April 2007, Issue 50
Editor: Marla Dalton, P.E., CAE, TISP Executive Director

IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF THE NATION'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Message from the Chair

TISP Partners,

Firstly, I’d like to offer a special thanks to all of the speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and participants who made the 2007 TISP Annual Congress (TISP 2007) an exceptional event! From the opening keynote by LTG Carl Strock, P.E., to the Awards Luncheon, the Capitol Hill discussion with Congressman Bennie Thompson, and all of the outstanding, interactive panel presentations, this clearly was an event that exceeded our expectations. The theme of Regional Disaster Resilience (RDR) resonated with the participants, and we have received several requests for follow-up partnership initiatives. It's very encouraging to see this strategic direction gain traction and show that the Congress was not just another event among many Homeland Security conferences each year – but actually served as a springboard for positive actions at the national and regional level!

We also conducted a very successful "all-member" TISP Forum on Developing and Implementing Disaster Resilience Strategies: Dams & Levees immediately prior to the Congress on March 27, 2007, to engage interested members with federal and regional leaders in discussion of how to initiate effective regional RDR pilot projects. This very well attended event included speakers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), who framed the objectives and initial thoughts on getting pilots underway. DHS fully supports this TISP effort and is currently working on other regional initiatives as well. Our initial focus has been on a regional pilot examining "system" resilience of the Dams & Levees Sector, working with TISP member PNWER, as our regional partner. More to follow on this important initiative in future eNewsletters.

I would like to call your attention to the recent ASCE News article by ASCE President, Bill Marcuson. Bill effectively lays out current ASCE efforts, led by its Committee on Critical Infrastructure, focused on critical infrastructure resilience, putting those efforts in context with the TISP RDR initiatives and demonstrating the synergy between the efforts of TISP and its members in meeting the Nation's critical infrastructure needs and priorities.

TISP held another very dynamic Breakfast Speaker Series event earlier this month with Marko Bourne, FEMA Director of Policy and Program Analysis, as our featured speaker. Marko did a great job of laying out the key aspects of the "new" FEMA and engaging the audience in active discussion of key principles of current FEMA policies as well as a way ahead for TISP to further engage FEMA to collaborate on RDR initiatives. We are also very excited about our upcoming breakfast events scheduled for May 10th and June 21st, as described later in this eNewsletter. I am pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement with Flipsonic to create a series of podcasts based on the 2007 TISP Breakfast Speaker Series. Additional details will be posted to the TISP website shortly.

In closing, I would once again like to invite feedback from TISP members during this important time in TISP history. I'm particularly interested in your ideas and comments regarding future directions, updates to the TISP RDR Guide, speakers you would like to hear from, and activities you would like to see us become more engaged in (and that you are willing to support!) Feel free to share your thoughts via email to me at edward.j.hecker@usace.army.mil.

Best regards,

Ed Hecker
Chair, The Infrastructure Security Partnership

Learn more about TISP.

SAME 2007 Joint Engineer Education and Training Conference & Expo

Scheduled for May 1-4, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA, the SAME 2007 Joint Engineer Education and Training Conference & Expo presents an opportunity to join A/E/C leaders, policy makers, and technical experts from the public and private sectors. The SAME Annual Conference & Expo will focus on the key policies and issues facing the military services and the engineering profession. Five educational tracks lay the foundation for the 2007 event, supported by exciting technical tours, an informational Exhibit Hall featuring more than 200 exhibitors, and worthwhile networking and social events.

Distinguished speakers include: Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock, P.E., F.SAME, Chief of Engineers & Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, P.E., F.SAME, The Civil Engineer, U.S. Air Force; Rear Adm. Wayne “Greg” Shear Jr., CEC, Chief of Civil Engineers & Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Rear Adm. Richard F. Barror, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Engineer, U.S. Public Health Service; Steven R. Iselin, SES, Chief Engineer and Director, Capital Improvements, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; and Phil Grone, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Installations and Environment).

Plan to attend this excellent opportunity to build partnerships and earn PDH credits for continuing education. TISP will be exhibiting in the Hall so be sure to stop by and say hello!

Click here for additional information and online registration.

GovSec, U.S. Law, and Ready!

It's not a question of if, it's how and when the nation will prepare, prevent, and respond to the next terrorist attack or natural disaster. As leaders on the frontlines of homeland security, TISP members face the challenges of securing systems, assuring continued operations, and protecting critical infrastructure. From a conference led by today’s homeland security leaders, to a TISP sponsored breakfast on May 10, 2007 featuring RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Chief Preparedness Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to unparalleled networking opportunities, to an Exposition Show Floor that’s one of a kind, mark your calendars and plan to attend GovSec, U.S. Law, and Ready! – America’s Premier Homeland Security Event.

