Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff announced last week the results of a comprehensive 90-day review of DHS operations. The department kept the review's contents and recommendations secret, fueling speculation about Chertoff's thoughts on improving the performance of the newest, struggling federal department.

Chertoff briefed Congress on his proposed changes, which are based on six new goals.

Goal 1:

Increase preparedness, especially for catastrophic events.

PROPOSAL: Chertoff recommends that DHS build a computer-based analytic matrix that will let department officials make decisions based on threats, vulnerabilities and consequences. Chertoff reiterated his backing for the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (Safety) Act of 2002, which encourages companies to develop cutting-edge technologies by shielding them from prosecution if their products fail during a terrorist attack. In addition to other preparedness-related activities, Chertoff wants to create a new directorate that will consolidate preparedness-related functions.

PURPOSE: Since he became secretary in March, Chertoff has stressed that DHS must allocate its resources according to risk because the department cannot protect everything equally. DHS currently divides preparedness functions among many agencies. Only 16 companies have acquired Safety Act protections since 2002, and many do not bid on contracts because they fear liability issues. If DHS meets Goal 1, the department would consolidate preparedness functions to maximize the distribution of its resources. It would also be better prepared to tap industry's potential.

PUBLIC OPINION: The American Red Cross and other first responder agencies want to know how the preparedness directorate would operate, particularly because the Federal Emergency Management Agency would report to Chertoff, said Steve Cooper, DHS' former chief information officer and now the Red Cross' CIO. Industry officials support the Safety Act in principle but criticize the program's management. They say the application process is unfriendly and unwieldy for many companies.

Goal 2:

Strengthen border security and interior enforcement, and reform immigration processes.

PROPOSAL: DHS is crafting a new border control strategy that would add more staff and new technology and increase spending on infrastructure, Chertoff said.