Science Advice and Guidance for Emergencies (SAGE) is a scientific information resource and response program within the Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) designed to aid the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in mitigating, responding to, and recovering from national and regional incidents such as hurricanes, chemical spills, terrorist activity, or pandemic diseases. Comprised of members from the Security, Preparedness, and Continuity Office, SAGE accomplishes these tasks by providing scientific and technical data, context, and recommendations when called upon by stakeholders. The information provided comes from a robust network of subject matter experts (SMEs) from government, academia, and industry. Our experts have volunteered to provide this advice freely.
Why SAGE?
SAGE provides the following methodology for quickly and effectively conveying science and technology recommendations during a crisis:
- Establishes a domestic focal point for the capacity to provide intersecting field advice.
- Develops a transnational framework for communicating and exchanging ideas and advice.
- Promotes mutual understanding and strengthens trust from providers to users.
- Prepares stakeholders to adequately provide effective and timely advice.
- Forms a scientific means for strategic communication to the public interest.
"In a connected and multifaceted world, the ability of government to respond to complex emergencies requires expertise that may exceed that of the federal workforce. SAGE provides a mechanism to tap into all sectors of the United States by recruiting a group of experts before a crisis occurs. These experts help inform decision makers on timely critical matters requiring solutions that cross disciplinary boundaries. I am proud to be part of the SAGE enterprise to better prepare the Department and Nation as we prepare the future." —Dr Sam Howerton, S&T Chief Scientist
DHS is currently searching for SMEs to participate in the SAGE program. It is completely voluntary, and you can terminate your involvement at any time. Also, if you know anyone within your field (or other fields) that would like to participate, please advise. DHS is attempting to gather as many SMEs as possible. We can take SMEs from government, academia, and private practice.
How It works
We will only contact you if a national emergency arises in your area of expertise. If a national emergency occurs, we reach out to you via Microsoft Teams, where you provide advice to the DHS Chief Scientist. This should take no more than one hour. The Chief Scientist will then brief the Secretary of Homeland Security. No travel or in-person attendance is required.
To participate in SAGE, you must complete and sign a Gratuitous Service Agreement. Send an email to st-sage@hq.dhs.gov to request the form.
2015
- SAGE concept introduced to the Science and Technology Directorate.
2016
- Participated in bi-lateral table-top exercise with government partners in the United Kingdom (U.K.) to test and demonstrate the capabilities of SAGE in the event of a potential improvised nuclear device detonation.
- Completed a Zika Virus scientific report on the emerging infectious disease spreading rapidly in Central and South America.
2019
- Participated in tri-lateral table-top exercise with government partners in the U.K. and Canada focusing on a zoonotic biological outbreak.
- Provided scientific and technical advice in the areas of public health and epidemiology during an actual threat situation, COVID-19. Information provided by SAGE was used by S&T’s Probabilistic Analysis of National Threats, Hazards, and Risk (PANTHR) team in the development of the COVID-19 Master Question List that the S&T's Office of National Labs produced on a weekly basis to quickly present the current state of available information to government decision makers in the operational response to COVID-19.
- Provided information on the threat and hazards of an ammonium nitrate explosion in response to a request from the Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security on the history and uses of ammonium nitrate.
2021
- Provided planning considerations for mass arrival of 120,000 Afghan refugees during Operation Allies Welcome. Considerations included security (for both Americans and Afghan Citizens), background checks, medical services, the Americans with Disabilities Act, logistical services, food/clothing/shelter, personal protective equipment, and mental health, among other concerns.
2023
- Participated in bi-lateral table-top exercise with government partners from Canada.
2024
- Participated in the Disaster Recovery Institute Conference.