Yesterday, I joined my colleagues from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to host our third Industry Day to engage the private sector on the challenges and opportunities associated with radiological and nuclear detection capabilities. This event is part of our continuous efforts to pursue improvements in the deployed, multi-layered capabilities to detect and report attempts to smuggle nuclear and other radioactive materials into the United States. The forum also provided an opportunity for industry to engage in dialogue and network with colleagues and counterparts in the business with whom they can explore mutually beneficial cooperative efforts.
Attendees from the private sector, academia, national laboratories, and government partner organizations were briefed on DNDO’s role in implementing domestic nuclear detection capabilities, and how the private sector can improve operational and technical performance of capabilities. The event featured plenary sessions facilitated by experts on topics such as long-term research and development goals, radiation sensor standards, test efforts, and market characteristics.
Participants also had the unique opportunity to hear from a panel of law enforcement operators who use nuclear detection technology. The panelists, consisting of members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, provided their insight on their diverse operational needs and use of radiation sensors.
Above all, the day served as an opportunity to enhance collaboration through dialogue and the exchange of ideas and information. Through a series of breakout sessions, we had the opportunity to discuss in-depth with participants about technical challenges and emerging developments in detection. We also heard from stakeholders on DNDO’s industry engagement process, which was established as a result of feedback from a previous Industry Day. DNDO has conducted over fifty industry engagement sessions since implementing this process in June 2013.
This week’s event demonstrates DHS’s commitment to connect with the private sector to advance national nuclear security capabilities. I encourage industry to learn more about business opportunities and DNDO’s industry engagement process at www.dhs.gov/doing-business-dndo.
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