Office for Bombing Prevention Bulletin #13

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security, Dr. David Mussington, spoke about the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the inaugural EOD Technology and Bombing Prevention Summit, in National Harbor, Md., joining more than 400 military explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians, public safety bomb technicians, international partners and leaders from government and industry in the countering improvised explosive devices field, on Dec. 3-5.

Over the course of three days, a series of forums and workshops featured prominent bombing prevention experts who shared best practices, introduced new technologies and resources and highlighted evolving tactics and risk mitigation approaches. Hosted by the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) and the EOD Technology Center (EODTC) and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the event featured leaders from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, private companies and other organizations. These experts discussed bomb threats, training, research and development, technical assistance and strategies to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“IEDs remain a persistent threat globally,” said Dr. David Mussington, CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security, who spoke at the event. “They kill, injure, and intimidate citizens, disrupt transportation and the flow of commerce, and pose a great threat to our deployed forces. This summit underscored our commitment to fostering a coordinated national approach that will better position the U.S. to address these significant and ongoing threats.”

CISA’s Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) is dedicated to enhancing public and private capabilities to deter, prevent and respond to bombing incidents and led a variety of sessions at the summit. These included training workshops, demonstrations of counter-IED information systems and presentations offering valuable insights into the evolving bomb threat landscape and mitigation strategies.

For more information about the summit and the role of the EODTC, USBTA and CISA OBP, click here.

CISA OBP conducted a TTE at the Satsop Nuclear Facility in Elma, Wash., on August 12-16. This free event, aimed to evaluate and assess current and emerging bomb disposal technologies, allowed participants the opportunity to test the latest counter-improvised explosive devices (C-IED) technological advancements from various members of the C-IED industry. Through multiple real-life scenarios and various training aids, attending technicians gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment intended to address the current threats facing the nation and critical infrastructure, particularly nuclear facilities.

In early April, CISA OBP participated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Brenntag Chemical and local first responders in a full-scale exercise in Orlando, Fla., to raise awareness of the dangers of IEDs.

TSA and Brenntag co-led the exercise, with support from CISA OBP, the Chemical Sector Coordination Council, local chemical security inspectors and other federal agencies. CISA OBP provided subject matter expertise on the exercise's design and feasibility, supported IED design and offered insights during its conduct. The exercise was hosted at the Brenntag facility in Orlando. It enhanced the IED awareness among Brenntag’s employees, assessed lines of communication, and tested the response capabilities of the responding department’s Hazardous Device Team and their equipment.

“There was a great turnout from local first responders at the event,” said Darrin Flick, Chief of CISA OBP’s Technical Assistance Branch, who led the effort. “The Orange County Fire and Sheriff’s Office also played a crucial support role by sending their bomb squad and special operations teams to support the exercise and help make it a success.”

The April exercise builds on an engagement between CISA OBP and Brenntag last year. In November 2023, CISA OBP, along with personnel from CISA’s Integrated Operations Division Region 4, participated in their first site visit to Brenntag Chemical in Orlando. This visit aimed to familiarize the team with safety, security, and emergency response processes related to the transportation and storage of chemicals. The insights gained during this visit significantly contributed to CISA OBP’s preparation for the full-scale exercise in April.

CISA OBP aims to strengthen its collaboration with Brenntag, a global leader in chemical distribution, by jointly conducting future exercises with Technical Assistance Program (TAP) partners in jurisdictions interested in hosting specialized C-IED events.

To learn more about the TAP partnership and collaboration, visit the TAP Fact Sheet on the CISA website.

In April, CISA OBP leadership joined the United States Air Force (USAF) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to discuss bomb threat concerns.

USAF personnel were in the NCR as part of an EOD Senior Leader Symposium for EOD-qualified officers. The symposium provided EOD senior leadership guidance concerning the National Defense Strategy and implementation of the EOD Strategic Concept.

Curt Tilley, Training Branch Chief for CISA OBP, briefed 17 senior USAF officers on the current domestic IED threats facing our nation, resources available to combat the C-IED threats and how CISA OBP’s mission aligns with the National Defense Strategy. Sean Haglund, Associate Director of CISA OBP, then joined Mr. Tilley and CISA OBP Deputy Associate Director Dave Williamson in a question-and-answer session.

“The EOD Senior Leadership Meeting was critical in that it raised awareness among Air Force Senior EOD leaders about the true nature of the C-IED threat,” said Mr. Haglund. “It also enhanced our partnership and informed our current EOD warfighters about the valuable CISA and OBP resources and services available to them.”

In honor of National Police Week, CISA OBP paid tribute to the nation’s LEOs and the agency personnel who play a vital role in our mission to combat C-IED attacks. Since 1962, May has been designated as a time to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the brave men and women currently serving.