Scheduled for May 9–10, 2007 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, the conferences will focus on developing a more robust, integrated approach to homeland security. TISP members receive free exposition access and discounted conference registration rates by entering registration code: TISP. Note that TISP will also be sponsoring a session on "Overcoming Legal Constraints to Improving Regional Disaster Resilience" on Thursday, May 10, 2007 from 9:45-11:15 AM.

Click here to register online for GovSec, U.S. Law, and Ready!

AEI Symposium on High-Rise Building Egress Stairs

Scheduled for May 15, 2007 at the McGraw-Hill Auditorium in New York, NY, this symposium will feature leading practitioners and researchers discussing ideas about the proposed egress enhancements and related high-rise evacuation concepts in order to help evaluate their need and effectiveness given the realities of present day society. Hosted by the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and The Ornamental Metal Institute of New York, and co-sponsored by TISP, the symposium will provide 6.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or 6.5 /CES Learning Units, all of which count for Health Safety and Welfare credit. Members of TISP are eligible to receive discounted registration fees. Early registration deadline is May 1, 2007.

Click here for additional program information and online registration for the AEI symposium.

Cascading Infrastructure Failures: Avoidance and Response

James Madison University and the Federal Facilities Council are co-sponsoring a symposium on Cascading Infrastructure Failures: Avoidance and Response on May 16, 2007, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM at the National Academy of Sciences, 2100 C Street, NW, in Washington, DC. The symposium will focus on the challenges inherent in preparing for cascading infrastructure failures, such as those associated with the Northeast Blackout of 2003 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Best practices for avoiding and responding to cascading failure contingencies created by natural, accidental, or malicious infrastructure debilitation will be highlighted.

Keynote speakers include Lt. General Russel L. Honore, commander of the Joint Task Force-Katrina, and Robert P. Crouch, Jr., Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, Commonwealth of Virginia. Four panels of distinguished experts from the government, private sector, and academia will discuss Cascading Failure Examples and Case Studies; Multiple Hazards and Vulnerable Intersections; Cascading Failure Assessment and Modeling; and Cascading Failure Solutions.

The registration fee is $100 per person; however, the registration fee will be waived for members of the Federal Facilities Council and its sponsor agencies and members of academic institutions.

Click here for a complete agenda and symposium registration information.

June 2007 TISP Breakfast Speaker Series

TISP will hold its June Breakfast Speaker Series event on Thursday, June 21, 2007 from 8:00-9:30 AM at The Army & Navy Club, 901 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, will be the featured speaker. His presentation will focus on U.S. Coast Guard activities related to critical infrastructure resilience.

The cost to attend is $40 per person. Seating is limited and participation is only available to paid TISP Contributing Members and Corporate Sponsors. Pre-registration is required and must be received by 12:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 19, 2007. For further information, contact Catherine Tehan.

TISP is currently seeking sponsorship of the Breakfast Speaker Series. Organizations interested in sponsoring future TISP events should contact the TISP Executive Director at 703-295-6231.

Click here for additional details and to register online for the June 2007 TISP Breakfast.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Infrastructure Systems Conference (ISC)

Scheduled for June 25-29, 2007 in Detroit, MI, the 2007 biennial U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Infrastructure System Conference (ISC) “Engineering in an Increasingly Complex World: What does the Future Hold?” consists of 11 unique and informative technical tracks to aid engineering and construction professionals in responding to USACE requirements. Each technical training track takes an in-depth look at a specific topic of interest including: Infrastructure Protection and Security Engineering; Environmental & Ecosystem Restoration; Hydrology, Hydraulics & Water Management; Civil Engineering & Transportation; Structural Engineering; Dam Safety; Construction & AE Management; and Interdisciplinary/Systems Engineering.

Don’t miss this opportunity to exchange ideas and share technical knowledge within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) engineering and construction community! Note that registration closes on June 8, 2007.

Click here for additional information and online registration.

2007 Wastewater Security and Emergency Response Training

The Water Environment Federation (WEF), through a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will provide three, 3-day workshops in centralized locations across the U.S. on security and emergency response planning. Staff from publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) treating 2.5 MGD or greater are invited to attend and will be eligible for travel & lodging reimbursement. Other interested parties may attend on a space available basis, but will not be eligible for travel scholarships. While not required to submit their Vulnerability Assessment (VA) or Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to the EPA, POTW managers and operators are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to receive no-cost, hands-on training on this important topic.

