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Transportation sector lags behind in forming DHS "sector council"
National Infrastructure Protection Plan asks industry groups to form councils to advise DHS on critical assets, risk assessments, and an agreed security approach; so far, diverse nature of transportation has been a major road block; TSA now encouraging the development of smaller subsector councils, but still hopes for an industry-wide group
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TSA finalizes Registered Traveler fees
Announced background screening fee of $28 may save this valuable program; previous suggestions of $100 might have broken the market; full steam ahead for Verified Identity Pass
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VCs and others jump into the cargo tracking market
LoJack’s recent purchase of a minority stake in SC-Integrity just one example of an industry on the rise; with $50 billion at stake each year, shipping companies get value by both preventing theft and managing their supply chains
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NY/NJ Port Authority looks to replace Haynes security
Ethical problems compounded with severe security breaches to raise doubts about company’s competence; local congressman suggests the $89 million contract to provide guards at LaGuardia and JFK not be renewed when it expires in January
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Southwest universities team up on border security
The Southwest Border Security Consortium will develop and promote scientific and policy solutions for issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico border region; Universities of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico among participants; research will focus on agricultural security, cybersecurity, surveillance, and energetic materials research, among other issues
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NIST scientists adapt voice recognition to detect birds at airports
Current technology cannot distinguish between a Canada goose and a carrier pigeon; to help airport controllers defend against avian interference — birds have caused $2 billion in damage since 1990 — NIST adapts biometrics meant for humans
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Canada to require background checks for maritime workers
Marine pilots, seafarers, and security personnel covered by new regulations; Canada to spend C$42 million on new port security endeavors, including surveillance, communications, and perimeter security
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On Track Innovations scoops up SuperCom
At a cost of $21 million, OTI acquires a number of critical anti-countefeiting and production patents; company looks to expand ePassport and national ID business; Israeli industry consolidation continues
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Sealegs unveils new emergency rescue amphibious craft
Crushing demand for the fiberglass ARC forces the company to open a larger factory; at a price of $58,850, Sealegs sees a great opportunity in the American homeland security market
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U.S. Helicopter raises $4,500,000 in financing
A New York company offering helicopter shuttle service from area airports — and quicker security screening — raises $4.5 million in funding
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ACRO develops a pen-like TATP detector
As an increasing number of companies develop portable, self-contained laboratories, ARCO jumps ahead to fight a common terrorist explosive; technology uses enzyme-catalyzed oxidation to produce colored pigments; low cost per unit a huge attraction for pen devices
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Cost of securing U.S. borders may reach $30 billion
DHS IG Richard Skinner says the project to make U.S. borders more secure may range in cost “from $8 billion to $30 billion”; Rep. Mark Souder (R-Indiana), a critic of the September Boeing SBInet contract, agrees, saying about the staimated cost of securing U.S. borders: “The bottom line is there isn’t a number”
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Coast Guard to collect biometric information from illegal migrants
The U.S. Coast Guard launches a pilot program to collect biometric information from illegal migrants seized on the high seas between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico; pilot is part of an effort to develop a biometric mobile solution for DHS
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Coast Guard to run illegal immigrants against US-VISIT database
Pilot program off Puerto Rico will take fingerprints and digital photographs of captured migrants as US-VISIT flexes its digital muscles; a good first step for DHS’s mobile biometrics plans
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The long view
New Technology is Keeping the Skies Safe
DHS S&T Baggage, Cargo, and People Screening (BCP) Program develops state-of-the-art screening solutions to help secure airspace, communities, and borders