Improving the current DHS capabilities framework

Abstract

After the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack, the President signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD 8). The intent of the directive was to establish a mechanism improving our ability to protect against, prevent, respond to and recover from any occurrence. Interim guidance established complimentary initiatives toward a national system for developing capabilities: National Preparedness Goal, Universal Tasks and Target Capabilities. The effectiveness of the guidance, however, is hampered by several incongruities and conflicting efforts with other similar federal initiatives. There is not one consistent approach either in content or application for identifying or developing jurisdictional capabilities. The current capability initiative was developed over a short timeframe with a focus on the intent of Presidential Directives, Congressional concerns and mandated deadlines. The development of the current initiative was done through consultation and not collaboration with all the involved stakeholders. The research and development of this thesis to "Improve the Current DHS Capabilities Framework" relied on stakeholder input, years of emergency management experience, and a period of 18 months to study all the elements. The intent of this thesis is to enhance current efforts by proposing a framework that is reflective of the homeland security and emergency management community or jurisdictional needs.