The 3-day WEF POTW training will focus on both man-made threats as well as natural disasters and the vulnerability self-assessment tool (VSAT™) will continue to be the primary focus of the training. WEF has also structured the training to present the 14 features of an active and effective security program developed by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council.

Click here for additional information about the WEF training.

Department of Homeland Security: Observations on GAO Access to Information on Programs and Activities (GAO-07-700T)

In testimony before the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, and the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security in February 2007, GAO stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not made its management or operational decisions transparent enough to allow Congress to be sure that the Department is effectively, efficiently, and economically using its billions of dollars of annual funding. GAO also noted that its work for Congress to assess DHS’s operations has, at times, been significantly hampered by long delays in obtaining access to program documents. Following the aforementioned testimonies, GAO was asked to testify about its access issues. This testimony provides information on (1) the scope of GAO’s work, (2) GAO protocols for accessing agency information, (3) DHS processes for working with GAO, (4) access issues GAO has encountered, and (5) steps GAO has taken to address these issues.

Click here to view the GAO testimony (GAO-07-700T).

Port Risk Management: Additional Federal Guidance Would Aid Ports in Disaster Planning and Recovery (GAO-07-412)

U.S ports are significant to the U.S. economy, handling more than 2 billion tons of domestic and import/export cargo annually. Since September 11, 2001, much of the national focus on ports’ preparedness has been on preventing potential acts of terror. The 2005 hurricane season renewed focus on how to protect ports from a diversity of threats, including natural disasters. GAO completed a report to examine (1) challenges port authorities have experienced as a result of recent natural disasters, (2) efforts under way to address these challenges, and (3) the manner in which port authorities plan for natural disasters. GAO reviewed documents and interviewed various port stakeholders from 17 major U.S. ports.

Download the GAO report (GAO-07-412).

Katrina Investigation Team Releases Final Report Volumes

The Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET) recently released final versions of five volumes in its nine-volume report on how the hurricane protection structures around New Orleans performed during Hurricane Katrina. Three of the final four volumes are expected to be released in the near future. The volume focusing on risk and reliability will be the last one to be released.

IPET was established by the chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and includes more than 150 nationally recognized experts from over 50 organizations. Each volume underwent peer review by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and by the National Academies-National Research Council Committee on New Orleans Hurricane Protection Projects.

Final versions of Volumes II, IV, VI, VII, and XI are now available on the IPET website.

Download the IPET reports.

DHS Releases Regulations for Securing High Risk Chemical Facilities

DHS recently released an interim final rule that, for the first time, imposes comprehensive federal security regulations for high risk chemical facilities. The department sought and reviewed comments from state and local partners, Congress, private industry, and the public to develop consistent guidelines using a risk-based approach. The new rule gives the department authority to seek compliance through the imposition of civil penalties, of up to $25,000 per day, and the ability to shut non-compliant facilities down.

The department will require owners of chemical facilities housing certain quantities of specified chemicals to complete a preliminary screening assessment that determines the level of risk associated with the facility. If a chemical facility preliminarily qualifies as high risk, its owners will be required to prepare and submit a security vulnerability assessment and site security plan. Submissions will be validated through audits and site inspections.

View the DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Interim Final Rule.

Engineering for the Threat of Natural Disasters

In its Spring 2007 edition (Volume 37, Number 1), The Bridge focuses on "Engineering for the Threat of Natural Disasters." Published by the National Academy of Engineering, The Bridge presents thoughtful opinion and analysis on engineering research, education, and practice; science and technology policy; and the roles of engineering and technology in all aspects of society. The intent is to stimulate debate and dialogue within the NAE membership and the broader outside community of policymakers, educators, business leaders, and other interested citizens.

To this end, The Bridge publishes original essays and sometimes reprints relevant articles published elsewhere. Authors are frequently, but not always, members of the NAE. The Bridge relies on an editorial advisory board and a network of ad hoc advisors to identify potential paper topics and authors and to review and select articles ultimately published in the magazine.

Click here for additional information about The Bridge.

Academic Updates

This featured column highlights the latest information from TISP's academic partners, an important part of the TISP team. The TISP Educational Outreach Committee was established to promote academic research and to encourage the development of education and training programs related to critical infrastructure resilience; to recruit other colleges and universities to join TISP; and to work with secondary schools to promote interest in America's infrastructure and its resilience. Dr. Todd Stewart, The Ohio State University, currently chairs the committee.

