddens, DHS Director of the SBI Program Executive Office, Kevin Stevens, Acting Director of CBP’s SBI Program Management Office and representatives from CBP’s SBInet Project Office and Procurement Office.

For more information on the SBInet Industry Day, please go to www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

DHS