Pictured in photo: Standing (l to r): Pete Ladowicz, DHS; Stephen Hancock, DHS; Oren Gruber, DHS; and Jack Lichtenstein, ASIS. Seated (l to r): Dr. Keith Holtermann, DHS and Michael J. Stack, ASIS. Photo courtesy of ASIS International

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate and ASIS International (ASIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ASIS headquarters in Alexandria, Va., on Thursday, March 6, 2014. The agreement stipulates how DHS will work in partnership with ASIS to communicate the agency’s capability gaps, technology requirements, and outreach opportunities to its vendor and member communities in an effort to provide state of the art technological capabilities to its operating components and the nation’s first responders.

“As facilitator of the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits, one of the world’s largest exhibitions dedicated to security technologies and products, ASIS is in an advantageous position to serve as a conduit between DHS and more than 700 security industry manufacturers,” stated Richard E. Widup, Jr., CPP, ASIS president. “Our expansive exhibitor community plus our substantial membership body, make ASIS ideally-suited to support and expand the scope of DHS awareness into the private sector.”

In the coming months, DHS will work with ASIS to actively communicate its public outreach activities using a broad spectrum of forums such as speaking engagements, technology demonstrations, social media platforms, emails, and webinars. These venues will be utilized to provide detailed information on DHS priorities, operations, and opportunities for potential partnership.

Representatives of DHS will be onsite to meet face-to-face with leading security technology innovators at the ASIS International 60^th Annual Seminar and Exhibits, Sept. 29-Oct.2, in Atlanta, Ga. at the Georgia World Congress Center.