Theresa Pardo has been invited to participate on the Steering Committee of the National Gap Analysis to help guide the efforts of the investigatory team from the Applied Science Center – Homeland Security (ASCHS) and South Carolina Research Association (SCRA). The analysis is being conducted at the request of the US Department of Homeland Security.

According to Rich Rotanz, Director of ASCHS, “This analysis will provide critical data as to what new technology and policy is being developed, as well as what is lacking across the nation.”

The Steering Committee will be responsible for consulting with the investigatory team in identifying the current State-of-the-Art in the Homeland Security market via public data search and discussions with the Department of Homeland Security. Focus will include categorizing applications with respect to the degree of technology integration, governance integration, and uniqueness to meet a perceived needs and requirements.

The Steering Committee will also assist the team in developing a nationwide gap analysis questionnaire, to be developed out of a series of site visits where the team will interview stakeholders, gather information, and collect and assemble relevant data. As well, the committee will advise on the design of four workshops in different regions across the country pertaining to current policy and technology. Draft reports compiling data and aggregating findings will be created from both the site visits and workshops. The final questionnaire will be posted on the Community of Practice site, the findings of which the Committee will help evaluate.

Also participating on the Steering Committee are representatives from New York City Police Department (NYPD Intel), New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NYS Emergency Management Office (NYS EMO), Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (NCOEM), Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, & Emergency Services (SCFRES), New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYCOEM), NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), United State Coast Guard (USCG), St. Johns University, and John Jay College.