Number: RL34356
Title: The DHS Directorate of Science and Technology: Key Issues for Congress
Authors: Dana A. Shea and Daniel Morgan, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) is the primary organization for research and development (R&D) in the Department of Homeland Security. With a budget of $830.3 million in FY2008, the directorate conducts R&D in several laboratories of its own; funds R&D conducted by industry, the Department of Energy national laboratories, other government agencies, and universities; and manages operational systems. Congress has been highly critical of the directorate's performance. For example, in 2006, the House Appropriations Committee said it was "concerned about the ability of [the] S&T [Directorate] to advance the use of science and technology in battling terrorism and against other hazards related to homeland security," and the Senate Appropriations Committee called the directorate "a rudderless ship without a clear way to get back on course" and said it was "extremely disappointed with the manner in which [the] S&T [Directorate] is being managed."
Pages: 51
Date: June 9, 2008