National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security
A primary academic organization within TISP is the National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security. The Ohio State University established NACHS in March 2003 to encourage research, education, and training related to all aspects of homeland security; to facilitate collaboration among academic institutions; and to serve as an "academic strategic partner" to those government agencies and non-government organizations (i.e., TISP and its members) concerned with homeland security. One of the principal focus areas within NACHS is critical infrastructure protection (CIP). Currently, NACHS includes 350 universities and colleges, collectively representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.

DHS Announces $29.1 Million Available for National Preparedness Training Initiative

On April 17, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the availability of $29.1 million to eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, national associations, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses as a part of the 2007 Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP). This program awards funds to competitively selected applicants to develop and deliver innovative training programs for high priority national homeland security training needs. The CTGP provides funds to support training initiatives that are national in scope and further the department’s mission of preparing the nation to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from catastrophic events. The emphasis this fiscal year is on the development and delivery of courses in one of the following five focus areas: Public Communications; Executive Leadership of Homeland Security Programs; Intergovernmental Coordination and Planning; Managing Homeland Security Risks; and Legal Issues in Preparation, Response, and Recovery. Eligible entities must apply for funding through the Grants.gov portal, no later than 11:59 PM EDT on May 4, 2007. Since 2003, CTGP has developed more than 40 training programs targeting areas like community outreach; vulnerable populations and special needs; intelligence, information sharing, and fusion centers; cyber-terrorism; agriculture; regional collaboration and continuity of operations planning; transit, port and infrastructure protection; rural communities; law enforcement; and mass casualty. Additional information is available on the DHS website.

What's New?
The TISP Educational Outreach Committee wants to help "spread the word" about new academic research, education and training programs, conferences, and publications related to the protection of critical infrastructure and security of the built environment. We invite you to share your news with us, so we can let others know about your activities. Please forward input to Dr. Todd Stewart at The Ohio State University.

Read more about the TISP Education Outreach Committee.

Industry Updates

This column features industry updates on TISP Corporate Sponsor activities and resources related to critical infrastructure resilience. Each month, this column provides an easy method for TISP Corporate Sponsors to highlight unique services and products designed to make our nation safer, stronger, and more resilient.

TISP Corporate Sponsor Advisory Council
TISP recently approved the formation of a Corporate Sponsor Advisory Council (CSAC) to focus on increasing corporate membership by bridging the gap between TISP corporate sponsors and contributing members. The first meeting was held in March, in conjuction with the TISP Annual Congress. Initial discussions focused on conducting industry research in a fair and regulated manner and exploring concepts to establish clear methods of communication. TISP members interested in participating or sharing ideas and thoughts are encouraged to contact Dominic Mason at William H. Gordon Associates, Inc.

ACQUISITION CENTRAL is a website designed for the federal acquisition community and the government's business partners. From this site users can access shared systems and tools to help conduct business efficiently. ACQUISITION CENTRAL is hosted by IAE (Integrated Acquisition Environment), the E-Gov Initiative that is streamlining the federal acquisition process. ACQUISITION CENTRAL is designed to assist all members of the acquisition community by providing one central website linking to information about regulations, systems, resources, opportunities, and training.

Support TISP as a Corporate Sponsor.

Submit Content for Future Issues & TISP Website

Relevant items, including events, breaking news, publications, case studies, and related sites for inclusion in future editions of the TISP eNewsletter or the TISP website should be submitted to tispnews@tisp.org.

Current TISP Partners

TISP is grateful for the support of its paid FY07 partner organizations:

Contributing Members
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Institute of Architects
American National Standards Institute Homeland Security Standards Panel
American Public Works Association
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
American Society of Landscape Architects
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Water Works Association
Army Engineer Association
Associated General Contractors of America
Building Security Council
Construction Industry Roundtable
Construction Specifications Institute
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
General Services Administration
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.-USA
International Facility Management Association
Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research
National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Association of Clean Water Agencies
National Fire Protection Association
National Infrastructure Institute Foundation
National Institute of Building Sciences
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Society of Professional Engineers
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Noblis
Portland Cement Association
Protective Glazing Council
Society of American Military Engineers
Transit Standards Consortium, Inc.
Underwriter Laboratories
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Bureau of Reclamation
US Coast Guard
US Department of Energy
US Department of Health and Human Services
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Water Environment Federation

State and Local Government Contributing Members
JEA
Maryland Governor's Office of Homeland Security
Pacific Northwest Economic Region

Corporate Sponsors
American Defense Systems, Inc.
eNTEGRITI Inc.
GovSec U.S. Law & Ready!
Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
Parsons
Post, Buckley, Schuh, Jernigan (PBS&J) Incorporated
Smart LLP
William H. Gordon Associates, Inc.

Click here to join TISP.

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