The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has convened U.S. government (USG) research organizations to showcase research and development accomplishments through their four-part series, Whole-of-Government Virtual R&D Showcase. The theme, “Unifying Research to Work for You,” addresses how DHS S&T and its partners are moving research from the lab into the world.
The Whole-of-Government Virtual R&D Showcase demonstrates how USG researchers are addressing challenges facing our critical infrastructure and lifeline services. Topics cover cross-sector collaborations in the following areas: COVID-19 threat characterization and assessment, disaster resilience, evolving threats, safeguarding public transit, virus detection, drone operations, aviation security, and the convergence of advanced technologies.
The four series in the Showcase are:
Each series features several expert panel discussion videos, an e-book, and additional resources related to the series topic. Series 1 and 2 are now available. Series 3 and 4 will become available on July 26 and August 9, respectively, when exclusive content is unlocked on those dates.
This event is free and there is no registration required. All content for each series will be available on the site until November 2021.
To learn more, see the Whole-of-Government Virtual R&D Showcase informational flyer and website. You can also follow DHS S&T on Twitter at @DHSSciTech for news and announcements.
(Source: DHS S&T)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a webinar series this summer, beginning late July through October, to provide information and guidance on two competitive Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs:
BRIC is a new program that replaces FEMA’s existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. Through BRIC, FEMA continues to invest in a variety of mitigation activities with an added focus on infrastructure projects and Community Lifelines. The program encourages the adoption and enforcement of modern building codes.
The FMA program funds projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. The FMA grant program strengthens national preparedness and resilience and supports the mitigation mission area through FEMA’s strategic goal of building a culture of preparedness.
The target audience for this webinar series are leaders in state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) agencies, as well as private sector and non-profit organizations.
The webinars in the series cover technical information, best practices, tools and resources regarding these grant programs. FEMA subject-matter experts are available during some sessions to answer questions from applicants.
To attend any of these webinars, visit FEMA’s website for a schedule and links to register. All sessions will be recorded and posted to FEMA’s YouTube channel.
(Source: FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has released its 2022 schedule for the Virtual Tabletop Exercise (VTTX) Program. VTTX offerings this year focus on three of the eight Principals’ Strategic Priorities of FEMA’s National Exercise Program: 1) Cybersecurity; 2) National Security Emergencies and Catastrophic Incidents; and 3) Operational Coordination and Communication.
Each VTTX is four hours in length and will allow participants to apply the Strategic Priorities to a realistic scenario in a facilitated, no fault, hazard-specific exercise discussion. Scenarios this year include:
- Natural disasters, including flooding, winter weather, earthquakes, hurricanes and more.
- Man-made threats such as active shooters and vehicles as a weapon.
- Planned large gatherings such as sporting events.
- Cybersecurity.
Several VTTX offerings this year will focus on cybersecurity. Cybersecurity VTTXs’ are facilitated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). They are based on a current cybersecurity issue and are available in basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Each VTTX is designed to leverage the “whole community” concept, with 10 to 15 representatives from participants’ local Emergency Management Community of Practice (CoP). For this reason, organizations are encouraged to apply for VTTX training in groups of five or more.
The VTTX Program has made a few changes to its delivery format accommodate the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. VTTX’s are now offered in a completely virtual format using Adobe Connect. Each student will be provided with Adobe Connect information and can participate remotely.
You can learn more about EMI’s VTTX Program by visiting EMI’s VTTX Program overview. To learn more about EMI’s 2022 VTTX offerings and see the full schedule, see EMI’s 2022 VTTX Program Bulletin.
If you are interested in conducting a VTTX for your organization, please contact EMI’s Integrated Emergency Management Branch at fema-emi-iemb@fema.dhs.gov or call 301-447-1381. Please email at least two weeks in advance of the training event.
For all current training offerings, visit EMI’s Training Opportunities and Bulletins page.
(Source: EMI)
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