CONTRACTING CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS BORDER-SECURITY TECHNOLOGY NEEDS

Published: June 7, 2010

By CHAD HALCOM
Of Crains’ Detroit Business

An upcoming conference is meant to match homeland security customers with specialists in border security.

Founder and CEO Leslie Touma of the nonprofit Michigan Security Network is working to secure a list of what customers need in advance of the organization's Northern Border Security Conference July 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn.

Touma is developing a compilation of technology gaps for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is sending several speakers to the event. Technology gaps are security needs the department has identified and wants to address with new technology products.

Touma said “because of the great deal of engineering talent, entrepreneurship and services available here, the region excels as a location to equip federal responders (to security threats).”

Speakers include Mark Borkowski, executive director of the Secure Border Initiative at Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection; CBP Director of Operational Integration Woody Lee; and Michael McDaniel, deputy assistant secretary for homeland defense strategy, prevention and mission assurance.

The conference, which costs $246 to attend, will have a capacity is about 550 people. For more information or to register, see www.michigansecuritynetwork.com/conferences.