The Department of Homeland Security has technology that enables identification and sharing of emerging threat information, but DHS partners did not always use this technology to obtain threat information. DHS has various technological methods for maintaining real-time situational awareness and identifying threat information, such as the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness’ media monitoring and a virtual situation room. DHS shares this information via its Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). However, DHS partners often did not leverage HSIN for information sharing. According to the Office of the Chief Information Officer’s data, more than half of the 55,609 active HSIN account holders did not log into HSIN between March 22 and September 15, 2023.
Open Recommendations
| Recommendation Number | Significant Recommendation | Recommended Questioned Costs | Recommended Funds for Better Use | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness Director and the Intelligence and Analysis Under Secretary, with the support of the DHS Chief Information Officer, establish a recurring process to coordinate internally and with external partners to identify needed Homeland Security Information Network functionality improvements and provide the DHS Chief Information Officer with Homeland Security Information Network improvement recommendations. | |||||
| 2 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the DHS Chief Information Officer create and implement a plan for outreach with external partners to increase awareness of Homeland Security Information Network capabilities, such as trainings and updates, and available resources, including stakeholder engagement specialists, to fusion centers. | |||||
| 3 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the DHS Chief Information Officer conduct a cost benefit analysis to evaluate partners’ Homeland Security Information Network use versus cost to modernize and determine if modernization is the best solution for Homeland Security Information Network based on fiscal responsibility, mission objectives, and user feedback. | |||||
| 4 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Intelligence and Analysis Under Secretary, in coordination with Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness Director, create and implement a plan of action to expand outreach to other stakeholders, such as fusion centers and external partners, to promote access to DHS technologies including the Virtual Situation Rroom and the common operating picture. | |||||
