Working to Protect Our Nation
Public-Private Partnerships Are Essential
by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)
Protecting our critical infrastructure is vitally important to the nation's security. The private sector is an essential partner in protecting our nation from the threat of terrorism and natural disasters–and helping it restore necessary services in the aftermath of such events.
It is widely believed that more than 85% of the nation's critical infrastructure is owned and controlled by private sector entities. Public-private partnerships are essential in ensuring that effective mechanisms are in place to safeguard and maintain these assets in the event of catastrophic circumstances.
In its attempt to implement critical infrastructure protection plans, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has failed to embrace the significance of partnerships between large and small businesses and small businesses working together. Unfortunately, DHS, with its penchant for mega-procurements, has not created a marketplace with opportunities for small, minority, and disadvantaged business concerns. DHS should formally review and consider funding promising technologies created by these businesses, with funding priority going to cutting-edge technologies that address immediate and long-term homeland security challenges.
In addition to creating a marketplace, DHS must develop effective measures to enable small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses to access contracting opportunities. In the absence of an accessible and user-friendly tool that can provide small businesses with timely information about existing contracting opportunities with DHS, I am developing a monthly newsletter for these businesses that will highlight such opportunities. And while information is power, in this instance, information alone is not enough.
We cannot afford to fail in adequately protecting our country. Vulnerabilities exposed by foreign and homegrown terrorist attacks mandate an all-hands-on deck approach–a clear need for all Americans to work together to address our weaknesses. After all, together we stand.
