Homeland Security Business Conference & Expo
Senator Jack Reed
Congressman Patrick Kennedy
June 7, 2004
Newport, RI

Throughout the past three years, the federal government has drastically increased its capacity to defend and protect the United States from terrorist attacks. Government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health have actively sought the support of the business community in providing new and innovative strategies and products for national security. This has led to the development and expansion of partnerships among small and large businesses and federal, state, and local governments.

Hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and interested citizens attended the 2004 Rhode Island Homeland Security Business Conference and Expo in Newport, Rhode Island. Once again chaired by Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island, the conference built upon last year’s success by providing a forum for business leaders and state and federal government representatives to discuss emerging issues in homeland security and identify areas in which the business community can participate in providing solutions. The conference participants were able to interact in workshop sessions led by business leaders and government officials. Forty businesses also displayed their products and services first-hand in the exhibition hall.

Throughout the day a wide variety of issues were discussed, primarily focused on marine and border security, the emergency response system, and strategies for dealing with bioterror threats. Both government officials and business leaders exchanged information regarding emerging technology in these areas, as well as ideas for potential products that if developed, could potentially provide large benefits to the nation. From a broader perspective, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, including Chief Information Officer Steven Cooper and Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Kevin Boshears, discussed important opportunities in DHS for all industries. They identified key contacts and valuable resources for businesses interested in contracting with the government. Along with these resources, organizations such as the Rhode Island Export Assistance Center and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center offered their consulting services to help businesses identify and pursue contracting opportunities. Small businesses owners spoke as well, providing useful advice from their experience in working with the public sector. The conference helped expose business leaders to the many organizations, both public and private, available to aid businesses in seeking out and securing government contracts.

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Overview

Agenda

Attendees

Exhibitors

Initiative Info 

Speaker Resources

2003 Conference Info

Other Events

Final Report