SIA, AAPA Urge DHS to Reconsider Port Allocations

Today, the Security Industry Association (SIA), along with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. In the letter, the organizations urge the secretary to reconsider grant allocations assigned to the Fiscal Year 2012 Port Security Grant Program, or to offer waivers on cost share agreements of previously awarded grants.

The letter was sent in response to the DHS grant guidance issued on February 17, 2012, wherein DHS slashed the Port Security Grant Program by 59 percent.

“Every agency has to do more with less; we understand that,” said Marcus Dunn, director of government relations at SIA. “However, what is difficult to understand is the allocation made by DHS.”

SIA, along with AAPA called on DHS to waive cost sharing requirements of previously-issued grants, which would free up dollars currently being held hostage by antiquated matching grant stipulations.

Many ports have applied for -- and have been granted -- funding for critical security components. Unfortunately, those grants have been tied to matching grants. Given the state of the economy, some ports are unable to meet the matching amount, leaving those dollars unclaimed and leaving critical security projects unfinished.

“If the matching amounts were waived, we would really be looking at a budget-neutral situation,” said Dunn. “Many of these projects are scalable and ready to be implemented now.”

In the letter, SIA and the AAPA call on the DHS to collaborate in finding a solution.

The complete letter can be found at http://www.siaonline.org/government.

Featured

  • Until We Meet Again

    A short three years ago we were all pondering whether to attend any tradeshows all thanks to COVID-19. Sorry to bring that nightmare up again, but it seems that little pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to meet again. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    For our second pillar about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Pillars of Security, we are going to discuss what cyber hygiene looks like for IoT devices. Read Now

  • ISC West Announces 2023 Keynote Series Speaker Lineup

    The International Security Conference (ISC), in collaboration with premier sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA), announced five of this year’s ISC West Keynote Series speakers. ISC West will kick off its annual conference on March 28 (SIA Education@ISC: March 28-30 | Exhibit Hall: March 29-31) at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Accelerating Security Modernization

    In recent years, the term “digital transformation” has been one of the most frequently used buzzwords across industries. On its most basic level, it refers to the reimagining of how an organization leverages its technology systems to improve business processes. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua 2-Wire IP Video Intercom System

    Dahua Technology is introducing a new line of expandable 2-wire IP video intercom solutions for the North America market. The New 2-wire IP video intercom is more advanced, cost effective, and designed to help businesses increase their security. 3