DHS Opens First University Center of Excellence Solicitation

Late last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) calling for academic white papers that will focus on specific areas related to social science issues. This is the first step in the review process for colleges and universities that would like to be selected as a Homeland Security Center of Excellence (HS-Center). The Department anticipates selecting at least one HS-Center by end of November 2003 and up to nine more HS-Centers by end of 2004.

The university-based Homeland Security Centers of Excellence initiative was developed in response to language contained in the Homeland Security Act requesting the establishment of a coordinated, university-based system to enhance the nation's homeland security. The President's budget called for $10 million in funding for the university programs for FY 2004.

"We anticipate the Centers' will pursue research opportunities across a number of relevant areas in the physical, natural, information and chemical sciences and in engineering and the social sciences," said Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Dr. Charles McQueary. "In addition, universities will be expected to coordinate their efforts with relevant Federal Agencies and private institutions to minimize duplication of research and development, enhance communications between programs and leverage financial support."

The initial BAA solicits white papers focusing on risk-based economic modeling on the impact and consequence of terrorism. White papers must be submitted electronically and received no later than August 11, 2003.

Along with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), DHS will develop a team of expert external evaluators to review the submissions based on merit and make recommendations to a select committee of the Department. Candidates will be selected and invited to submit full and detailed proposals. Following limited site visits, DHS will make an award announcement of one center by the end of November.

Earlier this year, DHS requested the Association of American Universities and National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges help identify existing Homeland Security Research efforts on university campuses. In that effort, a joint survey resulted in a significant number of responses from the country's top research universities indicating the competition to be selected as a HS-Center may be intense.

For more information, the BAA is available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0220.xml or http://www.orau.gov/dhsuce.