Several LEO-focused publications interviewed CISA OBP staff to discuss our collaborative efforts. Many of our team members also participated in memorial services and vigils honoring fallen LEOs.

We invite you to listen to these interviews, where they highlight the partnership and shared commitment between CISA OBP and the law enforcement community.

• Utility Security Podcast
• Policing Matters Podcast
• Federal News Network
• Homeland Security Today
• The Blue Magazine

Officials from CISA OBP visited Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., to brief explosive blast modeling and discuss a study on human behavior following bombing incidents. Their visit validated the importance of preemptive measures in mitigating potential threats at high-profile public gatherings like the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

CISA OBP equipped critical infrastructure security personnel with the knowledge and tools to prepare for this National Special Security Event. The visit focused in part on explosive blast modeling, a technique used to simulate the potential impact of an explosion. CISA OBP’s experts assessed various explosive scenarios and evaluated the venue’s structural vulnerabilities. This analysis enables authorities to strengthen infrastructure resilience and develop tailored countermeasures and security protocols. The team also explored the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) study on human behavior following simulated bomb explosions, highlighting how individuals react and respond in crises. By replicating realistic scenarios, researchers can identify behavior patterns, assess evacuation procedures and refine emergency communications strategies.

On May 27, CISA OBP partnered with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and DHS’ S&T Directorate to demonstrate the DETER vehicle barrier at the 108th running of the Indy 500.

The DETER is a quickly deployable barrier designed to protect critical assets and soft targets from vehicular attacks. It’s adaptable to various lane widths, road surfaces and environmental conditions. At the Indy 500, the barrier was deployed multiple times and used as a temporary road closure, enhancing the safety of more than 300,000 fans in attendance over the Memorial Day weekend.

“CISA is excited we were able to help deploy the DETER barrier at the Indy 500. Our partnership with ERDC, DHS S&T and our colleagues in CISA Region 5 continue to set the standard for collaboration, innovation and collective security,” said Darrin Flick, Technical Assistance Branch Chief.

To read more about DETER and our partnership with DHS S&T and ERDC, click the links below:

• S&T Deploys DETER at the Indy 500
• Racing towards a safer nation at the Indianapolis 500

OBP recently delivered an Operation Flashpoint/BMAP overview during the National Association of State Fire Marshals  forum in Kansas City, Mo. BMAP is a voluntary explosive precursor control and risk management bombing prevention program. The program emphasizes restricting malicious actors’ access to explosive precursor chemicals, powders and other exploding target materials and components.

Participants included representatives from state fire marshals’ offices across the U.S. and International Fire Marshals Association executives. This partnership between OBP and NASM helps spotlight the BMAP program through outreach efforts and promotes the benefits to a greater audience, nationally and internationally. Through the partnership, NASM has hosted webinars and posted publications highlighting BMAP awareness. 

For more information about BMAP or Operation Flashpoint, email bmap@cisa.dhs.gov or download a printer-friendly BMAP fact sheet.

CISA OBP presented Diogenes “Dio” Ayala, Director of the Madison County, Iowa, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHS), with the Infrastructure Security Division’s Outstanding Partnership Award during an event in Anniston, Ala. CISA OBP’s Training Branch Chief Curt Tilley recognized Ayala for his achievement as the top 2023 trainer in the OBP Empowered Trainer Program for delivering more than 40 courses to over 600 first responders in Iowa.

“Individuals and groups attending these bombing prevention courses included those from churches and schools,” noted Mr. Ayala. “It’s good to work in an area where so many people are interested in increasing their knowledge about [bombing prevention].”

The American National Standards Institute and International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training accredits the training and authorizes OBP to issue continuing education credits for the training these trainers deliver. CISA OBP equips local jurisdictions and organizations with the tools and guidance needed to deliver accredited C-IED and risk mitigation training.

“Empowered trainers like Mr. Ayala are shining examples of why we need to continue this important OBP program,” said Mr. Tilley. “His intense sense of pride and professionalism in his role as an emergency manager has certainly set a new bar for OBP’s Empowered Trainer Program. We are proud of our relationship with the Madison County EMHS and look forward to supporting Dio in his future activities as an OBP-authorized trainer.”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the kickoff of Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (CISR) Month. The safety and security of the nation depends on the ability of critical infrastructure owners and operators to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. That’s why this November we are continuing with our enduring theme of Resolve to be Resilient.

“We must build resilience into our preparedness planning year-around,” said Dr. David Mussington, CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security. “It's a whole of community responsibility to prepare and secure the nation’s critical infrastructure and protect the vital services it provides, so when something does happen, we are better able to respond to and recover from any impacts.”

Throughout November, we’ll highlight how critical infrastructure organizations can integrate the following practices to help make our critical infrastructure secure, resilient, and able to bounce back quickly and build back stronger when disruptions occur.

Read CISA's full press release and explore more on CISR Month.